Applications Open for Entrepreneur-First Acceleration Program "HIGO CANVAS"!

Applications are now open for this year's acceleration program, "HIGO CANVAS"!

This year, we have added new support menus, including "Prospective Customer Mentoring Sessions," and are implementing growth support that aligns with the needs and growth phases of entrepreneurs, with the concept of "Entrepreneur First."

We encourage you to take this opportunity to apply.

~A canvas for entrepreneurs to draw new businesses~

HIGO CANVAS

This is a regional acceleration program that discovers entrepreneurs who will contribute to the creation of new industries in the Kumamoto region and provides business growth support tailored to the support needs of each company, prioritizing "Entrepreneur First."

We aim to foster entrepreneurs who started in Kumamoto, in Kumamoto. We aim to build a "Kumamoto Startup Ecosystem," with the region uniting to support the growth of entrepreneurs with Kumamoto's characteristic generous and warm support.

【Official HIGO CANVAS Website】https://higo-canvas.com

Program Details

After setting goals that each selected participant aims to achieve during the program period (approximately 7 months), we will provide the following support, including interviews and ongoing support from HIGO CANVAS mentors and the secretariat, and will support the business growth of selected participants in collaboration with related companies and support organizations.

〇Individual Mentoring

We will conduct interviews to understand support needs and business challenges at the start of the program, and based on each company's requests, we will invite external experts to provide one-theme support. We will also provide individual presentation brush-ups for the pitch event scheduled for the following year.

〇Personal Mentor

A personal mentor will be assigned to support the entrepreneur's mental well-being, providing mentoring as needed during the period as a trusted confidant to whom they can freely discuss their concerns.

〇Finance Mentoring Sessions

Depending on funding needs, participants can engage in friendly exchanges and consultations with regional VCs and financial institutions. We will provide time for consultations and networking, including refreshments, to resolve everything from consultations on business financial plans to small questions before fundraising, fostering mutual understanding and exchange.

〇Workshops

Workshops with the theme of "getting hands-on" will be held once a month (6 sessions in total) during the program period, with participants completing homework assignments in advance. These workshops allow participants to learn the knowledge and know-how necessary for commercialization from experts.

〇Business Growth Funding

To address funding issues necessary for commercialization and business growth, growth funds of approximately up to 300,000 yen per company are available. The purpose of use will be determined by the secretariat's final decision after organizing each company's support needs and requests during the initial counseling.

〇Prospective Customer Mentoring Sessions

Mentoring sessions will be held with representatives from companies that could be prospective customers. By receiving direct feedback, participants can grasp customer needs and challenges during implementation, leading to the refinement of their business models and service content.

〇Alumni Community

Opportunities for interaction with HIGO CANVAS graduates will be provided. (Open to all)

Application Requirements

*This program is for startups that have been established for approximately 10 years or less, or individuals aiming to become entrepreneurs, who meet the following conditions.

(1) Those who have or plan to establish a business base such as a head office or branch in the Kumamoto region.

(If not yet established, a base such as a co-working space will be established within one month of selection)

(2) Startups or individuals aiming to become entrepreneurs (including students) who are challenging businesses that contribute to solving the problems of Kumamoto City and society as a whole, and creating new attractions, and who aim for business growth in the Kumamoto region.

(3) Those who can actively participate in all scheduled events of this program.

(4) Those who do not fall under the provisions of Article 2, Paragraphs 1 to 3 of the Kumamoto City Ordinance on the Exclusion of Organized Crime (2011 Ordinance No. 94).

Number of Selected Participants

Planned number of selections: 3 companies

Selection Method

Document screening, presentation screening

Schedule

This program will be conducted according to the following schedule.

*Schedules are subject to change.

〇Application Period Start: June 18 (Thu)

〇Application Deadline: August 2 (Sun)

〇Document Screening: August 3 (Mon) - August 6 (Thu)

〇Notification of Document Screening Results: August 7 (Fri)

〇Presentation Screening: August 18 (Tue)

〇Notification of Selection: August 19 (Wed)

How to Apply for the Acceleration Program

Please apply by entering the required information at the following URL: https://higo-canvas.com/entry/

【Inquiries about this program】

HIGO CANVAS Management Secretariat (Contact: Yamane, Tajima)

Email: [email protected]

Department and Contact Information

1-1 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 860-8601 (8th Floor, Kumamoto City Hall Main Building)

Kumamoto City, Economic and Tourism Bureau, Industry Promotion Department, Entrepreneurship and New Industry Support Division

Phone: 096-328-2392 (Direct) Email: [email protected]