Kokopelli and Hiroshima City Credit Union Launch 'Big Advance' Support Platform
Kokopelli, a Tokyo-based company headed by CEO Shigeru Kondo, has announced a strategic partnership with Hiroshima City Credit Union, led by Chairman Akihiro Yamamoto, to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Starting June 2, 2025, Kokopelli's platform, 'Big Advance,' aims to assist SMEs as they navigate the complexities of current economic challenges.
Background for Big Advance Introduction
In recent years, many SMEs have encountered various operational challenges, such as rising energy and logistics costs due to yen depreciation, labor shortages caused by an aging population, and succession issues amidst fluctuating market conditions. As these challenges present themselves, the demand for digital transformation (DX) solutions has surged. However, many business owners are unsure about the costs and which services to implement effectively.
Since its inception, Kokopelli has focused on providing tailored management support services for SMEs. By partnering with local financial institutions nationwide, Kokopelli aims to deliver innovative technology to SMEs across Japan. This initiative is intended not only to enhance management efficiency but also to invigorate the Japanese economy as a whole. Hiroshima City Credit Union has articulated its vision of becoming the 'most reliable community bank,' emphasising the importance of trust within local communities. They believe that joining Big Advance will foster connections beyond local borders, enabling expanded sales channels and new business opportunities.
Features and Functions of Big Advance
Big Advance is designed as a robust support platform for SMEs, being operated by approximately 80 financial institutions nationwide. This collaborative effort aims to create a comprehensive business network that transcends regional and institutional boundaries, facilitating solutions to various operational challenges faced by SMEs. Members can connect with over 60,000 other businesses, and as more financial institutions join, the platform will increasingly promote inter-business connectivity.
Big Advance has facilitated nearly 200,000 business matching transactions, resulting in numerous new ventures and partnerships, demonstrating its effectiveness in fueling entrepreneurial initiatives.
Key Services Offered by Big Advance
1.
Business Matching: Connecting SMEs with major companies and member firms nationwide to address specific business needs efficiently. Utilizing AI, the platform streamlines matching processes through automated recommendations and user-friendly functionality.
2.
Website Creation Functionality: Businesses can easily create their websites by merely entering information into pre-designed templates. The platform also employs ChatGPT technology to automate content generation with just a click of a button.
3.
Employee Welfare Program 'FUKURI': This initiative provides employees of member companies with access to coupons valid at over 10,000 locations nationwide, enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
4.
Subsidy and Grant Search: Members can conveniently access a comprehensive database to search for information on subsidies and grants available at municipal levels throughout Japan.
Future Outlook
Kokopelli plans to continuously enhance the services offered by Big Advance, aiming to expand its user base and establish it as a critical business platform for all SMEs in Japan. By driving digital transformation across various business activities, Big Advance aspires to become indispensable for the entrepreneurial landscape.
About Kokopelli
- - Name: Kokopelli Inc.
- - Location: 3-12 Kioichou, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- - CEO: Shigeru Kondo
- - Established: June 2007
- - Business: Business platform services
- - URL: Kokopelli Inc.
- - Main Service: SME Management Support Platform 'Big Advance'
- - URL for Big Advance: Big Advance