Appointment of 37 New SME Support Ambassadors: FY2026 Commendation and Appointment

The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ) (Chairman: Miyagawa Tadashi; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) will present commendation certificates to business owners and SME support organization personnel who have made outstanding contributions to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises, as well as regional development, in collaboration with the organization's activities. Additionally, to support SMEs and micro-enterprises facing a wide range of challenges and regional development, SMRJ will appoint SME Support Ambassadors (see attached list for details).

[Attachment] FY2026 List of SME Support Ambassadors (Commendation Recipients)

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1. Presentation of FY2026 Commendation Certificates

The presentation of commendation certificates to business owners and personnel of SME support organizations nationwide has been conducted annually since FY2019, with a cumulative total of 428 recipients.

For FY2026, commendation certificates will be presented to 38 individuals. The selection of recipients is conducted by a selection committee (Chairman: Morihiko Toshihiko, Chairman of the Japan Financial Human Resource Development Association) which includes external members.

2. Appointment of FY2026 SME Support Ambassadors

The SME Support Ambassador initiative began in FY2019. SMRJ appoints business owners and support organization personnel from across the country who have made significant contributions to the success of SMEs and micro-enterprises and regional development as "SME Support Ambassadors." With the new appointment of 37 individuals, a total of 222 people will now serve as SME Support Ambassadors.

SME Support Ambassadors introduce and share relevant policies, provide consultation and advice to local businesses, and aim to foster regional economic development and the success of SMEs and micro-enterprises.

<Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ)>

SMRJ is a policy implementation organization aimed at promoting innovation among SMEs, micro-enterprises, and startups seeking autonomous development and continuity, revitalizing regional economies, and contributing to the development of Japan's economy. To help SMEs achieve sustainable growth by adapting to changing business environments, SMRJ provides direct hands-on support, human resource development, management of mutual aid systems, various financial supports, and business opportunities, while also cooperating to improve the support capabilities of related SME support organizations.