Okayama's Yorozu Support Hub Launches 'Dream Realization Startup Workshop' for People Aged 50+ on Sundays Starting June 28

(Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) Okayama Prefecture Industrial Promotion Foundation, operating as the Okayama Yorozu Support Hub, will launch a new six-session workshop series titled 'Dream Realization Startup Workshop' for individuals aged approximately 50 and above who are aiming to start a business. The program will begin on Sunday, June 28, 2026, and will be held at the Creative Coworking Space TOGITOGI in Kita-ku, Okayama City.

In the era of 100-year lifespans, an increasing number of seniors are leveraging their professional experience and skills to pursue 'work styles that reflect their values.' However, many express concerns such as 'not knowing where to start' or 'feeling uncertain about funding and legal procedures.' This workshop utilizes Sunday mornings to offer an accessible, jargon-free curriculum that covers all essential steps of entrepreneurship—from foundational knowledge to business plan development and insights from experienced entrepreneurs—through small-group, face-to-face sessions.

1. Key Features of the Startup Workshop

1. Experience-to-Strength Transformation: Designed specifically for those aged 50+, this program goes beyond theoretical learning. It guides participants to inventory their life experiences and professional skills, transforming them into unique business models. Connecting with like-minded peers also provides strong motivation to take the first step.

2. Expert Mentorship by Certified Professionals: The course will be led by Shimane Mizuki, Coordinator at the Okayama Yorozu Support Hub, who holds certifications as both a Social Insurance and Labor Consultant and a Small and Medium Enterprise Diagnostician. With over 10 years of experience supporting SMEs at public institutions, following a career in financial services, she will provide practical advice grounded in legal, labor, financial, and technological management (MOT) expertise.

3. Convenient Sunday Learning Environment: The Yorozu Support Hub is open on Sundays to accommodate those unable to visit during weekdays. By holding the workshop on Sunday mornings, it creates a 'pre-entrepreneurship' opportunity for currently employed individuals to begin preparations before retirement.

2. Curriculum

Six progressive sessions (each from 9:30 to 11:30)

Session 1 (6/28): Fundamentals of Starting a Business (Company establishment, business registration, overview of social insurance)

Session 2 (7/05): Building a Business Strategy Using Your Strengths (SWOT analysis, differentiation strategy)

Session 3 (7/19): Branding and Communication Strategy (Who to target, what to convey, and how to communicate)

Session 4 (8/02): Financial Planning (Sales targets, cost calculation, break-even analysis)

Session 5 (9/06): Business Plan Development (Translating ideas into actionable plans)

Session 6 (9/13): Guest Lecture – Learning from Veteran Entrepreneurs (Real-life success stories of individuals who launched businesses after retirement)

3. Instructor

Shimane Mizuki

Coordinator, Okayama Yorozu Support Hub

(Social Insurance and Labor Consultant, Small and Medium Enterprise Diagnostician)

With practical experience in financial institutions, she has supported SMEs and employment promotion at public agencies for over 10 years. She applies her expertise in Management of Technology (MOT) to deliver comprehensive guidance.

4. Application Method

Please apply via the dedicated online form:

https://form.run/@sougyoujyuku0628

Inquiries

Okayama Yorozu Support Hub (3-10 Mayamachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City)

Phone: 086-206-2180

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Weekdays 9:00–17:00 (excluding 12:00–13:00)

About the Okayama Yorozu Support Hub

Established by the national government to support small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-businesses, the Yorozu Support Hub is a free business consultation center. It deploys specialist coordinators across various fields to address all types of management challenges faced by SMEs. (Operated under委托 by the Chugoku Economic Industry Bureau)