Launch of 2026 Recruitment for 'DIVE,' a Regional Impact Business Creation Program

Zebras and Company (Z&C; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs: Yohei Azakami, Yoshitaka Tabuchi), in collaboration with the Shiojiri City Promotion Association (Headquarters: Shiojiri City, Nagano; Representative Director: Hisaya Furuhata) supported by Shiojiri City, and M&A knowledge company GOZEN (operated by drapology Inc.; CEO: Naohiro Fuda), will begin accepting applications for the 2026 fiscal year cohort of the regional impact business creation program 'DIVE' starting today, April 28 (Tuesday).

### 4th Cohort 'DIVE' Recruitment Guidelines

- **Special Site (Details/Application):** https://www.sunaba.org/dive
- **Online Briefing:** May 12 (Tuesday) 12:00-13:00 (Registration required)
- **Application Period:** April 28 (Tuesday) to May 25 (Monday) 23:59, 2026

### We welcome social entrepreneurs who:
- Are in the seed to early stage, where the business model is taking shape and cash is starting to flow, but the business remains unstable.
- Face challenges in revenue structure, prioritization, or resource allocation and wish to redesign for sustainability.
- Want to clarify strategies to deepen or expand social impact.
- Wish to reflect on 'why they do it' and 'how to continue' based on current practices.
- Seek to take the next step through dialogue with like-minded peers.

### What is 'DIVE'?

#### Background
Regional issues such as population decline, aging, and labor shortages are becoming increasingly complex. These challenges require business creation rooted in local contexts. However, regional social businesses often struggle to balance profitability and social impact due to market size constraints and complex stakeholder relationships. This program creates an environment for social entrepreneurs to face these unique difficulties.

#### Overview
DIVE is a hands-on support program where regional social entrepreneurs build or redesign businesses that integrate social impact and profitability, starting from their own values and lifestyle. Since its launch in 2022, about 40 entrepreneurs have participated, leading to fundraisings and new business launches across various regions.

#### Features of 'DIVE'
1. **Business Design Starting from Values:** We emphasize entrepreneurs defining the scale and form they wish to maintain, rather than assuming scalable growth as the only goal. We address social issues as systemic structures to design sustainable solutions.
2. **Collaborative Mentorship by Three Parties:** Combined expertise in impact design and business construction (Z&C), regional practical knowledge (Sunaba), and financial planning (GOZEN) provides integrated support from concept to implementation.
3. **Practical Learning Starting from Hypotheses:** Instead of learning frameworks first, participants build a pitch deck based on their own hypotheses. This process clarifies issues, leading to deeper understanding and better business construction.

### Program Content
Over approximately six months and nine sessions, the program covers hypothesis building, business model and financial design, and a final pitch presentation. Sessions include team dialogues, mutual feedback, workshops, video materials, and follow-up support. The process is online-centered with some in-person elements.

*Schedules and session counts may change based on participant progress. Individual follow-up sessions will be provided as needed.

### Comments from Stakeholders
- Daisuke Saigusa, Civic Innovation Hub Sunaba Team: 'Together, let's create the town we want to live in...'