Experts Provide 7-Month Free Hands-On Support: Call for Applications from Sapporo SMEs for DX Assistance

Sapporo City and the Sapporo Foundation for Industry Promotion are implementing the 'SME DX Hands-On Consultation Support' program for small and medium-sized enterprises (excluding IT-related companies) headquartered in Sapporo. Through this initiative, expert advisors will provide free, on-site support for approximately seven months, guiding companies from current-state analysis to the formulation of DX promotion plans, selection and implementation of IT tools, and ensuring sustainable adoption. Around 15 companies will be accepted (on a first-come, first-served basis).

Responding to the On-the-Ground Need: 'We Don’t Know Where to Start'

In recent years, amid significant changes in the business environment such as labor shortages and rising raw material costs, interest in digital transformation (DX) for improving productivity and operational efficiency has grown. However, many companies still hesitate to initiate DX due to reasons such as 'being unable to clarify their own challenges,' 'failing to utilize IT tools after implementation,' or 'lacking dedicated personnel.'

This program addresses these concerns by deploying expert advisors directly into local SMEs to work side-by-side, identifying challenges and guiding them toward solutions through hands-on (accompaniment-style) support.

※ The program supports a wide range of local SMEs across various industries, including tourism, manufacturing, and logistics, with no sector restrictions.

Key Support Points and Process (Approx. 7 Months, 7 Visits/Online Sessions)

To ensure even first-time DX adopters feel confident, support is tailored to each company’s situation through the following steps:

Current-State Analysis and Challenge Identification: Through interviews, business operations and challenges are visualized, and priorities are clarified.

DX Plan (Roadmap) Development: A concrete DX promotion plan is created to address identified challenges.

IT Tool Selection: Experts collaborate with companies to select the most suitable IT tools for their specific needs.

Implementation and Adoption Support: Comprehensive support is provided from tool implementation to internal adoption and stabilization.

Effect Evaluation: Post-implementation outcomes are assessed to inform further improvements.

Program Overview

Eligibility: SMEs headquartered in Sapporo (excluding IT-related companies)

Participation Fee: Free of charge

Support Period: Approximately 7 months (around 7 visits, including online sessions)

Number of Participating Companies: Around 15 (application closes once capacity is reached)

Details and Application: Apply via the dedicated website on the Sapporo SME DX Portal (https://www.sapporo-dx-portal.jp/)

Contact Information

IT Industry Promotion Division, Sapporo Foundation for Industry Promotion

Contact: Sasaki

TEL: 011-807-6000 Email: [email protected]