Embark on an Entrepreneurial Adventure! Yao Akindo Entrepreneurship School Begins Recruiting for FY2026

Based on the concept of 'Giving Shape to Ideas,' the 'Yao Akindo Entrepreneurship School' helps individuals aiming to start or open businesses in Yao City formulate business plans through phased learning and practice. (The program is commissioned by Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, to Tomoyasu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) This project offers two types of courses tailored to the growth phase of entrepreneurs: the 'Foundation Course' and the 'Practical Course.' In the 'Foundation Course,' a series of lectures will be held for 20 aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business plans. The 'Practical Course' offers hands-on support for those planning to open new stores in Yao City, helping them learn everything from the preparation phase to post-opening store management, providing close-contact support to 'give shape to their ideas.'

Overview of the Yao Akindo Entrepreneurship School Foundation Course

Twenty students, including entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, will refine their business plans over a six-month series of lectures. The course includes input from managers who excel in new business, branding, and marketing, as well as workshops on creating new businesses, idea generation methods, and individual interviews. As the culmination of the project, an 'Innovation Plan Presentation' will be held where students declare their determination for new challenges.

- **Application Deadline**: Until Friday, July 31 - **Recommended for**: (Starting a business in Yao City is mandatory) Those with a theme or idea for a business, those who see challenges in society or the community, those who want to turn their passion into a job, those who want to be independent but don't know where to start, and those who are anxious about their business experience or knowledge. - **What You'll Gain**: Clarity of your 'ideas', inventory of strengths and weaknesses, basics of business models, marketing concepts, income and expenditure calculation for business continuity, know-how for building a fan base, and a network of 20 fellow aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

**Annual Schedule** - Information Session: July 8 (Wed) 18:00-20:30 - Special Lecture 'How to Launch a New Business': Aug 13 (Thu) 18:00-21:00 - Idea Generation Workshop: Aug 22 (Sat) 18:00-21:00 - New Business Workshops ①-⑤: Designated dates from September to November - Various Special Lectures: 'Female Entrepreneurship,' 'Digital DX,' 'Marketing' - Individual Interviews: Dec 12 (Sat) & 19 (Sat) - Presentation Rehearsal: Jan 23, 2027 (Sat) - Innovation Plan Presentation: Feb 6, 2027 (Sat)

**Main Instructor**: Akira Fujiwara / Manager, Regional Business Dept., Resona Research Institute Co., Ltd. Having produced over 500 projects, he supports regional communities and entrepreneurs based on numerous case studies. Selected as one of the '100 People Breaking Through Japan' by AERA magazine.

Overview of the Yao Akindo Entrepreneurship School Practical Course (General Type)

This program is for individuals in Yao City before and after opening their stores. Experts in store management provide monthly hands-on support, offering specific advice to solve challenges related to store interior/exterior, menu development, and concept design, thereby promoting business continuity.

- **Application Deadline**: Until Friday, July 10 - **Recommended for**: (Starting a business in Yao City is mandatory) Those who have solidified their store's location and product/service direction and want to take the next step, those anxious about the opening procedures, and those who want to try even without store management experience. - **What You'll Gain**: Learn about business planning and strategy, create a sustainable financial plan, aim for your ideal store through interior/exterior design, and network with local senior entrepreneurs.

**Main Instructor**: Hironori Tomoyasu / President & CEO, Tomoyasu Seisakusho Co., Ltd. After obtaining his M.B.A., he joined Tomoyasu Seisakusho in 2004. He launched the online direct sales division and became president in 2016. With the philosophy of 'Playfully Living,' he develops diverse businesses and is also dedicated to regional revitalization.