Recruitment Begins for "Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School 2026"

Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School 2026

Shiga Bank is now accepting applications for the "Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School 2026," which will commence on August 28 (Fri).

Background and Objectives of This Initiative

Amidst declining population, diversification of values, and changes in industrial structure, the importance of initiatives that simultaneously create new businesses and solve social issues is increasing in regional areas. In this environment, the bank, guided by its purpose to "make the region happy with the "three-way satisfaction" principle," considers it a crucial role to foster challenging individuals and companies beyond the scope of finance, thereby contributing to the overall growth potential of the region.

The 2026 "Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School" aims to provide concrete and practical information to those aiming to commercialize new businesses and entrepreneurship, while also offering valuable insights to those involved in support.

Since its inception in 2000, this school has been a program that supports regional entrepreneurs. It aims to evolve beyond mere knowledge provision into a practical learning environment that accompanies participants until "realizing their vision as a business."

Program Overview of "Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School 2026"

Session 1 (Aug 28)

Theme: Support for Creating Challenges in the Region / Understanding What is Necessary for "Business Commercialization"

Part 1: Lecture by Relic Inc.

Mr. Keiichi Kaneko, Executive Officer, Director of Deep Tech Innovation Center

Part 2: Case Study Introduction with Guests

Guest: Mr. Eigo Kanga, CEO of ZAI Inc.

Session 2 (Nov 25)

Theme: Concrete Steps for Business Commercialization / Learning about Fundraising and Capital Policy

Part 1: Lecture by Relic Inc.

Mr. Keiichi Kaneko, Executive Officer, Director of Deep Tech Innovation Center

Part 2: Case Study Introduction with Guests

Guest: Mr. Takuma Iwamatsu, Persol Venture Partners LLC

Session 3 (Feb 20, 2027)

"Shigagin Innovation Award Nonohana Prize 2026" Final Selection and Award Ceremony

Participation Fee and Application Method for "Shigagin Entrepreneurship and Management School"

Tuition Fee: Free (Advance application required)

Application Method: Please check from the link below.

Regarding Application Method

About the Nonohana Prize

Shigagin Innovation Award Nonohana Prize 2026

The "Nonohana Prize" originated from a new business incentive system established to commemorate the bank's 70th anniversary and will be held for the 23rd time this year.

Currently, it operates as a business plan contest to discover and evaluate new challenges in the region. This school aims to be an ecosystem that supports the entire process from "idea generation → commercialization → social implementation," not just a place for learning.

【Entries Now Open】

For entry details, please check from the link below.

Entry Deadline: July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Regarding Nonohana Prize Entry