Knit Inc. Awarded Contract for "FY2026 ICT Utilization Regional Industry Promotion Project Telework Office Operation Services" in Matsumoto City

Knit Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takao Akizawa, hereinafter "Knit") is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the contract for telework office operation services through a public proposal process at "Sazangaku (33GAKU)", an ICT hub in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, operated by the General Incorporated Foundation Matsumoto Manufacturing Industry Support Center.

Since its founding, Knit has operated its business entirely remotely, promoting the utilization of human resources beyond regional boundaries and improving operational efficiency. Through this contract, Knit will work to resolve the shortage of personnel for back-office operations faced by regional companies in Matsumoto City and its neighboring municipalities, and to create employment opportunities for local residents such as those raising children, new residents, and university students.

Knit Inc. Awarded Contract for Matsumoto City's ICT Utilization Regional Industry Promotion Project Telework Office Operation

Background of the Contract: Matsumoto City's Promotion of ICT Utilization for Regional Industry

Based on the Matsumoto City Industrial Vision Mid-term Review (FY2023-FY2027), the General Incorporated Foundation Matsumoto Manufacturing Industry Support Center operates the ICT support hub "Sazangaku" and promotes the ICT Utilization Regional Industry Promotion Project.

The Sazangaku Telework Office, which plays a central role in this project, has the following two missions:

- To resolve the shortage of personnel for regional companies' back-office operations

- To create employment opportunities for local residents

It was determined that the specialized knowledge and know-how of private businesses were indispensable for solving these issues, and a public proposal method was adopted. Following a rigorous review, our company was selected as the operating business.

Overview of Knit Inc. (HELP YOU) Services

Knit's online outsourcing service "HELP YOU" supports companies' back-office operations remotely with a team of 650 members across Japan and 35 countries worldwide. In addition to utilizing telework personnel, its strengths lie in significantly reducing administrative tasks for client companies through business automation using AI, RPA, and other technologies.

Key Value Provided by HELP YOU

- Prompt operational support (all back-office functions) by utilizing telework personnel

- Up to 50% reduction in administrative tasks through automation of routine tasks using AI, RPA, etc.

- Continuous quality improvement through support for worker skill development

- High security standards and information management system through P-mark acquisition

- Track record and reliability as a company certified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as one of the "Telework Pioneers 100"

Knit's Achievements

Project Overview

Project Name

FY2026 ICT Utilization Regional Industry Promotion Project Telework Office Operation Services

Client

General Incorporated Foundation Matsumoto Manufacturing Industry Support Center (Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture)

Contractor

Knit Inc.

Contract Period

April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025

Selection Process

Selection via public proposal method

Scope of Work

Support for regional companies' back-office operations and creation of employment opportunities for local residents through the operation of the Sazangaku Telework Office

Implementation Location

Sazangaku (33GAKU), 1F, NTT East Matsumoto Daimachi Building, 3-3-9 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Target Region

Matsumoto region, including Matsumoto City and the neighboring cities of Shiojiri and Azumino

Main Initiatives

[1] Recruitment and Training of Local Human Resources

- New recruitment of personnel from various backgrounds residing in the Matsumoto City surrounding areas (e.g., those raising children, new residents, university students)

[2] Acceptance and Support of Work for Regional Companies

- Acceptance of a wide range of back-office tasks, including sales administration, accounting, HR recruitment, marketing, and e-commerce site operation

[3] Support for Improving Operational Efficiency of Regional Companies Using AI and DX

- Improving the efficiency of regional companies' administrative tasks through business automation using AI and RPA

- Promoting the utilization of AI by regional companies

Future Development

Through the operation of Matsumoto City's Sazangaku Telework Office, Knit will actively provide operational support to regional companies in Matsumoto City and its neighboring municipalities. In collaboration with local chambers of commerce and Matsumoto City, Knit will promote the adoption of outsourcing for back-office operations among small and medium-sized enterprises facing challenges. Furthermore, Knit will provide skill development support to local residents working at the telework office (e.g., those raising children, new residents, university students) to achieve both high-quality service provision and stable employment opportunities.

Knit will continue to deepen its collaboration with local governments and public institutions to contribute to improving the productivity of regional companies and realizing new ways of working in rural areas.

Comments

Mr. Fukasawa, Facility Manager, Sazangaku, General Incorporated Foundation Matsumoto Manufacturing Industry Support Center

At Sazangaku, the telework office business is positioned as one of our core initiatives and is being operated.

We believe that through Knit Inc.'s extensive experience and know-how in handling back-office operations, which they have cultivated to date, this contract will lead to improved productivity for local companies and the creation of new employment opportunities for diverse human resources, including those raising children.

Going forward, Sazangaku will continue to promote industry development in the Matsumoto region by supporting the growth of local companies and creating an environment where everyone can work flexibly.

Takao Akizawa, Representative Director, Knit Inc.

We are deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to undertake the "FY2026 ICT Utilization Regional Industry Promotion Project Telework Office Operation Services" for the General Incorporated Foundation Matsumoto Manufacturing Industry Support Center.

Knit has harbored a strong desire to solve regional issues, including conducting SNS utilization seminars in Matsumoto City. We are very pleased that this aspiration has borne fruit in the form of this contract.

The shortage of back-office personnel in Matsumoto City and the situation of local residents who wish to work but cannot, are precisely the themes that our company has been working to resolve nationwide. Through this project, we will wholeheartedly strive to provide a secure working environment and employment opportunities to local residents and become a partner supporting the growth of regional companies.

Commitment to Partnership

Overview of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Municipality: Matsumoto City City Hall Address: 3-7 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Population: Approximately 230,000 (as of May 1, 2026) Mayor: Yoshinori Gakuen Phone Number: 0263-34-3000 (Main) URL: https://www.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/

Knit Inc.

Knit Inc.

Company Name: Knit Inc.

Representative: Takao Akizawa, President and Representative Director

Head Office Location: Green Fantasia Building 407, 1-11-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Established: August 2017 *HELP YOU service launched in 2015

Business Activities: Operation of the online outsourcing service "HELP YOU". Also develops learning services for workers and media business to support workers.

URL: https://knit-inc.com/

What is the Online Outsourcing Service "HELP YOU"?

Online Outsourcing Service "HELP YOU"

A business efficiency service where a team of skilled assistants with diverse skill sets supports your work. We handle back-office tasks (HR, accounting, sales administration, document creation, etc.) as online outsourcing, contributing to the creation of an environment where you can focus on your core business.

Our members are located in 35 countries worldwide, including the United States, France, and Germany, as well as across Japan in prefectures such as Tokyo, Miyagi, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

HELP YOU Service Site: https://help-you.me/

HELP YOU Recruitment Site: https://va.help-you.me/

<Inquiries Regarding This Matter>

Knit Inc.

Public Relations Contact: Ozawa

Phone Number: 050-5212-5574

Email Address: [email protected]