Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Basic Act
中小企業基本法
The whole law on one page. Read it chapter by chapter
Chapter I General Provisions
第一章 総則
第一条（目的）
The purpose of this Act is to comprehensively promote policies concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, and thereby to achieve the sound development of the national economy and the improvement of the lives of the people, by establishing the basic principles, basic policies and other fundamental matters concerning policies for small and medium-sized enterprises, and by clarifying the responsibilities, etc. of the national government and local governments
この法律は、中小企業に関する施策について、その基本理念、基本方針その他の基本となる事項を定めるとともに、国及び地方公共団体の責務等を明らかにすることにより、中小企業に関する施策を総合的に推進し、もつて国民経済の健全な発展及び国民生活の向上を図ることを目的とする。
Article 2Scope of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Definitions of Terms
第二条（中小企業者の範囲及び用語の定義）
The small and medium-sized enterprises that are to be the subjects of the national government's policies implemented under this Act are, generally, those listed in the following items, and their scope is to be specified for each policy so that these policies are implemented efficiently to realize the basic principles of the following Article.
この法律に基づいて講ずる国の施策の対象とする中小企業者は、おおむね次の各号に掲げるものとし、その範囲は、これらの施策が次条の基本理念の実現を図るため効率的に実施されるように施策ごとに定めるものとする。
a company whose stated capital or total amount of contributions is 300 million yen or less, or a company or individual whose number of regularly employed employees is 300 or less, in either case one that mainly carries on a business belonging to the manufacturing industry, construction industry, transportation industry or another industry (excluding the industries listed in the following item through item (iv));
資本金の額又は出資の総額が三億円以下の会社並びに常時使用する従業員の数が三百人以下の会社及び個人であつて、製造業、建設業、運輸業その他の業種（次号から第四号までに掲げる業種を除く。）に属する事業を主たる事業として営むもの
a company whose stated capital or total amount of contributions is 100 million yen or less, or a company or individual whose number of regularly employed employees is 100 or less, in either case one that mainly carries on a business belonging to the wholesale industry;
資本金の額又は出資の総額が一億円以下の会社並びに常時使用する従業員の数が百人以下の会社及び個人であつて、卸売業に属する事業を主たる事業として営むもの
a company whose stated capital or total amount of contributions is 50 million yen or less, or a company or individual whose number of regularly employed employees is 100 or less, in either case one that mainly carries on a business belonging to the service industry;
資本金の額又は出資の総額が五千万円以下の会社並びに常時使用する従業員の数が百人以下の会社及び個人であつて、サービス業に属する事業を主たる事業として営むもの
a company whose stated capital or total amount of contributions is 50 million yen or less, or a company or individual whose number of regularly employed employees is 50 or less, in either case one that mainly carries on a business belonging to the retail industry.
資本金の額又は出資の総額が五千万円以下の会社並びに常時使用する従業員の数が五十人以下の会社及び個人であつて、小売業に属する事業を主たる事業として営むもの
In this Act, "business innovation" means to seek a considerable improvement in the management of an enterprise by carrying out new business activities, such as the development or production of new products, the development or provision of new services, the introduction of a new method of producing or selling products, the introduction of a new method of providing services, or the introduction of a new management method.
この法律において「経営の革新」とは、新商品の開発又は生産、新役務の開発又は提供、商品の新たな生産又は販売の方式の導入、役務の新たな提供の方式の導入、新たな経営管理方法の導入その他の新たな事業活動を行うことにより、その経営の相当程度の向上を図ることをいう。
In this Act, "creative business activities" means business activities that are the object of business innovation or the founding of a business and that make use of technology having remarkable novelty or a remarkably creative management method.
この法律において「創造的な事業活動」とは、経営の革新又は創業の対象となる事業活動のうち、著しい新規性を有する技術又は著しく創造的な経営管理方法を活用したものをいう。
In this Act, "management resources" means equipment, technology, the knowledge and skills held by individuals, and other resources used in business activities.
この法律において「経営資源」とは、設備、技術、個人の有する知識及び技能その他の事業活動に活用される資源をいう。
In this Act, "small-scale enterprise" means a business operator whose number of regularly employed employees is, generally, 20 or less (5 or less for a person who mainly carries on a business belonging to the commerce or service industry).
この法律において「小規模企業者」とは、おおむね常時使用する従業員の数が二十人（商業又はサービス業に属する事業を主たる事業として営む者については、五人）以下の事業者をいう。
第三条（基本理念）
In light of the fact that small and medium-sized enterprises form the foundation of the economy of Japan by carrying out distinctive business activities in diverse fields of business, providing diverse employment opportunities, and providing individuals with opportunities to carry on business while exercising their abilities, and that, in particular, through the many small and medium-sized enterprises carrying out business activities to improve their management by making use of creativity and ingenuity, they have an important mission to fulfill in maintaining and strengthening the vitality of the Japanese economy by creating new industries, increasing employment opportunities, promoting competition in the market, and promoting the revitalization of regional economies, their diverse and vigorous growth and development must be achieved, based on the principle that the voluntary efforts of independent small and medium-sized enterprises are to be fostered, by promoting their business innovation and founding, strengthening their management base, and facilitating their adaptation to changes in the economic and social environment.
中小企業については、多様な事業の分野において特色ある事業活動を行い、多様な就業の機会を提供し、個人がその能力を発揮しつつ事業を行う機会を提供することにより我が国の経済の基盤を形成しているものであり、特に、多数の中小企業者が創意工夫を生かして経営の向上を図るための事業活動を行うことを通じて、新たな産業を創出し、就業の機会を増大させ、市場における競争を促進し、地域における経済の活性化を促進する等我が国経済の活力の維持及び強化に果たすべき重要な使命を有するものであることにかんがみ、独立した中小企業者の自主的な努力が助長されることを旨とし、その経営の革新及び創業が促進され、その経営基盤が強化され、並びに経済的社会的環境の変化への適応が円滑化されることにより、その多様で活力ある成長発展が図られなければならない。
In light of the fact that, in the diverse and vigorous growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises, small-scale enterprises have the important significance of contributing to the stability of regional economies and to the improvement of the lives of local residents and the promotion of exchange among them, by carrying out business activities that make use of regional characteristics and providing employment opportunities, and of contributing to the future development of the economy and society of Japan, by carrying out creative business activities and creating new industries, the vitality of small-scale enterprises must be exerted to the fullest extent by developing a business environment conducive to these business activities, based on the principle that the voluntary efforts of independent small-scale enterprises are to be fostered.
The national government has the responsibility to comprehensively formulate and implement policies concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, in accordance with the basic principles of the preceding Article (hereinafter simply referred to as the "basic principles").
国は、前条の基本理念（以下単に「基本理念」という。）にのつとり、中小企業に関する施策を総合的に策定し、及び実施する責務を有する。
第五条（基本方針）
The government is to implement policies concerning small and medium-sized enterprises based on the following basic policies.
政府は、次に掲げる基本方針に基づき、中小企業に関する施策を講ずるものとする。
to promote business innovation and the founding of businesses by small and medium-sized enterprises, and to promote creative business activities;
to strengthen the management base of small and medium-sized enterprises by facilitating the securing of management resources of small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring the fairness of transactions concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, and the like;
中小企業の経営資源の確保の円滑化を図ること、中小企業に関する取引の適正化を図ること等により、中小企業の経営基盤の強化を図ること。
to respond promptly to changes in the economic and social environment and to facilitate adaptation to those changes by stabilizing the management of small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating the conversion of their businesses, and the like;
経済的社会的環境の変化に即応し、中小企業の経営の安定を図ること、事業の転換の円滑化を図ること等により、その変化への適応の円滑化を図ること。
to facilitate the supply of funds to small and medium-sized enterprises and to enhance the equity capital of small and medium-sized enterprises.
中小企業に対する資金の供給の円滑化及び中小企業の自己資本の充実を図ること。
Article 6Responsibilities of Local Governments
第六条（地方公共団体の責務）
Local governments have the responsibility to formulate and implement, in accordance with the basic principles and with regard to small and medium-sized enterprises, policies that suit the natural, economic and social conditions of their areas, taking into account an appropriate division of roles with the national government.
地方公共団体は、基本理念にのつとり、中小企業に関し、国との適切な役割分担を踏まえて、その地方公共団体の区域の自然的経済的社会的諸条件に応じた施策を策定し、及び実施する責務を有する。
A small and medium-sized enterprise must endeavor to voluntarily improve its management and transaction terms, in order to achieve the growth and development of its business by responding promptly to changes in the economic and social environment.
中小企業者は、経済的社会的環境の変化に即応してその事業の成長発展を図るため、自主的にその経営及び取引条件の向上を図るよう努めなければならない。
Organizations concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, such as organizations for the joint operation of businesses of small and medium-sized enterprises, are to endeavor to proactively work, together with small and medium-sized enterprises, toward the realization of the basic principles when carrying out their business activities.
中小企業者の事業の共同化のための組織その他の中小企業に関する団体は、その事業活動を行うに当たつては、中小企業者とともに、基本理念の実現に主体的に取り組むよう努めるものとする。
A person other than a small and medium-sized enterprise that has a relationship with small and medium-sized enterprises in connection with its business must cooperate in the implementation of policies concerning small and medium-sized enterprises carried out by the national government and local governments.
中小企業者以外の者であつて、その事業に関し中小企業と関係があるものは、国及び地方公共団体が行う中小企業に関する施策の実施について協力するようにしなければならない。
第八条（小規模企業に対する中小企業施策の方針）
The State is to take measures concerning small and medium-sized enterprises for small-scale enterprises in accordance with the following policies:
国は、次に掲げる方針に従い、小規模企業者に対して中小企業に関する施策を講ずるものとする。
Taking into account the important significance of small-scale enterprises in contributing to the stability of the economy in regions and to the improvement of the lives and the promotion of exchange of local residents, to enable the sustainable business activities of small-scale enterprises in regions through securing appropriate and sufficient management resources, and to seek to revitalize business activities that respond to diverse demand in regions by promoting cooperation with diverse actors in regions;
小規模企業が地域における経済の安定並びに地域住民の生活の向上及び交流の促進に寄与するという重要な意義を有することを踏まえ、適切かつ十分な経営資源の確保を通じて地域における小規模企業の持続的な事業活動を可能とするとともに、地域の多様な主体との連携の推進によつて地域における多様な需要に応じた事業活動の活性化を図ること。
Taking into account the important significance of small-scale enterprises in contributing to the future development of the economy and society of Japan, to develop the necessary environment so that, in pursuing their growth and development, small-scale enterprises can receive, according to their circumstances, appropriate support for achieving steady growth and development;
小規模企業が将来における我が国の経済及び社会の発展に寄与するという重要な意義を有することを踏まえ、小規模企業がその成長発展を図るに当たり、その状況に応じ、着実な成長発展を実現するための適切な支援を受けられるよう必要な環境の整備を図ること。
Taking into account the circumstances of small-scale enterprises, which often find it particularly difficult to secure management resources, to strive for the development and improvement of the management of small-scale enterprises, and to give the necessary consideration, according to the state of management of small-scale enterprises, to finance, taxation, provision of information and other matters.
Article 9Legislative Measures, etc.
第九条（法制上の措置等）
The Government must take the legislative, fiscal and financial measures necessary to implement measures concerning small and medium-sized enterprises.
政府は、中小企業に関する施策を実施するため必要な法制上、財政上及び金融上の措置を講じなければならない。
第十条（調査）
The Government, after hearing the opinion of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Policy Council, must periodically conduct the investigation necessary to clarify the actual state of small and medium-sized enterprises and publish the results.
政府は、中小企業政策審議会の意見を聴いて、定期的に、中小企業の実態を明らかにするため必要な調査を行い、その結果を公表しなければならない。
第十一条（年次報告等）
The Government must submit to the Diet each year a report on the trends of small and medium-sized enterprises and on the measures that the Government has taken concerning small and medium-sized enterprises.
政府は、毎年、国会に、中小企業の動向及び政府が中小企業に関して講じた施策に関する報告を提出しなければならない。
Each year, the Government, after hearing the opinion of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Policy Council, must prepare a document clarifying the measures it intends to take in consideration of the trends of small and medium-sized enterprises relating to the report under the preceding paragraph, and submit it to the Diet.
政府は、毎年、中小企業政策審議会の意見を聴いて、前項の報告に係る中小企業の動向を考慮して講じようとする施策を明らかにした文書を作成し、これを国会に提出しなければならない。
Chapter II Basic Measures
第二章 基本的施策
Section 1 Promotion of Business Innovation and Start-ups of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
第一節 中小企業の経営の革新及び創業の促進
Article 12Promotion of Business Innovation
第十二条（経営の革新の促進）
In order to promote business innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including the promotion of research and development of technology for developing new products or new services, the promotion of the introduction of facilities for significantly improving the efficiency of the production or sale of products, and the promotion of the introduction of new management methods that manage the development, production, transport and sale of products in a unified manner.
国は、中小企業者の経営の革新を促進するため、新商品又は新役務を開発するための技術に関する研究開発の促進、商品の生産又は販売を著しく効率化するための設備の導入の促進、商品の開発、生産、輸送及び販売を統一的に管理する新たな経営管理方法の導入の促進その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 13Promotion of Start-ups
第十三条（創業の促進）
In order to promote the start-up of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially start-ups of small and medium-sized enterprises by women and young people, the State is to take the necessary measures, including the provision of information on start-ups and enhancement of training and the smooth supply of funds necessary for start-ups, and to strive to increase the interest and understanding of the public in the significance and necessity of start-ups.
国は、中小企業の創業、特に女性や青年による中小企業の創業を促進するため、創業に関する情報の提供及び研修の充実、創業に必要な資金の円滑な供給その他の必要な施策を講ずるとともに、創業の意義及び必要性に対する国民の関心及び理解の増進に努めるものとする。
Article 14Promotion of Creative Business Activities
第十四条（創造的な事業活動の促進）
In order to promote creative business activities of small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including the promotion of research and development of technology having significant novelty relating to the production or sale of products or the provision of services, and the development of a system to facilitate the securing of human resources necessary for creative business activities and the procurement of funds by means such as stocks or corporate bonds.
国は、中小企業の創造的な事業活動を促進するため、商品の生産若しくは販売又は役務の提供に係る著しい新規性を有する技術に関する研究開発の促進、創造的な事業活動に必要な人材の確保及び資金の株式又は社債その他の手段による調達を円滑にするための制度の整備その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Section 2 Strengthening of the Management Base of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
第二節 中小企業の経営基盤の強化
Article 15Securing Management Resources
第十五条（経営資源の確保）
In order to contribute to the securing of the management resources necessary for strengthening the management base of small and medium-sized enterprises, such as the improvement of management methods and the advancement of technology, the State is to take the following measures and other necessary measures:
国は、経営方法の改善、技術の向上その他の中小企業の経営基盤の強化に必要な経営資源の確保に資するため、次に掲げる施策その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
to promote the installation or improvement of facilities or equipment to be used in the business of small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to promote the introduction of facilities or equipment by small and medium-sized enterprises;
中小企業の施設又は設備の導入を図るため、中小企業者の事業の用に供する施設又は設備の設置又は整備を促進すること。
in order to advance the technology of small and medium-sized enterprises, to promote research and development of technology carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises, to actively have small and medium-sized enterprises participate in research and development of technology carried out by the State, to promote cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises and the testing and research institutions of the State, incorporated administrative agencies, local governments or local incorporated administrative agencies, and universities, and to enhance engineer training and skilled worker training programs;
中小企業の技術の向上を図るため、中小企業者が行う技術に関する研究開発を促進し、国が行う技術に関する研究開発に中小企業者を積極的に参加させ、国、独立行政法人、地方公共団体又は地方独立行政法人の試験研究機関及び大学と中小企業との連携を推進し、並びに技術者研修及び技能者養成の事業を充実すること。
in order to improve knowledge useful for the business activities of small and medium-sized enterprises, to enhance training programs for business managers and to promote the provision of information that contributes to the development of new fields of business and other information.
中小企業の事業活動に有用な知識の向上を図るため、経営管理者に対し研修の事業を充実するとともに、新たな事業の分野の開拓に寄与する情報その他の情報の提供を促進すること。
In addition to what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, the State is to, in accordance with the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, develop a system that supports small and medium-sized enterprises in securing management resources by means such as provision of information and advice.
Article 16Promotion of Overseas Business Expansion
第十六条（海外における事業展開の促進）
In order to promote the expansion of business overseas that small and medium-sized enterprises carry out while maintaining their business base in Japan, the State is to take the necessary measures, including the provision of information on overseas business expansion and enhancement of training and the smooth supply of funds necessary for overseas business expansion, and to strive to increase overseas interest and understanding in the attractive products or services supplied by small and medium-sized enterprises.
国は、中小企業者がその事業基盤を国内に維持しつつ行う海外における事業の展開を促進するため、海外における事業の展開に関する情報の提供及び研修の充実、海外における事業の展開に必要な資金の円滑な供給その他の必要な施策を講ずるとともに、中小企業者が供給する魅力ある商品又は役務に対する海外における関心及び理解の増進に努めるものとする。
In order to promote the use of information and communications technology by small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including enhancement of the provision of information on the use of information and communications technology, the smooth supply of funds necessary for the use of information and communications technology, and other measures.
国は、中小企業の情報通信技術の活用の推進を図るため、情報通信技術の活用に関する情報の提供の充実、情報通信技術の活用に必要な資金の円滑な供給その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 18Promotion of Exchange or Cooperation and Joint Undertakings
第十八条（交流又は連携及び共同化の推進）
In order to contribute to small and medium-sized enterprises complementing one another's management resources, the State is to take the necessary measures, including promotion of exchange or cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises, development of organizations for joint undertakings of the business of small and medium-sized enterprises, assistance for business carried out jointly by small and medium-sized enterprises, and other measures.
国は、中小企業者が相互にその経営資源を補完することに資するため、中小企業者の交流又は連携の推進、中小企業者の事業の共同化のための組織の整備、中小企業者が共同して行う事業の助成その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 19Revitalization of Industrial Clusters
第十九条（産業の集積の活性化）
The State is to take the measures necessary to revitalize industrial clusters in which, in a region that is a single unit in terms of natural, economic and social conditions, a considerable number of small and medium-sized enterprises carry out the same type of business, or business highly related thereto, while cooperating organically.
国は、自然的経済的社会的条件からみて一体である地域において、同種の事業又はこれと関連性が高い事業を相当数の中小企業者が有機的に連携しつつ行つている産業の集積の活性化を図るために必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 20Revitalization of Commercial Clusters
第二十条（商業の集積の活性化）
In order to revitalize shopping districts and other commercial clusters in which a considerable number of small and medium-sized retailers or small and medium-sized service providers carry on business, the State is to take the necessary measures, including development of facilities for enhancing the convenience of customers and other local residents, development of joint stores, and other measures.
国は、相当数の中小小売商業者又は中小サービス業者が事業を行う商店街その他の商業の集積の活性化を図るため、顧客その他の地域住民の利便の増進を図るための施設の整備、共同店舗の整備その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 21Measures Concerning Labor
第二十一条（労働に関する施策）
The State is to take the measures necessary to ensure proper labor relations in small and medium-sized enterprises and improve the welfare of employees, and, in order to secure the labor force necessary for small and medium-sized enterprises, is to take the necessary measures, including enhancement of vocational skills development and job placement services, and other measures.
国は、中小企業における労働関係の適正化及び従業員の福祉の向上を図るため必要な施策を講ずるとともに、中小企業に必要な労働力の確保を図るため、職業能力の開発及び職業紹介の事業の充実その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 22Ensuring Appropriate Transactions
第二十二条（取引の適正化）
In order to ensure appropriate transactions concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including prevention of delays in payment of prices, promotion of clarification of transaction terms, and other measures.
国は、中小企業に関する取引の適正化を図るため、代金の支払遅延の防止、取引条件の明確化の促進その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 23Increasing Opportunities to Receive Orders from the State, etc.
第二十三条（国等からの受注機会の増大）
In order to contribute to increasing demand for the goods, services, etc. supplied by small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including increasing the opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to receive orders, concerning the procurement of goods, services, etc. by the State, etc.
国は、中小企業が供給する物品、役務等に対する需要の増進に資するため、国等の物品、役務等の調達に関し、中小企業者の受注の機会の増大その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Section 3 Facilitating Adaptation to Changes in the Economic and Social Environment
第三節 経済的社会的環境の変化への適応の円滑化
第二十四条
In the case where, due to the effects of significant changes in the economic and social environment, such as the structure of trade and the supply conditions of raw materials, significant impediments have arisen or are likely to arise in the business activities of a considerable number of small and medium-sized enterprises that actually belong to the same region or the same industry, the State is to take measures to stabilize the management of small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitate the conversion of their businesses, and other necessary measures.
国は、貿易構造、原材料の供給事情その他の経済的社会的環境の著しい変化による影響を受け、現に同一の地域又は同一の業種に属する相当数の中小企業者の事業活動に著しい支障が生じ、又は生ずるおそれがある場合には、中小企業の経営の安定を図り、及び事業の転換を円滑にするための施策その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
The State is to take the necessary measures, including development of a system to prevent the unjust infringement of the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises through the business activities of persons other than small and medium-sized enterprises and to stabilize the management of small and medium-sized enterprises, and other measures.
国は、中小企業者以外の者の事業活動による中小企業者の利益の不当な侵害を防止し、中小企業の経営の安定を図るための制度の整備その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
In order to prevent the occurrence of situations such as the bankruptcy of small and medium-sized enterprises due to the effects of the bankruptcy of their trading partner enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including development of a mutual aid system implemented for small and medium-sized enterprises, and other measures.
国は、取引先企業の倒産の影響を受けて中小企業が倒産する等の事態の発生を防止するため、中小企業に関して実施する共済制度の整備その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
In order to facilitate the rehabilitation, succession or discontinuation of the businesses of small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including development of a system for business revival, development of a system for business succession, development of a mutual aid system implemented for small-scale enterprises, and other measures.
国は、中小企業者の事業の再建、承継又は廃止の円滑化を図るため、事業の再生のための制度の整備、事業の承継のための制度の整備、小規模企業に関して実施する共済制度の整備その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
In taking the measures under paragraph (1) and the preceding paragraph, the State is to give the necessary consideration so as to make it easy for persons engaged in small and medium-sized enterprises to find employment.
Section 4 Facilitating the Supply of Funds and Enhancement of Equity Capital
第四節 資金の供給の円滑化及び自己資本の充実
Article 25Facilitating the Supply of Funds
第二十五条（資金の供給の円滑化）
In order to facilitate the supply of funds to small and medium-sized enterprises, the State is to take the necessary measures, including strengthening of the functions of government-affiliated financial institutions, enhancement of credit supplementation programs, guidance of private financial institutions toward appropriate lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, and other measures.
国は、中小企業に対する資金の供給の円滑化を図るため、政府関係金融機関の機能の強化、信用補完事業の充実、民間金融機関からの中小企業に対する適正な融資の指導その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Article 26Enhancement of Equity Capital
第二十六条（自己資本の充実）
In order to enhance the equity capital of small and medium-sized enterprises and thereby contribute to strengthening their management base, the State is to take the necessary measures, including development of a system to facilitate investment in small and medium-sized enterprises, rationalization of the tax burden, and other measures.
国は、中小企業の自己資本の充実を図り、その経営基盤の強化に資するため、中小企業に対する投資の円滑化のための制度の整備、租税負担の適正化その他の必要な施策を講ずるものとする。
Chapter III Administrative Organization Concerning Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
第三章 中小企業に関する行政組織
第二十七条
In taking measures concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, the State and local governments are to cooperate with each other and strive to develop administrative organization and improve the efficiency of administrative operations.
国及び地方公共団体は、中小企業に関する施策を講ずるにつき、相互に協力するとともに、行政組織の整備及び行政運営の効率化に努めるものとする。
Chapter IV Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Policy Council
第四章 中小企業政策審議会
第二十八条（設置）
The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Policy Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council") is established in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
経済産業省に、中小企業政策審議会（以下「審議会」という。）を置く。
Article 29Functions under Jurisdiction
第二十九条（所掌事務）
In addition to handling matters placed under its authority by the provisions of this Act, the Council is to investigate and deliberate important matters concerning the enforcement of this Act in response to consultation by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry or the relevant ministers.
審議会は、この法律の規定によりその権限に属させられた事項を処理するほか、経済産業大臣又は関係各大臣の諮問に応じ、この法律の施行に関する重要事項を調査審議する。
The Council may state its opinion to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry or the relevant ministers regarding the matters prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
In addition to what is prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, the Council handles matters placed under its authority by the provisions of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Cooperatives Act (Act No. 181 of 1949), the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Support Act (Act No. 147 of 1963), the Small Enterprise Mutual Relief Projects Act (Act No. 102 of 1965), the Act on the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Contractor Enterprises (Act No. 145 of 1970), the Small and Medium-sized Retail Business Promotion Act (Act No. 101 of 1973), the Act on Securing Business Opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises by Adjusting Business Activities of Large Enterprises (Act No. 74 of 1977), the Act on the Promotion of Improvement of Employment Management in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises for Securing Manpower and Creating Quality Jobs (Act No. 57 of 1991), the Act on Supporting Small Business by Commerce and Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Act No. 51 of 1993), the Act on Strengthening the Management of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, etc. (Act No. 18 of 1999), the Act on Improving the Efficiency of Distribution of Goods (Act No. 85 of 2005), the Act on Promotion of Business Activities by Collaboration Between Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Operators and Operators of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (Act No. 38 of 2008), the Act on Promotion of Business Activities Meeting the Needs of Local Residents for the Revitalization of Shopping Districts (Act No. 80 of 2009), the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness (Act No. 98 of 2013) and the Basic Act on the Promotion of Small Enterprises (Act No. 94 of 2014).
審議会は、前二項に規定するもののほか、中小企業等協同組合法（昭和二十四年法律第百八十一号）、中小企業支援法（昭和三十八年法律第百四十七号）、小規模企業共済法（昭和四十年法律第百二号）、受託中小企業振興法（昭和四十五年法律第百四十五号）、中小小売商業振興法（昭和四十八年法律第百一号）、中小企業の事業活動の機会の確保のための大企業者の事業活動の調整に関する法律（昭和五十二年法律第七十四号）、中小企業における労働力の確保及び良好な雇用の機会の創出のための雇用管理の改善の促進に関する法律（平成三年法律第五十七号）、商工会及び商工会議所による小規模事業者の支援に関する法律（平成五年法律第五十一号）、中小企業等経営強化法（平成十一年法律第十八号）、物資の流通の効率化に関する法律（平成十七年法律第八十五号）、中小企業者と農林漁業者との連携による事業活動の促進に関する法律（平成二十年法律第三十八号）、商店街の活性化のための地域住民の需要に応じた事業活動の促進に関する法律（平成二十一年法律第八十号）、産業競争力強化法（平成二十五年法律第九十八号）及び小規模企業振興基本法（平成二十六年法律第九十四号）の規定によりその権限に属させられた事項を処理する。
第三十条（組織）
The members are appointed by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry from among persons with academic knowledge and experience regarding the matters prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.
委員は、前条第一項に規定する事項に関し学識経験のある者のうちから、経済産業大臣が任命する。
The members are to serve on a part-time basis.
委員は、非常勤とする。
In addition to what is prescribed in paragraph (2), the staff of the Council specified by Cabinet Order are appointed by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Article 31Requests for Submission of Materials, etc.
第三十一条（資料の提出等の要求）
When the Council finds it necessary for the performance of its functions, it may request the heads of relevant administrative organs to submit materials, state opinions, give explanations, and provide other necessary cooperation.
審議会は、その所掌事務を遂行するため必要があると認めるときは、関係行政機関の長に対し、資料の提出、意見の開陳、説明その他必要な協力を求めることができる。
Article 32Delegation Provision
第三十二条（委任規定）
business innovationmachine translation
「経営の革新」
Substantially improving a business's performance by taking up new business activities, such as developing or producing new products, developing or providing new services, introducing new ways of producing or selling products or of providing services, or introducing new management methods.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (2)· applies throughout the law
creative business activitiesmachine translation
「創造的な事業活動」
Business activity, undertaken as business innovation (経営の革新) or in starting a business (創業), that makes use of strikingly new technology or a strikingly creative way of managing a business.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (3)· applies throughout the law
management resourcesmachine translation
「経営資源」
Resources used in business activities, such as equipment, technology, and the knowledge and skills individuals have.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (4)· applies throughout the law
small-scale enterprisemachine translation
「小規模企業者」
A business operator with, broadly, 20 or fewer regular employees, or 5 or fewer where its main business is in commerce or services.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (5)· applies throughout the law
basic principlesmachine translation
「基本理念」
The basic principles in Article 3: that, since small and medium-sized enterprises (中小企業) form the base of Japan's economy and have an important part in keeping it vigorous, their varied and vigorous growth is to be achieved by encouraging the independent enterprises' own efforts, promoting their business innovation and start-ups, strengthening their business foundations and easing their adaptation to economic and social change, and that small-scale enterprises (小規模企業), which support their regions' economies and residents' lives and contribute to Japan's future development, are to be able to make the most of their vitality in a business environment that supports their own efforts.
Short name set inArticle 4, paragraph (1)
Councilmachine translation
「審議会」
The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Policy Council (中小企業政策審議会), established in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (経済産業省).
Short name set inArticle 28, paragraph (1)
the Diet
国会
Japan's parliament, and under Article 41 the only body that can make an Act (法律). It has two chambers, the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, both made up of elected members (Articles 42 and 43). It designates the Prime Minister, approves the budget and treaties, and can start the process of amending the Constitution. A Cabinet Order (政令) or Ministerial Order (省令) may impose a duty or a penalty only where an Act the Diet passed says it may.
Written by AI using Constitution, Arts. 41, 42, 43 and Wikipedia: National Diet as a reference.