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Comprehensive Support for Business Transformation in Tokyo

In the wake of fluctuating global circumstances, Tokyo's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly facing significant shifts in their operational environment. To ensure sustainable growth and a robust business framework, it's imperative for these businesses to respond effectively to economic risks. Recognizing this need, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in conjunction with the Tokyo SMEs Promotion Corporation, is launching an initiative aimed at fostering resilience and sustainable growth among local enterprises.

Initiative Launch: Schools and Seminars

The new program offers comprehensive support from the planning stages to execution for SMEs, aiming to help them navigate the complexities of modern business challenges. Notably, a new series of schools and seminars has been announced, designed to educate and support SMEs.

School Overview

• - Target Audience: Small and medium businesses or associations based in Tokyo, regardless of industry.
• - Capacity: Limited to 60 companies (applicants exceeding this number may undergo selection).
• - Fee: Free to participants.
• - Enrollment Start Date: May 11, 2023.
• - Location: Akihabara area (tentative).

The curriculum will encompass strategic planning and execution methodologies necessary for business transformation. Participants will also engage in group activities and networking opportunities post-course completion, fostering collaboration among attendees.

For further details and application instructions, please visit: Tokyo’s SME Support Site. The application period is open from May 11 until June 30, 2023, but may close early if the number of applications exceeds available slots.

Support for Enrolled Businesses

1. Continuous Advisory Support: An advisor will provide ongoing guidance in strategy formulation and execution to businesses participating in the school. This support will last for three years from the date of acceptance into the program.
2. Financial Grant Support: Businesses that successfully complete the school may be eligible for grants of up to 20 million yen, covering two-thirds of eligible costs, subject to a separate review process.
3. Open Innovation Program: Post-completion support for business matching through an Open Innovation platform will be available, fostering collaborations over one year starting from March 1, 2024.

Seminar Details

• - Date and Time: June 8, 2023, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
• - Focus Topics:

- The importance of transformation in achieving robust management and sustainable growth.
- An introduction to the curriculum provided in the school.
- Insights on Open Innovation's role in inter-company collaboration. Key figures from IAC and the Japan Open Innovation Association will lead these discussions.

• - Venue: AP Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, and offered online via Zoom.
• - Audience: Aimed at business leaders and prospective leaders within Tokyo's SMEs, across all industries.
• - Enrollment: The on-site seminar has a capacity of 100 attendees, available on a first-come-first-served basis with prior application required.

For more details on how to register for the seminar, visit: Tokyo’s SME Support Site. The registration will be open from May 11 until June 7, 2023.

Conclusion

This initiative aligns with the '2050 Tokyo Strategy', specifically focusing on the 13th strategy for enhancing and supporting the growth of small businesses.

For more inquiries regarding this initiative:

• - Contact the Tokyo Industrial Bureau at 03-5320-4784 for press-related matters.
• - For detailed questions on the program, reach out to the Tokyo SMEs Promotion Corporation at 03-5822-7250.