#Japan #Digital Transformation #Sapporo #Sapporo City #FORVAL

FORVAL Takes a Major Step for SMEs in Sapporo

FORVAL, a leading consulting firm based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has secured a pivotal contract with Sapporo City, aimed at accelerating digital transformation (DX) and promoting wage increases among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is especially timely, given the economic challenges posed by rising prices and ongoing labor shortages that have intensified the need for improved operational efficiency and productivity among local businesses.

Understanding the Background

The economic climate in Sapporo, much like other regions in Japan, has been significantly impacted by soaring prices and a chronic lack of workforce availability. In light of these conditions, SMEs face pressing challenges related to incorporating digital technology into their operations, as it is crucial for their survival and growth in this competitive landscape. To address these challenges, the Japanese government has initiated various measures to empower SMEs through investment support and IT adoption assistance.

In this context, Sapporo City is evolving its approach from a traditionally passive 'open call support' system to a more dynamic 'push-type support' strategy. This initiative will actively engage businesses in the city to help them identify their needs for digital transformation and operational improvements. By harnessing its extensive DX expertise, FORVAL aims to significantly enhance productivity and drive salary increases for local SMEs.

Objectives of the Initiative

Through the newly contracted service, FORVAL is set to engage with all SMEs in Sapporo. The firm will focus on uncovering prospective management challenges and DX needs by conducting outreach efforts. Additionally, FORVAL will facilitate the use of local subsidies tailored to assist with digitalization and AI implementation. Specifically, the initiative will make use of the 'Sapporo City Digitalization and AI Introduction Promotion Subsidy' along with a unique local 'Sapporo City DX and Wage Increase Acceleration Subsidy' for supporting SMEs to collaborate with IT service providers.

This proactive support is designed to help organizations integrate IT tools swiftly, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and ultimately leading to improved profitability and wage increases—a positive feedback loop that benefits the local economy.

Detailed Project Steps

Key activities included in this program are as follows:

• - Outbound calling and outreach to all SMEs in Sapporo;
• - Support for obtaining the Sapporo City Digitalization and AI Introduction Promotion Subsidy and the Sapporo City DX and Wage Increase Acceleration Subsidy;
• - Assistance with applications for these subsidies.

About FORVAL

Founded in 1980, FORVAL stands at the forefront of consulting for SMEs, with a paid-in capital of 4.155 billion yen (Securities Code: 8275). The company specializes in five key areas: information and communication, overseas ventures, environmental sustainability, human resources and education, and business succession. By aligning its objectives with the four key drivers advocated by the government—green initiatives, digital advancement, revitalization of local economies, and countermeasures for declining birth rates—FORVAL collaborates with local governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations to foster the development of DX and Green Transformation (GX) talent. This collective effort aims to stimulate regional economies and realize sustainable local revitalization under the 'F-Japan' initiative while also providing visible support for ESG management.

To learn more about FORVAL and its initiatives, visit their official website.