Establishment of the "SMB Solution Management Forum" to Explore New Possibilities for Sales Channel Development Targeting SMEs

Funai Consulting Incorporated (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daisuke Shingai; hereinafter "Funai Consulting"), a management consulting firm with specialized consultants for mid-sized and small businesses, will establish the "SMB (*) Solution Management Forum," a membership-based study group aimed at developing sales channels and partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises, on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (*) SMB: Small and Medium Business ▼ Click here for application and details https://www.funaisoken.co.jp/study/141258 ■ Background of the Event Small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 99.7% of Japanese companies, are not fully utilizing services that contribute to strengthening their management foundation, such as DX, human resource development, and operational efficiency. On the other hand, there are many companies that have high-quality B2B products but face challenges in "developing sales channels to SMEs." In order to bridge this supply-demand gap and contribute to the improvement of overall productivity in Japan, Funai Consulting has established the "SMB Solution Management Forum," a co-creation platform that combines B2B companies with Funai Consulting's consulting network. ■ Event Overview Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 16:00-18:00 Venue: Funai Consulting Group Tokyo Headquarters Sustaina Growth Square TOKYO (35th Floor, Yaesu Central Tower, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) Participant Profile: Business owners, business managers, and B2B sales managers of DX tool vendors, SaaS companies, and IT service providers aiming to deploy services and products for SMEs ■ Features and Benefits of this Forum ① Provision of practical know-how based on Funai Consulting's case studies Based on Funai Consulting's experience of providing consulting to SMEs for over 50 years, we provide know-how that can be utilized in the field by companies expanding their services to SMBs. ② Building "Mentors and Friends" among participants Through mutual matching and case studies via information exchange among members, you can get hints for improving your company's service sales. ③ Use of a place where you can directly connect with potential customers You can utilize opportunities to increase your company's recognition through information dissemination opportunities at idea pitch events, study groups, and seminars hosted by Funai Consulting, as well as sharing information with event participants. ■ Information on the 1st Regular Meeting - Held on Thursday, April 23 The first regular meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026. From the first session, participating companies will hold a "business pitch," and multiple industry-specific consultants from Funai Consulting will participate and provide feedback on how to approach the SMB market. 16:00-16:20 Trend Explanation Lecture by Funai Consulting Consultants Explanation of topics of interest to SME managers by industry, based on raw marketing data 16:20-17:20 Business Pitches by Member Companies (10 minutes per company: 3 minutes pitch + 7 minutes feedback) Multiple industry-specific consultants from Funai Consulting will participate and be in charge of feedback 17:20-18:00 Information Exchange Meeting Cost: 27,500 yen per month (tax included, per participant)