#Japan #Tokyo #Kokopelli #Big Advance #Zenshin Kumiren

New Business Matching Initiative Launches

The Zenshin Kumiren, also known as the National Credit Union Federation of Japan, is making strides in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through its new business matching initiative. In collaboration with Kokopelli Co., Ltd., the initiative introduces an online business meeting platform called "EnmusBA," powered by Big Advance. This platform aims to create new sales opportunities for businesses in various sectors by connecting them with potential partners and clients.

Background of the Initiative

The current business environment for SMEs is challenging, marked by rising raw material costs, labor shortages, and difficulties in market expansion. Financial institutions are increasingly called upon to play a more active role, extending beyond just financial assistance. They are now expected to help their client companies enhance revenues and unlock new business opportunities.

In line with these needs, Zenshin Kumiren is enhancing its support for local businesses by collaborating with credit unions across Japan. The participation in the EnmusBA online business meetings is a significant step in this direction, aimed at connecting credit unions with their client businesses to generate new business opportunities.

What is EnmusBA?

EnmusBA (Business Matching) serves as an online business meeting platform, utilizing the matching features of Big Advance, a management support platform designed for SMEs. The platform operates in joint cooperation with financial institutions nationwide and hosts two special matching days annually, providing SMEs with fresh opportunities to connect with other businesses.

Businesses that are clients of these financial institutions can self-register their products and services on the platform. This allows them to forge connections with new trading partners and potential collaborators. Kokopelli facilitates the entire process from application through to matchmaking and meeting creation, promoting business opportunities across different regions and industries.

The initiative will provide sales expansion, new trading partner development, and collaboration or outsourcing opportunities to a wide range of businesses through the networks of Zenshin Kumiren and credit unions.

Key Features of the Initiative

1. B2B Matching Across All Industries:
The program is designed for businesses across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and services, ensuring a wide array of companies can participate and discover new business opportunities.

2. Utilization of the Big Advance Network:
By leveraging the national network of financial institutions employing Big Advance, the initiative will create encounters between companies that would not usually meet, bolstering connections for new sales channels and partnerships.

3. Hybrid Approach to Business Meetings:
EnmusBA combines online meetings with face-to-face interactions, facilitating opportunities for participating companies to network directly, thus fostering new business relationships through both digital and in-person engagements.

Future Outlook

Kokopelli operates under the mission of "Finding the Future within Corporate Value." We have actively engaged in supporting the management of SMEs in collaboration with financial institutions. Through EnmusBA and Big Advance, we will continue to promote the enhancement of support from financial institutions for core business activities, while offering new opportunities for business linkage and market expansion to SMEs throughout Japan.

About Zenshin Kumiren

• - Name: Zenshin Kumiren
• - Location: 1-9-5 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - Chairperson: Nobu Kitamura
• - Established: March 1954
• - Website: Zenshin Kumiren

About Kokopelli Co., Ltd.

• - Name: Kokopelli Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 3-12 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Kioicho Building 11th floor
• - CEO: Shigeru Kondo
• - Established: June 2007
• - Business Focus: Business platform services
• - Website: Kokopelli
• - Major Services: Business support platform for SMEs "Big Advance," and International business matching platform "BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL."

Overall, this initiative represents a significant advancement in the way SMEs can connect and thrive in a challenging market, and it reflects a proactive approach to bridging gaps in business interactions across Japan.