SHINJUKU DREAM ACTIVATION IX – Shinjuku Business Plan Contest – Now Accepting Entries!!

Shinjuku Ward, in collaboration with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce & Industry Shinjuku Branch, is hosting the 'Shinjuku Business Plan Contest' to support the creation of innovative new businesses that contribute to solving local community challenges. Outstanding business plans will be recognized and provided with follow-up support toward commercialization. Winners will receive prize money of up to 500,000 yen. Applications are now open.

*Application deadline: Friday, July 31

For entry methods and further details, please visit the official website below:

Official Website: https://www.shinjuku-sda.com

[Evaluation Committee & Activators]

Evaluation Committee: Seasoned Professionals from the Frontlines of Business

The evaluation committee consists of accomplished executives actively leading in various business fields, including IT, marketing, manufacturing, consulting, and startup investment. They will assess submissions from diverse perspectives and provide valuable feedback.

Professional Support for Refinement and Post-selection Follow-up

Activators are entrepreneurship support professionals who conduct document evaluations (second screening) and provide comprehensive refinement support. They will work intensively with applicants who pass the first screening and with awardees to significantly elevate the quality of their business plans.

[Eligibility]

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria and either plan to start a business in Shinjuku Ward or have started within the past approximately five years:

1. Reside, study, or work within Shinjuku Ward

2. Be a small or medium-sized enterprise based in Shinjuku Ward

[Important Notes]

- Students from outside the ward may apply if their university’s principal office is registered within Shinjuku Ward

- For team applications, the representative applicant must meet the above eligibility criteria

- Business plans that have previously won awards in other business plan competitions are not eligible

- Businesses for which products or services are already on the market are not eligible

- Business plans must comply with public order and good customs and be socially appropriate

[Schedule]

[Activation Support & Post-award Follow-up]

Activation Support

Individualized support will be provided to applicants who pass the document screening to refine and enhance their business plans.

Post-award Follow-up Support

Continued individualized support will be provided to awardees from the final event to assist with business launch and development (up to two years).

[Additional Support]

Waiver of Facility Usage Fees at Tachikawa Entrepreneurship Support Center

Applicants who pass the interview evaluation will receive a waiver of facility usage fees (10,000 yen per month) at the Tachikawa Entrepreneurship Support Center, an incubation facility operated by Shinjuku Ward, as support for establishing a business base (up to two years).

This contest offers abundant support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Even if you only have an idea, the Activators’ refinement support will help you turn your concept into a viable business plan. Your idea could change the world. We look forward to your application!!

[Entry (Submission of Business Plan)]

Please apply via the entry form on the official website (electronic application system).