#Japan #Kumamoto City #FORVAL #DX Acceleration

Forval's Four-Year Commitment to Kumamoto's DX Acceleration Initiative

Forval, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has been awarded for the fourth consecutive year by Kumamoto City to administer the "Small and Medium Enterprises DX Acceleration Project" for the 2024 fiscal year. The initiative is aimed at bolstering the digital transformation (DX) of local businesses amid significant economic transformations due to population decline, aging demographics, and a shortage of human resources.

The project introduces a new consultation service this year, which operates from Forval's recently established base, located within the business support facility "XOSS POINT" directly connected to Kumamoto Station. The aim is to create an accessible environment where local SMEs can comfortably seek guidance on various aspects of digitalization and DX. Many local enterprises face challenges such as deciding where to start their digital journeys, identifying suitable digital tools, or harnessing AI in their operations. With expert support from designated corporate doctors, Forval is positioned to help SMEs navigate through these complexities.

Addressing SME Challenges through Tailored Support

Recognizing the pressing need for sustainable management strategies within SMEs, Forval has designed the DX Acceleration Project to facilitate long-term support that goes beyond merely introducing digital tools. The initiative focuses on understanding the specific operational challenges and management issues faced by individual companies, working collaboratively to devise a customized approach for digital transformation.

The concept resembles that of a "regional healthcare facility" for enterprises, offering a point of contact for businesses similar to medical practitioners for health concerns. Just as individuals consult healthcare providers when experiencing health issues, Forval aspires to be the go-to support system for businesses facing hurdles in management and digitalization. The newly established consultation service aims to serve as the "entry point" for SMEs to seek tailored assistance in organizing their challenges and planning concrete action steps for effective digital adoption.

Consultation Services Tailored for Local Businesses

1. Digitalization and DX Consultation Service

The service is designed for local SMEs, providing personalized consultations about advancing their digitalization and DX efforts. It caters to companies at various stages, from those uncertain about initial steps to those looking to leverage digital tools and AI for operational improvements.

• - Consultation Location: Inside XOSS POINT at 1-14-1 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0047
• - Eligibility: SMEs in Kumamoto City
• - Application for Consultations: Here

2. DX Awareness Seminars

A series of seminars on foundational knowledge of DX and the use of digital technologies for business transformation has been organized. These seminars provide opportunities for both companies yet to begin their DX journey and those ready to advance to consider their next steps. (Note: the seminar was conducted on September 8.)

3. Support Program for Customized DX Initiatives

This program offers tailored, ongoing consultation from specialist consultants according to the DX progress of each supporting company. This year, businesses are classified into three stages – "DX-Entry," "DX-Ready," and "DX-Emerging" – so that support can be appropriately aligned with their current status. The program strives to generate thorough support from the start of problem identification to planning for the training of internal DX personnel and creating ongoing DX promotion strategies tailored to the unique challenges of each enterprise.

4. Outcome Reporting and Case Study Sharing

To promote transparency and learning among local firms, outcome reporting sessions will be held where supported companies will share their results. Additionally, a collection of case studies will highlight specific initiatives, the digital tools implemented, and successes achieved due to the support received. By widely disseminating real-world examples, Forval hopes to inspire other local businesses to consider pursuing their own digital transformation journeys.

The first outcome reporting session is scheduled for March 11, 2027, in a hybrid format at Kumamoto Castle Hall, where participant companies will present their findings.

• - Date and Time: March 11, 2027, from 13:30 to 15:30
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Registration for Outcome Reporting: Here

About Forval

Founded on September 18, 1980, Forval, stock number 8275 (TSE Standard), specializes in providing comprehensive consulting services to small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on telecommunications, international business, environmental initiatives, human resource development, entrepreneurship, and succession planning. Through its unique "Corporate Doctor" model, Forval visualizes management issues, suggests improvements, and supports implementation. Additionally, the firm is working towards building a collaborative regional ecosystem under the "F-Japan Initiative" to drive regional revitalization in partnership with municipalities, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations.

For more detailed inquiries, please visit: Forval Contact