#Japan #AlphaDrive #Kochi #Kochi Digital #Digital Program

Kochi's Digital Outreach Program Launches to Benefit Rural Businesses

The Kochi Industrial Digitalization Promotion Division is excited to announce the launch of its new program, the "Kochi Digital Outreach Program: Digi-Hatsu BASE". This initiative is part of Kochi Digital College for the 2026 fiscal year, designed specifically for local businesses and community revitalization coordinators in the mountainous regions of Kochi Prefecture.

Addressing Community Challenges

Many business operators in rural areas often feel limited in their ability to independently market their enterprises. Through thorough consultation with local businesses, it became evident that a shift is needed from isolated, individual marketing efforts to a more cohesive approach that emphasizes community-wide collaboration. The Digi-Hatsu BASE program focuses on helping participants transition from individual "point" marketing to interconnected "area" outreach.

The program emphasizes two key concepts encapsulated in the name "BASE": 1) Building foundational skills to enable individuals to continue spreading their messages effectively, and 2) Unifying as a base of support among peers to create joint marketing efforts.

Program Structure

The program comprises a nine-month journey beginning with the FIRST CONNECT event scheduled for June 16-18, 2026, across three venues (Hata, Reihoku, and Aki). This first event serves as the program's kick-off and aims to provide participants with an opportunity to network with fellow business owners, share challenges, and collaboratively brainstorm solutions that can enhance community engagement.

Event Details

Participants can attend one of the following venues, each hosting the event from 14:00 to 16:00:

• - Hata Venue: June 16, 2026, at Share Park Flat (Kuroshio Town)
• - Reihoku Venue: June 17, 2026, at Tosa Town Oyashiki
• - Aki Venue: June 18, 2026, at Hostel Tokinoie (Aki City)

Registration for the event is free, but space is limited to approximately 10 participants per venue. Interested businesses must leverage the following link to secure a spot: Registration Link by the deadline of June 10, 2026.

Expected Outcomes

By participating in the FIRST CONNECT, attendees will gain:

• - Insights into transforming personal marketing into community-wide outreach.
• - Connections with like-minded businesses facing similar challenges.
• - An overview of the entire program and how it can be integrated into their own operations.
• - Preliminary ideas for future collaborations with other local enterprises.

Benefits of Collaboration

The program is particularly beneficial for those who feel isolated in their marketing efforts, those eager to engage in collaborative projects, and those keen to learn how to effectively utilize digital platforms like social media and Google for broader outreach. The essence of the program lies in fostering community ties, where challenges can be shared, and solutions created collectively.

Instructor Insights

Among the program facilitators is Kaori Sakamoto from AlphaDrive, who has extensive experience in setting up and supporting businesses in various sectors. Madoka Kusunose, also from AlphaDrive, emphasizes the importance of community connections. She notes that many local entrepreneurs express a desire to move beyond solitary efforts and feel empowered by collective support. The goal is to enable participants to leverage their networks and create impactful outreach initiatives that resonate across the region.

Conclusion

Digi-Hatsu BASE represents a significant step toward helping Kochi's rural businesses thrive through enhanced communication and collaboration. With the upcoming FIRST CONNECT event, attendees are encouraged to engage, network, and take the first step in transforming their outreach efforts. The team at AlphaDrive looks forward to supporting regional endeavors in the months to come.

For more inquiries regarding the program, please contact:

• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 070-8835-1274.

Get involved and bring your business to the forefront of local engagement. We look forward to seeing you in June!