Kokopelli Inc. Hosts 'BA Award 2026: Specialists Driving Regional Economies'

Kokopelli Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shigeru Kondo) hosted the 'BA Award 2026: Specialists Driving Regional Economies' on Friday, June 12, 2026. This event recognized sales and banking professionals from regional banks, second-sector banks, credit unions, and credit cooperatives across Japan who have demonstrated exceptional results in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and revitalizing regional economies using the SME business support platform 'Big Advance'.

On the day, Kokopelli invited frontline staff from approximately 80 financial institutions that have adopted Big Advance, acknowledging their efforts in promoting the platform's adoption and utilization. The event honored 33 individuals for their outstanding achievements and provided a valuable opportunity for cross-institutional learning and information exchange through case study presentations and networking among participants.

BA Award 2026

### Event Highlights

#### Opening Special Lecture

A special keynote lecture was delivered by Mr. Ohibi from Midas Capital Co., Ltd., who shared insights from his experience in financial institutions and startup support. He emphasized the importance of continuous progress through challenges and failures, and discussed the evolving role of financial institutions in supporting corporate growth. The session offered a meaningful reflection on customer support approaches in an era of change.

#### Award Ceremony

Participants expressed positive feedback, stating, 'Hearing case studies from other financial institutions was highly inspiring,' 'I gained practical insights that I can apply to future client proposals,' and 'It was valuable to build relationships beyond our institutional boundaries.'

#### Case Presentations by Awardees

Award recipients shared real-world examples, including how they identified clients' management challenges and growth needs through loan consultations, then leveraged Big Advance to support market expansion and core business development. Other cases highlighted collaborations with group companies and external organizations to assist enterprises in market development and brand enhancement.

Event Overview

### Event Name

BA Award 2026: Specialists Driving Regional Economies

### Date and Time

June 12, 2026 (Friday), 13:30–16:45

### Venue

Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel (3-7-11 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

### Attendance

- Number of financial institutions: 31 - Total participants: 80 - Award recipients: 33

About Kokopelli Inc.

- Company Name: Kokopelli Inc. - Headquarters: 11th Floor, Kioicho Building, 3-12 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo - Representative: Shigeru Kondo, CEO - Founded: June 2007 - Business: Business platform services - URL: https://www.kokopelli-inc.com/ - Key Services: - 'Big Advance' – Business support service for SMEs - 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL' – Global business matching platform