Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Okayama's Inspiring Initiative Launched

On September 29, 2025, a significant event will take place in Okayama, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs. This initiative is a collaboration between Okayama City and ATOMica, a Social Coworking® startup that specializes in nurturing diverse career paths for women.

Overview of the Initiative

The initiative comprises two main components: the 'Okayama WOMAN Entrepreneur Event,' which consists of four events, and the 'Okayama WOMAN Entrepreneur Program,' also comprising four sessions. ATOMica will manage the program, leveraging their expertise from the 'Mama Oasis' arm, an operation they acquired in April 2025 that boasts a community of around 5,000 mothers in Osaka.

The inaugural event, titled 'The Okayama WOMAN Entrepreneur Event,' will be held at the San-kaku Okayama Gender Equality Promotion Center, featuring a talk session with local women entrepreneurs and group activities designed to connect aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Background of the Initiative

In recent years, the diversification of women's work has garnered attention, with entrepreneurship being acknowledged as a viable career path. According to a survey by the Japan Finance Corporation, the percentage of female entrepreneurs among new business owners has steadily increased, reaching a record 25.5% in the 2024 fiscal year. However, women still represent a minority in the overall entrepreneur landscape, highlighting the need for targeted support.

Women face unique challenges when considering entrepreneurship, such as balancing family and child-rearing responsibilities and the lack of consultation partners in similar situations. To address these issues, Okayama City has organized this women entrepreneur support initiative, which includes both events and experiential programs.

ATOMica has previously conducted numerous startup support events across Japan and has built a community-focused Web media platform through 'Mama Oasis.' Their experience in community-building and understanding women's distinctive challenges will be instrumental in providing participants with relatable insights and networking opportunities that allow for meaningful exchanges.

Details of the First Event

The first event will feature a theme of 'How I Became an Entrepreneur by Chance?' showcasing real stories from female entrepreneurs. This program will combine a talk session and interactive group work to facilitate connections among attendees who are interested in entrepreneurship but have not yet taken the leap.

With a small, intimate setting, the event aims to foster discussions about personal career possibilities, helping women recognize the entrepreneurial path as a realistic option for themselves. The guest speaker, Mikiko Mori, a senior manager at Sonae Inc. and an Okayama native, will share her experience, while Ao Higaki, who manages the Mama Oasis portal site powered by ATOMica with over 100 mothers contributing, will facilitate the discussion.

Event Details

- Date: September 29, 2025 (Monday)
- Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Registration starts at 10:00 AM)
- Venue: San-kaku Okayama Gender Equality Promotion Center, Okayama City
- Capacity: Approximately 15 participants (first-come basis, prior registration required)
- Participation Fee: Free
- Organizer: Okayama City, Civic Cooperation Bureau, Women’s Community Development Department
- Management: ATOMica

Upcoming Events

This initiative plans to conduct additional events through December 2025, with each event featuring diverse themes and speakers to provide various insights and experiences. Furthermore, beginning January 2026, a series of four hands-on entrepreneurship experience programs will be introduced.

Details regarding dates and program content will be announced as they become available.

About ATOMica

ATOMica, established in April 2019, is a startup focused on the Social Coworking® concept, facilitating connections among stakeholders from various sectors. The company operates over 50 coworking spaces nationwide, providing services that extend beyond traditional coworking facilities to foster sustainable community building and urban development.

Visit ATOMica's Corporate Website for more information.