#Japan #Tokyo #InterPark #SasukeWorks

SasukeWorks: Helping Small Businesses in Tokyo

SasukeWorks, a no-code application development tool offered by Interpark, was recently selected as a digital tool for the Tokyo-based support project called "2024 Startup Price Transfer and Wage Increase Initiative". This project, implemented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation, aims to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in facing the harsh economic realities of increasing material and energy costs.

Background of the Initiative

The economic environment for SMEs in Japan has become increasingly difficult due to rising raw material costs and the pressing need for human resources. To ensure continuous wage increases, understanding and accurately reflecting these rising costs in pricing strategies—known as price transfer—is crucial. However, many businesses struggle with mapping out their operational costs and work hours accurately, which limits their ability to negotiate effectively. Establishing a clear structure for cost calculation and workforce cost simulation is necessary to facilitate appropriate price negotiations.

Support Offered by the Initiative

To address these challenges, the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation is blending digital tools with professional consulting support in this initiative. By doing so, they aim to assist local SMEs in visualizing their costs and establishing effective management systems. The selected digital tools—like SasukeWorks—come with the added value of trial use backed by consulting from experts, helping businesses access cost-effective solutions without additional financial burden, up to a maximum of ¥1,000,000 (including tax) per company.

Key Components of the Support

1. Digital Tools from Startups: The program provides tools for cost management, work hour management, and workforce cost simulation.
2. Consulting Support: Professionals guide businesses in the tool implementation, utilization, and preparation for price negotiations and wage increases.

Utilizing SasukeWorks

SasukeWorks stands out due to its flexibility in creating customized business applications without coding. This empowers companies to tailor applications for cost and work hour management. By facilitating transparency in cost structures, businesses can navigate price negotiations with solid grounds efficiently.

Enrollment Overview

• - Start Date: May 27, 2024 (Registration ends once the quota is filled)
• - Eligibility: SMEs with a main office or branch located in Tokyo (If only a branch is present in Tokyo, the project's implementation takes place solely in Tokyo)
• - Support Scale: Approximately 100 Tokyo SMEs
• - Trial Period: Throughout the project period, until February 28, 2025 (Expenses beyond ¥1,000,000 and continued use after the project will fall under the recipient company’s responsibility).

For more details, you can visit the project portal's website here.

About SasukeWorks

SasukeWorks is a no-code application development tool available through Interpark. It allows users without programming skills or technical knowledge to create tailored business applications simply by selecting and dragging-and-dropping pre-designed components. Being a cloud service, it can be accessed from any device or operating system, allowing real-time updates and sharing—significantly accelerating digital transformation (DX) in the workplace.

Company Overview

Founded in 2000, Interpark Corporation is an SaaS and AI company committed to providing practical and flexible solutions that address the operational needs of businesses. Their cloud-based tools, enhanced by AI, enhance operational efficiency and productivity across various sectors, including businesses and local governments.

Services Offered

• - SasukeWorks: No-code application development tool
• - Sales and marketing support tool: Sasuke
• - 050 phone application: SUBLINE

Company Name: Interpark Corporation
CEO: Yuukatsu Funakoshi
Headquarters: 2F, Minami-Odori Building, 10-4 Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
Tokyo Office: 8F, Business VIP Shibuya/Dogen-zaka Building, 2-16 Dogen-zaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
Established: July 2001
URL: Interpark