#Japan #Women Entrepreneurs #Shinagawa #Women Business Grand Prix

Women Entrepreneurs in Focus: The WBG Kickoff Summit 2026

On September 15, 2025, the Shinagawa Ward and the Musashikoyama Startup Support Center will host the "Women’s Business Grand Prix in Shinagawa 2026 Kickoff Summit." This event seeks to establish a nationwide ecosystem to support female entrepreneurs and mark the beginning of significant new initiatives within the growing female entrepreneurial community.

An Overview of the Summit

This summit serves as the official kick-off for the 15th Annual Women’s Business Grand Prix, bringing together local governments, support organizations, and women entrepreneurs from across Japan for the first time. Attendees will witness inspiring pitches from past finalists and presentations from entrepreneurs recommended by their respective local authorities, creating a platform for national collaboration and innovation.

Purpose and Background

Since launching the Musashikoyama Startup Support Center in 2010, Shinagawa has focused on uplifting women entrepreneurs. Within the past 15 editions of the Women’s Business Grand Prix, 112 finalists have emerged, with a remarkable 92% successfully launching their businesses. This summit is conceptualized as the first step toward further cultivating this achievement into a comprehensive support network for female entrepreneurs nationwide.

Key Highlights of the Event

The summit promises a myriad of engaging activities:

• - Pitch Presentations by Past Finalists: Entrepreneurs from various sectors will share their journeys and the current status of their businesses, providing a firsthand account of the entrepreneurial experience.

• - Presentations by Recommended Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs from regions like Hokkaido to Kansai will present their innovative business models that leverage local resources, introducing fresh ideas to the audience.

• - Expert Feedback Sessions: Influential figures such as investors and incubation managers will provide actionable feedback to enhance the entrepreneurs' growth potential, offering invaluable insights.

• - Networking Opportunities: A dedicated networking session will enable participants—entrepreneurs, supporters, and local government officials—to connect in person, fostering collaboration and synergies among attendees.

• - Childcare Facilities: Recognizing the needs of mothers, a dedicated Kids' Care Space will be available, staffed by childcare professionals, ensuring that women can participate without concerns about childcare.

Future Prospects

This summit sets the stage for the upcoming 15th Women’s Business Grand Prix, scheduled for February 2026. Shinagawa Ward plans to continuously collaborate with local governments and support organizations to create an enduring ecosystem encouraging female entrepreneurs to sustain their ventures and endeavors.

Join us in listening to the voices of women entrepreneurs at the event in Shinagawa City, Tokyo!

Event Details

• - Name: Women’s Business Grand Prix in Shinagawa 2026 Kickoff Summit
• - Date: September 15, 2025 (Monday, Public Holiday), from 15:00 to 18:00 (Online Viewing from 15:00 to 17:15)
• - Venue: Shinagawa City Hall and Gallery Gotanda, Tokyo, Japan
• - Organizers: Shinagawa Ward, Musashikoyama Startup Support Center
• - Participating Municipalities: Chiba City, Sakai City (Osaka), Ota City (Gunma), Sapporo City, etc.
• - Admission Fee: Free (with a networking event fee of 1,000 JPY and Kids' Space usage insurance fee of 500 JPY)

Program Outline

The event will comprise:

• - Announcement of entry details for the Women’s Business Grand Prix 2026
• - Business pitches from past finalists
• - Presentations by female entrepreneurs recommended by local governments
• - Practical feedback sessions from supporters and investors
• - Networking opportunities exclusive to onsite participants.

We aim to connect with support organizations across Japan to enhance the networking impact, spearheaded by Shinagawa Ward.

Naruto Startup Space is prepared for parents wanting to focus on their children while participating effectively, fostering an inclusive environment. Interested parties can register in advance through Peatix for online or in-person attendance.

About the Women’s Business Grand Prix

Launched in 2011 by Shinagawa Ward, the Women’s Business Grand Prix has become a prestigious business plan competition focusing on empowering female entrepreneurs. With 14 successful iterations yielding 112 finalists, many women have accelerated the growth of their businesses through this platform, gaining attention and participation throughout Japan.

Get in touch with the Musashikoyama Startup Support Center for inquiries and registrations:

• - Address: Musashikoyama Startup Support Center, Tokyo, Japan
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Official Website: Musashikoyama