Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Join the 'Women on the Rise' Program in Tokyo's International Expansion Initiative

In an exciting development for women entrepreneurs in Japan, 'CROSSBIE JAPAN Co., Ltd.' and 'EY ShinNihon LLC' have been selected as partners for Tokyo's 'Diverse Startup Support Project (TOKYO SUTEAM)' for the fiscal year 2026. This initiative, demonstrated by the launch of the 'Women on the Rise – A Project for Training Women Entrepreneurs to Soar Globally', aims to assist female entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses into Europe. Currently, they are seeking participants for this unique overseas program.

An Innovative Approach to International Expansion

The 'Women on the Rise' initiative goes beyond standard observation trips. It offers personalized support for entrepreneurs, guiding them through customer and industry stakeholder interactions, business negotiations, and product-market fit (PMF) validation. By creating tailored go-to-market strategies, each entrepreneur's journey is uniquely catered to their business model. This program is set to culminate in the fall of 2026 with practical validations, business matching, and funding efforts across up to two major European cities, starting from Berlin.

Barriers to Global Expansion for Japanese Female Entrepreneurs

Despite the growing visibility of women entrepreneurs in Japan, several challenges hinder their overseas expansion:

- Limited connections with decision-makers and investors in Europe, making network-building complicated.
- Short visits do not provide sufficient insights into local demand or business practices.
- There is a notable lack of support that helps convert newly acquired knowledge into viable business opportunities.

The 'Women on the Rise' program leverages CROSSBIE's European network—based in Berlin—and EY ShinNihon’s expertise in finance and governance, providing essential practical assistance for women entrepreneurs seeking to penetrate the European market.

Program Highlights

1. Targeting Female Entrepreneurs' Strengths: The program focuses on fields where women entrepreneurs excel, such as fashion, femtech, food tech, and health tech. Activities will be centered around Berlin but will extend to other cities as necessary.

2. Stepwise Selection and Concentrated Support:
- Phase One (Domestic): Up to 20 participants will receive mentoring, lectures, and English pitch training to lay the groundwork for their European expansion.
- Phase Two (European Dispatch): Approximately five selected entrepreneurs will work alongside industry mentors in Europe to refine their strategies.
- Phase Three (Further Dispatch): A select three entrepreneurs will be sent to Europe for networking, funding negotiations, pitches, and direct validations within the local ecosystem.

3. Results-Oriented Support: The program is designed to ensure that participants engage in impactful validations rather than mere observation. Key local contacts will be matched with entrepreneurs in advance to support business discussions and networking with ecosystem leaders.

4. Ongoing Support Post-Return: Participants will be connected with resources for funding and global go-to-market strategies, fostering the establishment of a community committed to continued challenges and growth beyond the program.

Schedule

- Domestic Phase (Selection & Preparation): Includes networking sessions, lectures, English pitch support, and mentoring by overseas experts, followed by selection pitches.
- European Dispatch Phase (Projected for September to December 2026): This includes business discussions, pitch presentations, networking, and ecosystem visits across Berlin and potentially other cities.
- Post-Return Phase: Participants will work on translating their acquired insights into funding opportunities and contracts, establishing models to share experiences and networks, perpetuating the community.

Application Details

- Application Deadline: February 28, 2026.
- Available Spots: A maximum of 20 participants for the domestic phase (with 3-5 spots for European dispatch).
- Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs aiming for global success, particularly in Europe.
- Participation Fee: Free.
- Selection Method: Candidates will be evaluated through a web form on the program's website.
- Application Link: Women on the Rise Application

CEO Commentary

Chika Yamamoto, CEO of CROSSBIE JAPAN, states, "Leveraging our networks in Berlin and Europe, we are committed to facilitating real validation and business discussions that lead to entering the European market. Unlike typical observation trips, we offer a comprehensive support system guiding entrepreneurs from PMF to go-to-market strategies, empowering them to scale their businesses across borders. As a collaborative project with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we are proud to contribute to the global expansion of female entrepreneurs in Japan."

About 'TOKYO SUTEAM'

In November 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the 'Global Innovation with STARTUPS' to foster an environment where challengers can thrive. With its launch, the '2050 Tokyo Strategy' also sets forth policy goals for startups through 2035. The aim is to strengthen the Tokyo startup ecosystem, encourage the growth and establishment of startups through diversified support, and foster networking among supporters.

- TOKYO SUTEAM Website: TOKYO SUTEAM Website

Company Overview

CROSSBIE JAPAN Co., Ltd. is an accelerator bridging the startup ecosystems of Japan and Europe. As the Japanese branch of CROSSBIE GmbH, based in Berlin, the company facilitates market entry support, open innovation, and acceleration both ways. Since 2020, it has been engaged in supporting European expansion for Japanese local governments and enterprises, boasting a robust network in Europe.