#Japan #Tokyo #cost management #Tokyo SMEs #Startup Tools

Supporting Price Adjustments and Wage Increases for Tokyo SMEs

A recent initiative aims to address the business challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo by leveraging innovative tools offered by startups. As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's efforts to support SMEs, this project focuses on helping these businesses with pricing strategies and wage increases in the 2020s and beyond.

Project Overview

This initiative provides essential resources to local SMEs by introducing scalable tools for cost management and wage simulations. By utilizing these tools, businesses can better assess their operational costs and prepare for negotiations regarding price adjustments and increases in wages. These tools come with expert consulting support to ensure that SMEs receive personalized guidance throughout the process.

The project aims to assist approximately 100 SMEs in the Tokyo area, bolstering their ability to navigate the complex landscape of pricing and labor costs.

Support Details

The support can be summarized in two key areas:
1. Provision of Tools: Nine innovative startup companies will offer their cost management and labor cost simulation tools to participating businesses. The introduction of these tools will be free of charge up to 1 million yen (including tax) per participating company.
2. Consulting Support: Each selected business will receive consultative support, involving approximately five consultancy sessions, to effectively utilize the tools and prepare for necessary adjustments.

Recruitment Period

The recruitment period for participating SMEs begins on May 27, 2023. Interested businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the enrollment will close once the quota of participants is reached.

Examples of Tools Offered

The program features several innovative tools designed for efficient cost management and personnel expenses monitoring:

• - Cost Management Tool: For instance, PROCAN provides a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to manage revenue, outsourcing costs, internal labor costs, and expenses all in one platform. This allows for visibility into monthly financial performance and project-specific revenue estimates.

• - Labor Cost Management Tool: The jinjer system is a cloud-based HR and labor management solution that centralizes attendance and salary data. By utilizing this tool, companies can visualize personnel costs by department and location, facilitating effective negotiations for price adjustments and salary hikes.

All nine companies participating in this initiative and their respective tools can be explored in detail on the dedicated website.

Further Information

For details and application guidance, SMEs can visit the official portal here: URL: https://kakaku-chinage-tokyo.jp.

This initiative is part of the broader '2050 Tokyo Strategy,' specifically targeting the 13th industry priority: to support and foster the growth of small and medium enterprises.

Contact Information:

• - For general inquiries, please reach out to the Business Support Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Labor Bureau at 03-5000-7802.
• - For details about applications and the program, contact the Wage and Price Adjustment Support Office at 03-6869-2285 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).