#Japan #Innovation #AlphaDrive #Gunma

Gunma Prefecture's 2024 Successor Innovation Support Program

In a bid to enhance local businesses, Gunma Prefecture has partnered with AlphaDrive to initiate the "2024 Successor Innovation Support Program." This initiative aims to support next-generation business leaders—known as atotsugi—in embracing new challenges to ensure the sustainability and evolution of their enterprises.

The Objectives of the Program

The program focuses on empowering successors with a three-pronged approach: 1) educational and practical offerings for new business development grounded in their vision, 2) individualized assistance towards commercialization, and 3) the creation of a collaborative community that supports successors across the region.

By coordinating with a diverse range of supporters from both within and outside the prefecture, the program aims to bolster the economic future cultivated through the innovation of atotsugi.

The Background of Implementation

Gunma Prefecture has consistently promoted multifaceted initiatives to facilitate smooth business successions, uniting local stakeholders and support organizations for comprehensive assistance. The GUNMA Atotsugi Club, dedicated to the successors of small and medium enterprises, has been instrumental in nurturing motivated leadership through exclusive individual support for those willing to innovate post-successor transition. The club has successfully garnered participation from around 40 members, collaboratively enhancing the support network for successors.

The forthcoming program unveils the next chapter in this support by providing hands-on, practical approaches that foster success in growing and challenging business landscapes.

About AlphaDrive

Entrusted with this program’s operation, AlphaDrive boasts expertise in supporting over 19,000 ideas for new business ventures. Their mission is to visualize and nurture the ideas and aspirations latent within companies and communities, enabling them to take tangible form through enterprises. Consequently, in the Successor Innovation Support Program, AlphaDrive pledges to accompany each successor on their unique path of challenges, fostering their aspirations through strong support.

Invitation to the Introductory Event

As part of the program's launch, an online information session is scheduled. This event is ideal for successors of small and medium enterprises in Gunma Prefecture and anyone interested in supporting this innovative initiative.

Event Details:

• - Date and Time: May 14 (Wednesday), 15:00~16:00
• - Location: Zoom (Online)
• - Agenda:

- Introduction to AlphaDrive
- Overview of the program
- Q&A session

Target Audience:

• - Members of the Gunma Business Succession Network
• - Individuals involved in or interested in supporting successors in Gunma

Participation Fee:

• - Free

Those unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts may request access to an archived video of the session while registering.

Registration Deadline:

• - May 12 (Monday) by 23:59

Please reserve your spot using the registration form.
Event details and Zoom connection URL will be sent to the email address provided at registration by May 13 (Tuesday).

Program Overview

The support initiative encompasses several components aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of successors:

1. Successor Development Program

Theme: "Customer and Challenges" - A co-creative new business development program

• - Target: 20 successors from local SMEs (selection may apply if the limit is exceeded)
• - Duration: June to September 2024 (each session approximately 3 hours)
• - Goal: Complete a new business plan and present it during a results-oriented showcase.

2. Individual Support Program

Theme: Mentoring with experienced developers and senior successors

• - Target: 5-7 successors from local SMEs
• - Duration: September 2024 - March 2025
• - Goal: Refine and operationalize new business initiatives.

3. Expansion of the Atotsugi Community

Theme: Creating partnerships between challengers and supporters

• - Target: Atotsugi and supporters from various sectors.
• - Duration: May 2024 - March 2025
• - Goal: Foster a collaborative community that enhances the creation and growth of new businesses.

These initiatives will culminate in various networking events and workshops aimed at connecting participants within the community while also introducing new initiatives such as the GUNMA Atotsugi Summit for inter-prefectural exchanges.

The drive is to form a solid foundation for successors, their supporters, and potential successors, enabling them to collaborate effectively while supporting each member's drive for innovation. Together, the community aims to provide heartfelt encouragement and resources for each successor taking their first steps towards new ventures.

Conclusion

Gunma Prefecture, in collaboration with AlphaDrive, is ushering in a new wave of innovation and growth through its Successor Innovation Support Program. This initiative is designed to not only sustain but also enhance the entrepreneurial spirit within the region, paving the way for a vibrant economic future. Additionally, community support will play a vital role in catalyzing the new endeavors of successors as they embark on this transformative journey.