Fukuoka Yokatoko Business Plan Contest 2026 Now Accepting Applications!

Fukuoka Prefecture and Global Connect Fukuoka Network have been annually holding the 'Fukuoka Yokatoko Business Plan Contest' since FY2015, aiming to create new businesses that leverage local resources or solve regional problems across the prefecture. The contest targets individuals aspiring to start businesses within Fukuoka Prefecture. For FY2026, applications opened on April 1. Participants who advance to the secondary screening gain eligibility to apply for the 'Fukuoka Yokatoko Entrepreneurship Grant' (up to 2 million yen). The program schedule includes an application period from April 1 (Wednesday) to May 18 (Monday) at 12:00 PM (noon). The first screening is in mid-May (document review), a workshop in early June (online), the second screening in mid-July (presentation document review), and the final screening on August 22 (Saturday) afternoon (presentation by finalists in Fukuoka City). The award system for the general category includes a Grand Prize of 500,000 yen, Excellence Award and Regional Revitalization Award of 200,000 yen each, and a Special Award of 100,000 yen. The student category offers a Grand Prize of 100,000 yen. Application requirements are common for both general and student categories, requiring specification of the planned startup location (municipality) within the prefecture. Relocation to the prefecture is not mandatory; starting a business with some base in the prefecture is included. Each person can submit one application, and corporate or organizational applications are not accepted. Business plans presented at past final screenings are ineligible unless significantly improved or changed. For the general category, plans must be for a startup within three years in the prefecture, or for businesses founded after April 1, 2025 (less than one year at the time of application). Startup is defined as corporate registration or individual business opening notification within the prefecture. Existing businesses challenging new ventures are eligible if they plan to establish a new corporation. The student category is for university students up to master's level (excluding working adults). Students can apply to the general category, but non-students cannot apply to the student category. To apply, download application documents from the contest website (https://fukuoka-yokatoko.biz), fill them out, and submit via email. The contest is organized by Fukuoka Prefecture and Global Connect Fukuoka Network, and co-organized by Fukuoka Regional SME Support Council, Chikugo Regional SME Support Council, Kitakyushu Regional SME Support Council, Chikuhou Regional SME Support Council, Japan Finance Corporation, Fukuoka Bank, Nishi-Nippon City Bank, and Fukuoka Prefecture SME Support Center.