Machida New Industry Creation Center, Tama Shinkin Bank, and AGORA Inc. Co-Host "LEVEL UP STAGE 2026" Business Contest to Provide Hands-On Support for Entrepreneurs' Business Challenges. Applications Begin May 7 (Thursday).

AGORA Inc. (pronounced: Agora, Head office: Machida City, Tokyo, Representative: Nobuki Hasebe), a group company of Keep Will Dining Inc. which operates restaurants such as cafes and izakayas, and which develops co-working spaces in Tokyo and promotes startup support, will hold the "LEVEL UP STAGE2026" business contest aimed at accelerating business.

This year marks the 7th iteration, and similar to 2025, it will be co-hosted with Machida New Industry Creation Center Inc. (Location: Machida City, Tokyo, Representative: Satoru Hori), which established and operates Machida City's first startup support facility, and Tama Shinkin Bank (Head office: Tachikawa City, Tokyo, Chairman: Masahiko Kanai), which focuses on startup support, including startup support loans and entrepreneurship schools. Applications will be open from Thursday, May 7, 2026, to Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with the final selection round scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

｜ What is LEVEL UP STAGE

It is a business contest that connects entrepreneurs who are seriously addressing their challenges with regional resources and networks, leading them to the next stage by leveling up their vision. It accelerates business towards growth and social implementation!

｜ What is the Supporter System

LEVEL UP STAGE introduces a "Supporter System" to encourage entrepreneurs to take a step towards business growth and social implementation.

The Supporter System involves partners such as companies, experts, and support organizations who sympathize with the purpose of this contest and support the challenges of entrepreneurs.

Through opportunities such as the final selection and semi-finals, entrepreneurs and supporters can meet, potentially leading to relationships that contribute to future business growth.

Furthermore, supporters are provided with publicity opportunities, such as logo placement, and can interact with entrepreneurs by participating in and networking at the event on the day.

｜ Our Vision for Holding the Event

AGORA Inc. started in 2019 as a Tokyo-certified incubation facility with the keyword "dreams accelerate," and has since produced numerous entrepreneurs.

With significant changes in working styles due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in opportunities to reflect on one's life's work, LEVEL UP STAGE supports the realization of business for those choosing "entrepreneurship" as an option, by providing a hands-on level-up program during the selection process.

We believe that our purpose and mission are not merely to provide a platform for business ideas, but to offer an opportunity for as many applicants as possible to take the "first step towards commercialization" and contribute, even in a small way, to the revitalization of the region and society.

・Organizers: AGORA Inc., Tama Shinkin Bank, Machida New Industry Creation Center Inc.

・Sponsors: COCOPELLI Inc., Sagami Women's University, freee K.K.

・Collaborators: Kanto Gakuin University, Meisei University, Odakyu SC Development Co., Ltd., GLOCALGUNS HI Inc., Regional Design Lab Saitama Inc., Japan Finance Corporation, GOB Inc.

・Supporters: Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, Hachioji City, Tachikawa City, Musashino City, Mitaka City, Ome City, Fuchu City, Akishima City, Chofu City, Machida City, Koganei City, Kodaira City, Hino City, Higashimurayama City, Kokubunji City, Kunitachi City, Fussa City, Komae City, Higashiyamato City, Kiyose City, Higashikurume City, Musashimurayama City, Tama City, Inagi City, Hamura City, Akiruno City, Nishitokyo City, Mizuho Town, Hinode Town, Hinohara Village, Okutama Town, Sagamihara City, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Hitotsubashi University, Sagamihara Industrial Creation Center Inc., Machizukuri Mitaka Inc., Hachioji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cyber Silk Road Hachioji), Tachikawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Musashi Fuchu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Machida Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sagamihara Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

｜ LEVEL UP STAGE 2026 Overview

Official Website: https://www.levelupstage.com/2026

Name: Business Support Business Contest LEVEL UP STAGE 2026

Final Selection Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Venue: Tamashin Regional / Future Co-creation Center me:rise Tachikawa

Application Period: Thursday, May 7, 2026 - Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Eligible Applicants: All of the following criteria must be met.

(1) Those who fall under any of the following:
・Those planning to start a business or just starting one
・Those with a business idea
・Those already operating a business for less than 5 years
・Those already operating a business and considering launching a new one
・Those already operating a business and have launched a new one within 5 years

(2) Those who can participate in the second selection and final selection in the BUSO or TAMA blocks.

(3) Those who meet the following requirements:
・Not an individual, corporation, or other organization under the control of organized crime or organized crime members.
・Not a religious corporation or a corporation/organization whose primary purpose is political activity.