[New Business] Comprehensive Support from Business Plan Formulation to Execution for Self-Transformation – Recruitment for Schools and Seminars Begins –

Due to the impact of global affairs, society and the economy are undergoing drastic changes, and the business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo is experiencing remarkable shifts.

In this context, it is crucial for SMEs to enhance their resilience to management risks, achieve robust management, and attain sustainable growth, which will contribute to the maintenance and development of industries in Tokyo.

Therefore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center will provide comprehensive support, from the formulation to the execution of plans for strengthening SME management, and will also provide financial assistance for the expenses necessary to realize these plans.

Recruitment for schools and seminars has now begun.

Support Details

1. Overview of the School

[Target Applicants]
SMEs or SME organizations (all industries) with business offices in Tokyo.

[Capacity]
60 companies (selection will be made if applications exceed capacity).

[Tuition Fee]
Free

[Application Start Date]
May 11, Reiwa 8 (2026)

[Venue]
Around Akihabara (planned)

[Content]
Participants can systematically learn about strategy formulation and plan development necessary for corporate transformation, as well as methods for creating action plans for their execution. Opportunities for group work and interaction among participating companies, such as after the school program, will also be provided.

[Application Method, etc.]
For details on how to apply, please visit the following website:
https://www.tokyo-kosha.or.jp/support/shien/kyojinka/index.html

[Application Period]
From Monday, May 11, Reiwa 8 (2026) to Tuesday, June 30, Reiwa 8 (2026).
If a certain number of applications are reached, acceptance may close even within the application period.

2. Support for Companies Attending the School

(1) Ongoing Support
Support Content: Advisors will continuously provide advice on strategy formulation, plan development, and execution support to companies attending the school.
Support Period: 3 years from the date of acceptance into the school program.

(2) Subsidy Support
Eligible Companies: Companies that have completed the school program.
Maximum Subsidy Amount: Up to 20 million JPY per company.
Subsidy Rate: Up to two-thirds.
*Separate screening required.

(3) Open Innovation Program
Support Content: For companies that have completed the school program, support for business matching with other companies will be provided through an open innovation platform.
Support Period: 1 year from March 1, Reiwa 9 (2027).
*Separate screening required.

Support Scheme

Seminar

[Date and Time]
Monday, June 8, Reiwa 8 (2026), 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

[Content (Planned)]
◆Corporate Transformation Required for Companies Now!
Explanation of the necessity of corporate transformation to achieve robust management and sustainable growth, and the perspectives that should be held.
Mr. Kazuo Akishima, Representative Director, IAC Co., Ltd. (School Instructor)
・Necessity of corporate transformation
・Curriculum learned at the school, etc.

◆What is Open Innovation?
Explanation of the importance of open innovation necessary for inter-company collaboration.
Mr. Kazuhito Naritomi, Representative Director, Japan Open Innovation Association
Ms. Tomomi Kusayanagi, Manager, Regional Innovation Promotion Department, Regional Innovation Promotion Division, eiicon Co., Ltd. (Open Innovation Program Operating Company)
・Learning from the basics to practical application of open innovation
・Introduction of the Open Innovation Program
・Networking event for seminar participants, etc.

[Venue]
AP Nishi-Shinjuku (Odakyu Shinjuku Kifu Building 6F, 7-2-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
And online (Zoom Webinar) distribution.

[Target Audience]
Business owners, next-generation business owners, and those involved in management of SMEs (all industries) in Tokyo.

[Capacity]
Up to 100 people for in-person attendance (first-come, first-served, pre-registration required).

[Application Method, etc.]
For details on how to apply, please visit the following website:
https://www.tokyo-kosha.or.jp/support/shien/kyojinka/index.html

[Application Period]
From Monday, May 11, Reiwa 8 (2026) to Sunday, June 7, Reiwa 8 (2026).
For in-person attendance, registration may close once capacity is reached.
*The seminar content is scheduled to be archived and distributed on the above website after the seminar ends.

This project promotes the "2050 Tokyo Strategy." Strategy 13 Industry: "Supporting SMEs and Assisting Growth."

[Inquiries]
◆Regarding this press release
Industrial and Labor Affairs Bureau, Commerce and Industry Department, Management Support Division
Phone: 03-5320-4784 (direct)

◆Regarding project details
Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, Transaction Promotion Division
Phone: 03-5822-7250 (direct)