Launch of 'YOXO NEXT Entrepreneurship Lab' Program for Middle and High School Students

## Launch of 'YOXO NEXT Entrepreneurship Lab' Program for Middle and High School Students

plan-A Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City; President: Takeshi Aizawa; hereinafter 'plan-A') is hosting three programs under the 'YOXO NEXT Entrepreneurship Lab' for middle and high school students at YOXO BOX, a next-generation entrepreneurship development hub operated by Yokohama City. The company is currently accepting applications for the 'Work Exploration Seminar' and the 'Entrepreneurship Idea Workshop.'

### Background and Purpose
Yokohama City implements the YOXO NEXT Entrepreneurship Lab to help young people living in an 'era without conventions' touch upon the entrepreneurial mindset and acquire the power to 'carve out their own lives' and 'entrepreneurial spirit' through experience. This year, the program has been expanded to further foster interest in regional issues and the choice of entrepreneurship while realistically feeling the local workforce.

### Program Details

1. Work Exploration Studio (NEW)
Imagine the future of work through interviews with adults who have experienced various occupations. (Scheduled for autumn; participant recruitment to be announced separately.)

2. Work Exploration Seminar (NEW)
Local companies serve as lecturers to help participants understand money and work, deepening their interest in careers.

3. Entrepreneurship Idea Workshop
Welcoming veteran entrepreneurs as guests, participants work in teams to explore solutions to entrepreneurial 'challenges.'

### Summer Event Overview (Applications Open)

- Work Exploration Seminar
- Date and Time: July 26, 2026 (Sun), 10:00 - 13:00
- Lecturers: Pompadour Co., Ltd., Bank of Yokohama, Ltd.

- Entrepreneurship Idea Workshop
- Date and Time: August 23, 2026 (Sun), 13:00 - 17:00
- Guest: Mr. Sakuno from Oh My Family, Inc.

- Common Information
- Target: Middle and high school students (20 people per day, first-come, first-served)
- Venue: YOXO BOX (1F ICON Kannai, 1-6 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City)
- Participation Fee: Free
- Application: https://yoxonext.jp/kigyolab202607/

### About the 'Next-Generation Entrepreneurial Talent Development Project (YOXO NEXT)'
Yokohama City is engaged in fostering and supporting talent who aspire to become entrepreneurs, as they are expected to take on the future regional economy and resolve local economic issues. Starting in FY2025, the city launched the 'Next-Generation Entrepreneurial Talent Development Project' targeting young entrepreneurs who aim to solve regional and lifestyle issues from new perspectives, as well as young people including middle and high school students interested in entrepreneurship.

### About 'YOXO BOX'
YOXO BOX is a core next-generation entrepreneurship development hub for Yokohama City's 'Innovation City Yokohama' initiative. Since its opening in October 2019, it has provided growth support and networking opportunities for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs, supporting the creation of local innovation.

plan-A is a member of the joint venture as an operator. Since FY2025, it has been promoting the development of next-generation entrepreneurs and the creation of community-based entrepreneurship support networks through programs such as 'YOXO NEXT,' an entrepreneurial mindset fostering program targeting young people.