[Saitama Prefecture] "Management Supporters" Have Begun Operations!

Saitama Prefecture is pleased to announce that "Management Supporters," who hold the qualification of Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, have been stationed at eight locations throughout the prefecture and began consultation and support activities on March 31, 2026.

"Management Supporters" are available to all small and medium-sized businesses in the prefecture. To ensure these businesses can secure appropriate profits, the supporters will match them with various support measures tailored to their specific management challenges and provide free, hands-on support in collaboration with local chambers of commerce and industry associations.

Businesses in the prefecture are currently facing a difficult environment due to concerns such as rising prices—including energy costs—and supply chain disruptions linked to the situation in Iran, as well as the need to respond to the weak yen and address labor shortages. By providing intensive, personalized support to these businesses, we aim to help them secure appropriate profits, which will in turn lead to wage increases and the sustainable development of our prefecture's economy.

1. Overview of Management Supporters (1) Eligible Recipients All small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses within the prefecture (including non-members of chambers of commerce and industry associations).

(2) Activities of Management Supporters 1. We will provide information to business operators regarding various support measures offered by the prefecture and other organizations. 2. We will propose and match appropriate support measures based on the requests of business operators. 3. We will provide free, hands-on support to help secure appropriate profits and create an environment conducive to wage increases. *Please note that Management Supporters may contact business operators by phone to provide information on support services.

(3) Examples of Anticipated Support Challenges - Wanting to raise wages but unable to secure sufficient profits - Seeking to improve productivity through DX (Digital Transformation) or labor-saving measures - Wanting to develop new business ventures - Seeking to resolve labor shortages - Seeking consultation on cash flow management - Wanting to advance price pass-through efforts

(4) Cost Free

(5) Support Period March 31, 2026 – Late March 2027 *After the support period ends, management instructors from chambers of commerce and industry associations will continue to provide ongoing support.

2. Management Supporter Contact Points Please contact the office located in the municipality where your business is based.

3. Inquiries Regarding the Management Supporter System Industrial Labor Policy Division, Department of Industry and Labor, Saitama Prefecture Phone: 048-830-3721 E-mail: a3710-02@pref.saitama.lg.jp

* "Why not utilize a Management Supporter!" Website https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0801/keiei-supporter.html