Record-Breaking 600% Fundraising Achieved by Yamagata's Sake Brewery with HiPro Direct
On October 18 and 19, 2023, an innovative initiative known as "The Yamagata Sake Brewery Experience" took place in Yamagata Prefecture, where three skilled freelance professionals were brought together by HiPro Direct. This program, part of the "Yamagata Future Talent Utilization Project," aimed to support local breweries like Nakaoichi Sake Brewery, founded in 1923. The outcome? An extraordinary fundraising achievement—600% of the targeted amount was raised through crowdfunding efforts.
HiPro Direct focuses on connecting urban professionals seeking side jobs with small businesses in Yamagata Prefecture. Launched in 2023, the innovative two-day work program involved participants staying in the scenic towns of Kawanishi and Nanyo. Their main goal was to identify potential solutions for the brewery's growth challenges while taking a deep dive into the local culture and environment.
Eight carefully selected freelance professionals visited the towns, engaging in brewery tours and local exchanges. They immersed themselves in the essence of the company and community, which allowed them to uncover the inherent charm and potential within the region. Equipped with these insights, the participants presented their proposed solutions to local leaders.
Based on the presentations outlining their findings, three out of the eight participants were selected to work directly with the brewery.
The team of three freelancers embarked on a mission from brand strategy formulation to expanding distribution channels for a new sake brand named "BIRD." Their work encompassed drafting financial plans, designing incentives for backers in the crowdfunding campaign, and more. Their collaboration led to the unprecedented achievement of reaching 600% of the target crowdfunding goal.
After the successful crowdfunding phase, ongoing efforts focused on expanding BIRD's market presence—an initiative emphasizing the role of sake in fostering human connections.
President Yoshitaka Takahashi of Nakaoichi Sake Brewery remarked on the pressing challenges posed by the pandemic, coupled with rising rice prices affecting production. Thus, he sought external support through HiPro with the hopes of rejuvenating the brand for its next century. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable insights and expertise brought by the professionals, which significantly contributed to redefining the brewery's future.
HiPro Direct, part of Persol Career, continuously seeks to bridge freelance individuals with local businesses to revitalize economies and combat labor shortages in Japan. By nurturing connections between remote talents and local companies, HiPro aims to create a diverse workforce that drives regional economic activation and sustainable growth.
With a mission to transform the future of work, HiPro Direct provides a unique platform to connect companies to the right freelance talent in a way that is efficient and effective. Through such initiatives, it aims to revive not just businesses but entire communities, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and shared growth for another 100 years and beyond.
The Innovative Work Program
HiPro Direct focuses on connecting urban professionals seeking side jobs with small businesses in Yamagata Prefecture. Launched in 2023, the innovative two-day work program involved participants staying in the scenic towns of Kawanishi and Nanyo. Their main goal was to identify potential solutions for the brewery's growth challenges while taking a deep dive into the local culture and environment.
Eight carefully selected freelance professionals visited the towns, engaging in brewery tours and local exchanges. They immersed themselves in the essence of the company and community, which allowed them to uncover the inherent charm and potential within the region. Equipped with these insights, the participants presented their proposed solutions to local leaders.
Selecting the Right Talent
Based on the presentations outlining their findings, three out of the eight participants were selected to work directly with the brewery.
- - Professional N (30s): Experienced in web product management and marketing, N has worked in the Japanese sake industry focusing on business development and international trade. He is currently independents, engaging with local brewers to expand their product reach.
- - Professional K (30s): With a background in marketing at major advertising firms and startup experience in hotel management software, K now manages marketing consultancy projects. She contributes to the international expansion and digital marketing strategies of the new brand "BIRD."
- - Professional S (20s): S has experience in establishing community platforms and managing various service-oriented projects for a real estate company. His role includes overseeing crowdfunding project management and orchestrating events.
Comprehensive Support from Freelancers
The team of three freelancers embarked on a mission from brand strategy formulation to expanding distribution channels for a new sake brand named "BIRD." Their work encompassed drafting financial plans, designing incentives for backers in the crowdfunding campaign, and more. Their collaboration led to the unprecedented achievement of reaching 600% of the target crowdfunding goal.
After the successful crowdfunding phase, ongoing efforts focused on expanding BIRD's market presence—an initiative emphasizing the role of sake in fostering human connections.
President Yoshitaka Takahashi of Nakaoichi Sake Brewery remarked on the pressing challenges posed by the pandemic, coupled with rising rice prices affecting production. Thus, he sought external support through HiPro with the hopes of rejuvenating the brand for its next century. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable insights and expertise brought by the professionals, which significantly contributed to redefining the brewery's future.
HiPro Direct's Vision
HiPro Direct, part of Persol Career, continuously seeks to bridge freelance individuals with local businesses to revitalize economies and combat labor shortages in Japan. By nurturing connections between remote talents and local companies, HiPro aims to create a diverse workforce that drives regional economic activation and sustainable growth.
With a mission to transform the future of work, HiPro Direct provides a unique platform to connect companies to the right freelance talent in a way that is efficient and effective. Through such initiatives, it aims to revive not just businesses but entire communities, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and shared growth for another 100 years and beyond.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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