Supporting the Enhancement of Small Business Competitiveness in Oita through Creative Collaboration

Boosting Small Business Competitiveness in Oita through Creativity

In an era marked by rapid change and industry shifts, Oita Prefecture is stepping up to empower local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through its innovative initiative, the "Oita Creative Utilization Promotion Project." Set to kick off in July 2026 under the management of Barbara Pool Co., Ltd., this project aims to address the fundamental management challenges faced by SMEs using the power of creativity.

Background and Objectives of the Project

Oita is currently grappling with pressing issues such as population decrease and the need for industrial revitalization. To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and stimulate new value creation. This initiative aims to dive deep into the essential challenges faced by businesses and connect them with creative professionals best suited to address these needs. The outcome? High-value products, services, and the exploration of new markets.

By providing subsidies for part of the expenses associated with hiring creative experts, Barbara Pool is committed to supporting SMEs in their adventurous endeavors.

In its third year, the initiative emphasizes a "Collaborative Expansion Phase". This year's focus is to go beyond mere subsidy support and design solutions, instead delving into the real issues that need resolution through creativity. To facilitate this, experts in successful product development will be invited to share their knowledge, establishing a collaborative framework among supporting organizations, creators, and businesses for more effective and practical assistance.

Upcoming Programs This Summer

Three exciting programs have been planned to kick off this initiative:

1. Seminar for Supporting Organizations and Creators

Theme: The Birth of Successful Products

- Speaker Profile: Yasuhiro Shigei, an expert with a wealth of experience in product sourcing from a major e-commerce company, has successfully managed over 2,000 business negotiations annually. Shigei has an impressive track record of collaboration with local support organizations and has worked as a small business consultant, making winning products that have received numerous awards, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.

2. Business Challenge Deep-Dive Workshop & Matching Event DAY 1

Theme: Exploring Real Issues to Address

- Speaker Profile: Takeshi Sakaguchi, who honed his expertise in policy-making and business development at Nomura Research Institute, will lead discussions to examine genuine challenges faced by businesses in Oita, fostering innovation.

3. Business Challenge Deep-Dive Workshop & Matching Event DAY 2

Theme: Solving Business Challenges with Creativity

Subsidies for Participating Firms

The initiative alsо encompasses financial aid for participating businesses, aimed at enabling them to effectively harness creativity for their growth and development.

Barbara Pool's Commitment

Barbara Pool Co., Ltd. positions itself as an innovation company determined to resolve the challenges faced by corporations, communities, and society through creative solutions. With an unwavering spirit of challenge and a commitment to generating new values and changes, Barbara Pool has been executing collaborative projects across Japan since its inception

The company operates through three main axes: creative projects, community revitalization, and education. With significant contributions to branding, product development, and the cultivation of creative talent, its collaboration with Oita Prefecture includes the establishment of the Creative Platform Oita, carried out over the past decade to bolster the region's creative industry.

Company Overview

- Name: Barbara Pool Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Yumi Inoue
- Headquarters: Toshima, Tokyo
- Business Focus: Creative, community revitalization, educational projects
- Oita Representatives: Koizumi, Onoe (located in Oita)
- Website: Barbara Pool

Inquiries

For more information, please contact:

- Barbara Pool Representatives: Hirobe, Koizumi, Onoe
- Email: [email protected]
- Project Website: Oita Creative

The Oita Creative Utilization Promotion Project is funded by the Oita Prefectural Department of Commerce and Labor, emphasizing the region's commitment to enhancing SME competitiveness through innovative creative solutions.