Akita Prefecture announced a 10-year plan starting in FY2024 to develop an environment conducive for startups, and will begin full-fledged efforts to build an ecosystem for nurturing startup companies. The announcement was made at a startup event held in Akita City, and is positioned as an important step toward revitalizing the local economy and promoting innovation.

The prefecture will work with support groups, companies, local governments, universities, and financial institutions to develop a three-stage system. From 2024 to 2025, entrepreneurship education for elementary, middle, and high school students will be enhanced, while at the same time selecting candidates from these younger groups to serve as role models. From 2026 to 2028, new candidates will be mentored by these role models, and from 2029 onward, the nurtured entrepreneurs can participate in the economy on their own feet.

Akita Bank will also be actively involved in supporting local startups and will launch a companion program for entrepreneurs and students who wish to start their own businesses. Under this program, business proposals that pass the screening process will receive extensive support from mentors, funding, and matching with companies in the prefecture.

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