HiPro Direct Selected to Operate Aomori Prefecture's 'Startup Launch Program for Professionals'

HiPro Direct, a side-job and freelance talent matching platform operated by Persol Career Co., Ltd., has been entrusted with Aomori Prefecture’s fiscal year 2026 project titled 'Implementation of the Startup Launch Program for Professionals.' This initiative will deliver a practical support program called 'Aomori Entrepreneurship Program: LOCAL PRENEUR AOMORI – Creating Future-Changing Businesses from Primary Industry Frontlines,' designed for individuals interested in starting businesses or launching ventures in Aomori. Applications will open on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Dedicated Website: https://hipro-job.jp/pro/service/direct/lp/local-preneur-aomori/

Background of the Commission

Aomori Prefecture boasts nationally renowned primary industry resources, including apples, scallops, rich forest, and marine products. However, these sectors face critical challenges such as labor shortages, market expansion, underutilized resources, advanced processing and distribution systems, and improving profitability—issues that must be addressed for sustainable regional development. Additionally, Aomori has experienced a net population outflow for over 70 years, with youth migration being particularly severe. To achieve the vision outlined in the prefectural basic plan—'A society where young people can freely envision and realize their futures by 2040'—fostering startups that drive social innovation is considered essential.

In response, Aomori Prefecture has launched this program to support professionals and individuals considering U/I/J-turns in launching startups and new ventures.

HiPro Direct’s Role

HiPro Direct will provide a comprehensive, hands-on support program guiding aspiring entrepreneurs from initial concept through to business launch and regional integration within Aomori.

Specifically, the program will include five online workshops focused on Aomori’s primary industry challenges, offering systematic learning in ideation, problem identification, and hypothesis validation. In October, participants will engage in fieldwork within Aomori’s primary industry sites for on-site validation. Additional support includes networking events with social entrepreneurs, personalized mentoring by professional experts, pitch sessions, and interactions with local support organizations to provide practical assistance toward business creation.

Program Overview: 'Aomori Entrepreneurship Program: LOCAL PRENEUR AOMORI'

Application Period: July 9 (Thu), 2026 – August 5 (Wed), 2026 Target Participants: Individuals interested in launching startups or businesses based in Aomori Prefecture (professionals, U/I/J-turn aspirants, etc.) Number of Participants: Approximately 10 Program Components: - Online workshops on business development (5 sessions) - Fieldwork within Aomori Prefecture - Individual mentoring by external professionals - Networking opportunities with social entrepreneurs and regional support organizations Program Duration: September 2026 – February 2027 Participation Fee: Free of charge

Note: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own transportation, accommodation, and meals during on-site program activities.

Application Method: Apply via the following link: https://ynlb.f.msgs.jp/n/form/ynlb/Kr2vtHHXRZCP6RC-nVTtY

About HiPro – Comprehensive Professional Talent Utilization Support Service <https://hipro-job.jp/>

HiPro (High Professional) is a comprehensive professional talent utilization support service with the purpose of 'Freeing skills to diversify society.' It connects businesses facing challenges with side-job and freelance professionals. Amid rising difficulties in talent acquisition for companies and evolving workstyles for individuals, HiPro provides opportunities for businesses to access needed talent and for individuals to find suitable projects through three services: HiPro Biz, HiPro Tech, and HiPro Direct. By expanding options for individuals seeking to leverage their experience and skills and for companies tackling complex challenges, HiPro aims to diversify society.

HiPro Biz – Professional Talent-Based Management Support Service <https://hipro-job.jp/corp/service/biz/> A management support service that partners companies addressing management challenges with top executives, CxOs, and expert-level professionals to guide them toward solutions.

HiPro Tech – IT and Technology-Specialized Agent Service <https://tech.hipro-job.jp/> An agent service that introduces IT and technology professionals—including engineers, IT consultants, technical advisors, and PMs/PMOs—to companies tackling challenges in the IT and technology sectors.

HiPro Direct – Side-Job and Freelance Talent Matching Platform Service <https://hipro-job.jp/pro/service/direct/lp/> A matching platform service enabling businesses and freelance professionals capable of solving challenges to connect directly and initiate work assignments as quickly as the same day.

About Persol Career Co., Ltd. <https://www.persol-career.co.jp/> Persol Career Co., Ltd. operates under the mission of 'Empowering people to make work their own.' Through job placement services like 'doda' and 'doda X' for high-level professionals, the company provides recruitment support, job advertising, and new graduate hiring assistance. In May 2022, it launched 'HiPro,' a comprehensive brand for professional talent utilization, marking its full-scale entry into the side-job and freelance market. Mobilizing the full strength of its group, Persol Career is committed to creating greater social value centered on individual workstyles, directly addressing societal challenges, and realizing a society where all work leads to smiles. Learn about our mission: https://www.persol-career.co.jp/mission_value/