NPO ETIC.'s "Local Venture Lab" for Young Regional Entrepreneurs Selected for MetLife Foundation's 2026 International Grant Program

NPO ETIC. (ETIC., Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce that its "Local Venture Lab" program, which fosters young entrepreneurs in regional areas, has been selected for the 2026 International Grant Program administered by the MetLife Foundation.

Through this grant (18 months, USD 250,000), we aim to nurture 52 young entrepreneurs who will address regional challenges and foster a community of young entrepreneurs who can support each other across regions nationwide.

"Local Venture Lab" Official Website: https://localventures.jp/localventurelab

Background of Selection: The Importance of Fostering Young Entrepreneurs in Regional Areas and the Barriers to Entrepreneurship

In Japan's regional areas, declining birthrates, aging populations, and population outflow are progressing, leading to a shortage of personnel to manage welfare services and living infrastructure. This is expanding the "gaps in society" that cannot be adequately addressed by administrative measures or existing systems alone. Fostering young individuals who can tackle diverse regional issues is a powerful means to solve these problems.

Young entrepreneurs have the potential to address challenges with ideas unconstrained by traditional customs or frameworks, and to create new business models by leveraging innovative ideas and digital technologies. Furthermore, they are expected to contribute to the revitalization of regional economies by creating employment and strengthening regional economic foundations through attracting funds and human resources from within and outside the region.

Moreover, the employment they create can lead to the development of an environment where young people and families can work comfortably in their hometowns, which in turn is expected to curb population outflow and increase the number of new residents.

Youth entrepreneurship in regional areas has the potential not only to solve specific issues through individual businesses but also to promote the transformation of the entire region, increase the number of problem solvers, and create resilient communities.

However, entrepreneurship in regional areas currently faces higher hurdles compared to urban areas, with a lack of information, networks, and know-how hindering the growth of entrepreneurs. Therefore, this program will offer a curriculum focused on the following:

Conducting lectures specialized in regional entrepreneurship, which cannot be learned in general entrepreneurship programs, and fieldwork in advanced regions. Additionally, establishing seminars where participants can learn practical knowledge from mentors who have tackled regional challenges as entrepreneurs in regional areas and refine their business concepts.

Implementing enhanced support courses for areas where challenges are particularly severe in regional areas (e.g., elderly welfare, education, community building).

Fostering a community where participants can continuously support each other's businesses after completion.

Group photo from the 9th term Local Venture Lab Demo Day in FY2025. After completion, participants visit each other's regions, maintain relationships with mentors, and support each other's businesses.

Grant Overview

The MetLife Foundation supports the activities of various organizations worldwide along three focus areas (economic inclusion, financial health, and strong communities) to achieve economic mobility for all.

Grantor: MetLife Foundation

Grant Period: January 2026 - June 2027 (18 months)

Grant Amount: USD 250,000

Grant Recipient Programs:

1 Local Venture Lab Regular Course (Selection and nurturing of 40 young entrepreneurs)

2 Thematic Enhanced Support Course (Accompanying support for 12 entrepreneurs working on elderly welfare, childcare support, etc.)

Future Developments

Moving forward, in parallel with ongoing community building support, the curriculum will be implemented according to the following schedule:

June 2026 - January 2027: Implementation of the 10th term "Local Venture Lab" program

October 2026 - February 2027: Implementation of the enhanced support program for 12 entrepreneurs in specific thematic areas

Organization Overview

About NPO ETIC. (ETIC.)

Move Forward. ETIC.

Accompanying those who take action, connecting them, and together creating a "new society."

Founded in 1993, became an NPO in 2000, and certified NPO in 2017. We focus on nurturing entrepreneurs, coordinating co-creation between different sectors such as companies and local governments, and training coordinators. Approximately 19,000 people have participated in the hands-on internship and entrepreneur support programs we have organized, and approximately 2,200 have started their own businesses.

Website: https://etic.or.jp/

About MetLife Foundation

The MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife's tradition of deeply connecting with and contributing to society. In collaboration with non-profit organizations and with active volunteer engagement from MetLife employees, we work towards achieving economic mobility for all within three focus areas (economic empowerment, financial health, and sustainable communities). To date, we have provided over USD 1 billion in support over 50 years.

Website: https://www.metlife.com/sustainability/MetLife-Foundation/