Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Soil and Osaka Industry Bureau Workshop Launch

In an exciting collaboration, the Soil Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage startups, has partnered with the Osaka Industry Bureau to launch a new workshop aimed at nurturing young social entrepreneurs in the Kansai region. This initiative, dubbed the "Social Entrepreneurship Workshop Plus Grant Program - Soil 100," aims to reach students and young professionals passionate about addressing societal challenges through innovative business solutions.

Workshop Overview

The workshop will take place over two intensive days, during which participants will have the opportunity to develop their business plans. Not only will they receive insights from experienced social entrepreneurs, but they will also engage in lectures focusing on business plan development, as well as group work to bring their ideas to fruition. Additionally, for those who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey or are in the early stages of founding a business, the program offers potential financial assistance of up to 1 million yen, along with a three-month mentoring program called "Soil 100." This support will be extended to a maximum of five selected teams who successfully navigate the selection process.

Who Can Apply?

The workshop is targeted at:

- Students or graduate students affiliated with universities in the Kansai region.
- Young professionals who graduated from a Kansai-based university within the last three years (under the age of 30).
- Individuals interested in social contribution or social entrepreneurship who are either already active or eager to engage in such initiatives.
- Participants must be available to attend both workshop days and actively engage in all activities.

Event Details

- Date: June 13-14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM each day (with a networking event planned after the first day)
- Location: Osaka Innovation Hub, 7th Floor, Granfront Osaka, Knowledge Capital Tower C, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Capacity: Approximately 40 participants (with a lottery system in place if there are many applications)
- Costs: Participation is free. For remote applicants residing in Tokushima or Tottori, travel cost support is available.

Featured Speakers

The workshop will feature notable speakers, including:

- Noriaki Imai, Chairman of the certified NPO D×P
- Fujiro Kojima, Founder and CEO of Pirika Inc.
- Masuki Kawai, CEO of UNERI Inc.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply through the application form available online: Application Form. Applications are open until June 3, 2026 at 23:59.

To provide potential participants with more information about the workshop, a preliminary online briefing will be held on May 19, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:00. Those interested can sign up using this link: Online Briefing Signup.

About the Soil Foundation

The Soil Foundation focuses on providing necessary financial support and growth opportunities for non-profit startups that often lack essential funding during their initial phases. Committed to highlighting projects that may not be immediately profitable yet bring significant social value, the foundation aims to create sustainable societal impact. Thus far, Soil has awarded a total of around 200 million yen to approximately 70 organizations and individuals. For more detailed information, visit Soil Foundation Official Site.

About Osaka Industry Bureau

Operating the Osaka Innovation Hub, the Osaka Industry Bureau aspires to create a thriving ecosystem for startups and encourage young talent by providing various entrepreneurial programs, including the infamous START LINE OSAKA initiative. For further information, explore their official website: Osaka Innovation Hub Official Site. This workshop is a part of a larger program aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in Osaka and Kansai, signifying a collaborative effort to drive social innovation and sustainable impact in the region.

Conclusion

This workshop marks a significant step towards empowering young social entrepreneurs in the Kansai region. By providing mentorship and funding opportunities, Soil and the Osaka Industry Bureau are not only supporting innovative business ideas but are also fostering the creation of socially responsible leaders of tomorrow.