Stayway Starts OJT-Style Consulting for Hiroshima Bank to Support 'Energy-Saving Subsidies (Equipment-Based)'

Stayway Inc. (hereinafter 'Stayway') has provided OJT-style consulting support to The Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. (hereinafter 'Hiroshima Bank') regarding the 'Subsidy for Promoting Energy Conservation Investment and Supporting Demand Structure Transformation (Equipment-Based)' (hereinafter 'Energy-Saving Subsidies (Equipment-Based)').

Under this initiative, targeting the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Energy-Saving Subsidies (Equipment-Based), Stayway and Hiroshima Bank will jointly support subsidy applications. Through hands-on support in actual business cases, the program aims to accumulate application support expertise within Hiroshima Bank, strengthen its organizational structure, and further promote energy-saving investments among regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

[Background of the Initiative] Since signing a business alliance agreement in May 2024, Hiroshima Bank and Stayway have promoted subsidy application support for regional SMEs. Hiroshima Bank has been highly active in supporting regional companies' growth investments, ranking first among regional financial institutions in the number of confirmation letters issued for the 'Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy (1st to 5th rounds).'

Against this backdrop, energy-saving investments have become an urgent issue for SMEs due to factors such as rising energy prices, and interest in energy-saving subsidies has increased. However, applying for these subsidies requires a deep understanding of the regulatory framework and complex calculations of energy-saving effects, representing a major hurdle that discourages companies from applying. Meanwhile, Hiroshima Bank wished to support local businesses in decarbonization and productivity improvement, but faced the challenge of strengthening its support structure for energy-saving investments, which require highly specialized knowledge.

Recognizing these needs and building on their previous collaboration, the two companies launched this OJT-style support program to directly transfer Stayway's specialized expertise to Hiroshima Bank's sales frontlines. Moving beyond classroom training, this program establishes a solid support system through actual application projects, resolving local SMEs' concerns of not knowing who to consult on specialized matters, and guiding them to successful subsidy utilization.

[Details of the Initiative] The program focuses on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Energy-Saving Subsidies (Equipment-Based) and employs a hands-on OJT consulting format utilizing actual projects.

Specifically, the teams will join client hearings to gather and organize all necessary information without omission. Furthermore, Stayway will share its processes for calculating energy-saving effects and proprietary formulas with Hiroshima Bank. The two companies will collaborate on writing applications, leveraging generative AI, and final refinement, providing comprehensive support throughout the process.

[Comments from Representatives] Hiroshima Bank, Solutions Sales Department, Corporate Solutions Office: 'Amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, some businesses are facing the challenge of coping with rising energy prices through energy-saving measures. While we have supported regional growth investments through programs like the "Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy," we felt it necessary as a regional financial institution to build a support system for energy-saving investments, which attract strong interest from business owners. Through this OJT-style support, we will acquire Stayway's extensive expertise. By accompanying local businesses in navigating these highly specialized and challenging subsidies, we will strongly back their investments in the future.'

Jun Sato, Representative Director of Stayway: 'Stayway has helped financial institutions build and strengthen their subsidy support systems through our "Subsidy Cloud" service and study sessions. Since our alliance in May 2024, we have established a strong partnership with Hiroshima Bank to support regional growth. This initiative takes that cooperation a step further, representing a pioneering effort to firmly establish practical expertise on the ground. By embedding Stayway's technology and knowledge into Hiroshima Bank's broad network supporting the local economy, we will fully support SMEs to smoothly execute energy-saving investments and achieve sustainable management.'

[About the "Subsidy Cloud" Series] "Subsidy Cloud" is a DX service for subsidy applications designed for financial institutions, businesses, and certified professionals. It collects and centralizes complex information on subsidies scattered across national and local governments, providing customized information to meet the needs of each SME. By utilizing data and technology for visualization, analysis, and efficiency improvement, it serves as a platform ensuring equal growth opportunities for all SMEs through subsidies.