AlphaDrive Launches New Business Development Program for Young Successors in Gunma

AlphaDrive Launches New Program for Young Successors

In an exciting initiative, Gunma Prefecture has teamed up with AlphaDrive to support the next generation of business leaders through a unique new program. Starting on June 8, 2025, they invite young successors from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the prefecture to partake in an innovative business development initiative called Atotsugi Shido Juku 2025 – Next Gate. This program represents the 7th fiscal year's commitment to foster young successors (atotsugi) and aid in ensuring the sustainability and evolution of their enterprises.

Overview of the Succession Innovation Support Program

The overarching aim of the Succession Innovation Support Program is to prepare successors for the future of their businesses through creative and daring ventures. The program comprises three key components designed to enhance the skill sets and experiences of participating successors:

1. Successor Development Program - Atotsugi Shido Juku 2025 – Next Gate: Running from June to September 2025, this core program will focus on co-creating new business ideas through a customer-centric approach.

2. Individual Support Program – Atotsugi Kakudo Shien 2025 – Next Drive: Scheduled from September 2025 to March 2026, this will involve tailored mentoring sessions led by experienced businesspeople and senior atotsugi who possess practical entrepreneurial experience.

3. GUNMA Atotsugi Community Events: These events will offer networking opportunities for atotsugi and supporters from both within and outside the prefecture from June 2025 to March 2026.

Of these components, the focus for the recruitment initiative is the first: the Atotsugi Shido Juku 2025 – Next Gate.

Details of Atotsugi Shido Juku 2025 – Next Gate

The Atotsugi Shido Juku 2025 is a focused series of six sessions designed for like-minded successors to learn and challenge themselves in new business development. The program centers on developing new businesses grounded in the themes of "customers and their challenges," stemming from re-evaluating existing business models.

Participants will undergo five intensive workshops, culminating in the sixth session where they will present their completed business plans and receive constructive feedback from peers. To ensure that ideas become actionable, customer interviews will be a mandatory step throughout the program, thereby emphasizing a hands-on approach.

To facilitate learning for those participating in business development for the first time, atotsugi are paired into buddy teams to support one another. Furthermore, AlphaDrive employees specializing in new business development will provide mentoring support throughout the journey.

For those interested in seeing the initiative in action, an explanatory video about the program is available here.

Target Audience and Eligibility

This program is aimed at young successors (atotsugi) from small and medium-sized businesses with their primary office located in Gunma Prefecture. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

- A maximum of 20 participants (selection may apply if oversubscribed).
- Open to various forms of succession (e.g., employee succession or third-party transitions).
- Must be available to attend all scheduled sessions.

Schedule and Location

The program will take place from June to September 2025, with each session lasting about three hours. Sessions will be held either at venues in Gunma Prefecture or online. The first two sessions are slated for Maebashi, with potential venues including Takasaki and Ota for later sessions.
The goal is to finalize a new business plan, which is to be presented during a pitch at the conclusion of the program.

Registration Details

Interested atotsugi can apply through the registration form here, with a registration deadline of June 16, 2025, at 23:59.

This program seeks to foster collaboration and enthusiasm among successors, igniting their passion through shared experiences and challenges. Together, we aspire to help you shape your vision into reality. We look forward to receiving numerous applications!

Organizers

This initiative is sponsored by Gunma Prefecture (Economic Department, Regional Business Support Division) and overseen by the operational office at AlphaDrive.