Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: APT Women Program 2026 Launches New Training Course

The APT Women program, an initiative supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is gearing up for its 2026 training course aimed at female entrepreneurs. Managed by 01Booster, a leading company in open innovation and new business development, this program is now in its 11th iteration, following ten successful cycles. The collaboration with GLOBIS, known for its expertise in management education and startup support, continues to enhance the program’s credibility and effectiveness.

Program Overview

The APT Women program introduces its new course starting on May 13, 2026, and applications are now open for aspiring female entrepreneurs across Japan. The training aims to equip women with essential business management skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Ideal candidates for this course are not only established women business owners looking to expand but also those who aspire to enter the entrepreneurial landscape. The curriculum caters to a variety of stages in the entrepreneurial journey, ensuring that participants receive relevant knowledge and guidance.

Course Details

The training is structured as an eight-week program, running every Wednesday from 3 PM to 5 PM, with the first session focusing on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Subsequent sessions include:
1. Business Model Design - Learning hypothesis-driven thinking to refine business ideas.
2. Validation Strategies - Conducting user interviews to break down assumptions.
3. Prototyping and MVP Execution - Creating minimum viable products to validate concepts efficiently.
4. Marketing and Branding - Designing offerings based on meaning rather than mere functionality.
5. Capital Policy and Growth Strategies - Understanding the rules that govern growth decisions.
6. International Expansion - Determining markets for competitive growth.
7. Resilience and Commitment - Structuring the ability to sustain business endeavors.

Additionally, there will be opportunities for networking and interaction outside of the formal sessions, helping participants create valuable connections with industry peers and mentors.

Inspiring Stories from Alumni

To enrich the learning experience, alumni from previous cohorts will share their personal journeys, offering insights into their entrepreneurial experiences, the impact of the APT Women program on their business strategies, and their overarching management philosophies. This peer-to-peer connection is designed to inspire and motivate new participants, fostering a supportive community.

Pre-Program Briefing

In preparation for the upcoming training, a pre-program briefing will occur on May 12, 2026. This online event features representatives from the latest cohort who will discuss their motivations for joining the program, their achievements, and key takeaways. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the APT Women initiative and guide future applicants in envisioning their journey.

Why APT Women Matters

APT Women seeks to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing essential knowledge and skills for business growth while facilitating collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs and supporters. The program acknowledges the diverse needs of female entrepreneurs and is committed to supporting them as they build the future of business in Japan and beyond. With a commitment to excellence, the program has already seen many participants evolve into successful business leaders and role models.

Conclusion

The launch of the APT Women 2026 training program marks an exciting opportunity for women in Japan to develop their entrepreneurial skills while forging connections with like-minded individuals. The program not only focuses on providing valuable educational resources but also creates a nurturing environment where women can share their experiences and grow together. Interested participants are encouraged to apply soon, as spaces are limited. For more information and application details, visit the official APT Women website.