Recruiting Entrepreneurs Challenging Complex Social Issues: Social Entrepreneurship School Initiative 2026 Open for Applications

With five years remaining until the 2030 SDG targets, social problem solving is shifting from the goal-setting stage to the implementation stage, focusing on sustainable business operations. As issues such as population decline, labor shortages, isolation, and weakened social ties become more complex, the role of social entrepreneurs who innovate and implement solutions at the grassroots level has become increasingly vital.

The Social Entrepreneurship School Initiative, operated by NPO ETIC., has begun its call for 2026 applicants. Following the expansion to a two-course system in 2025, the program continues in 2026, working with 24 organizations ranging from startup to growth stages to explore business and management strategies for creating a better society. We welcome applications from entrepreneurs dedicated to tackling social issues and advancing their concepts into scalable businesses.

About the Social Entrepreneurship School Initiative: For over 20 years, this initiative has supported the growth of the next generation of social entrepreneurs by providing an environment where they can challenge and support one another in solving social issues and creating new value. We aim to build a network ecosystem where social issues are resolved in collaboration with various stakeholders, including corporations and entrepreneurs. Born from a collaboration between ETIC. and NEC in 2002, the program now involves multiple corporate partners. Participating companies support entrepreneurs as sponsors and seek synergy with internal resources, leading to many successful collaborative cases.

Official Partner: NEC Program Partner: Dentsu Inc.

2026 Application Overview: We are recruiting for two courses: the "Startup Course" for entrepreneurs in the early stages and the "Impact Course" for management teams in the growth stage. Both courses offer opportunities to refine businesses and improve social outreach through boot camps, mentoring, and sessions with corporate partners.

1. Startup Course: "Concretizing your vision and conducting hypothesis testing for your first business." This course supports early-stage social entrepreneurs in concretizing their visions and testing business hypotheses. Some participants will be specially selected as "NEC Social Entrepreneurship Program students" to gain additional co-creation opportunities. Application period: May 29, 2026 (Fri) – July 6, 2026 (Mon) 9:00 AM Program period: September 2026 – March 2027 Number of organizations: 16 organizations (planned), with 4 specially selected as NEC program students.

2. Impact Course: "Building a strong and healthy management team to realize your vision." This course is for growth-stage social entrepreneurs and management teams, focusing on reviewing visions and growth strategies, and building a strong, healthy management team. It supports management rooted in principles and conviction while planning for the next phase of the organization. Application period: May 29, 2026 (Fri) – July 6, 2026 (Mon) 9:00 AM Program period: September 2026 – March 2027 Number of organizations: Approx. 7–8 organizations (max 2 members per organization).