Participants from Across Japan Come Together to Present Business Plans at the 9th U.S. Embassy – Keio SFC – TOMODACHI Entrepreneurship Seminar

From August 18 to 21, 2019, the 9th U.S. Embassy-Keio SFC-TOMODACHI Entrepreneurship Seminar was held at Kawasaki-NEDO INNOVATION CENTER (K-NIC), a support base for innovative entrepreneurs.

Funded by the Boeing Company, this educational entrepreneurship program was founded to foster next generation leaders who aspire to reconstruct, revitalize, and develop the future of Japan in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Following the pre-seminars, which began in April 2019, 14 teams consisting of 37 high school and university students from 18 schools all over Japan were selected to participate in the four-day seminar. During the seminar, the participants learned how to confidently express their ideas and opinions through their presentations, and created business plans through strong teamwork improved by close and frequent team communication.

On the last day of the program, a mid-way review was held where groups presented the business plans they developed over the four-day seminar. Taking into consideration those who provided ongoing support through their actions during the seminar, six teams were selected to proceed to the final review.

One of the participants said, “I should not be overly confident, but see myself as I am. I believe that this will lead to growth and have a positive impact on others.” Another participant reflected, “I have become a person who can think about how to take action after understanding my team members and the team goals.”

Through the seminar, the participants became friends who can cooperate with one another, and evolved beyond just competitors. Thanks to this great opportunity, the participants communicated freely and exchanged feedback about their business plans.

This program expects to provide an opportunity for these TOMODACHI youth to grow, through continuous support for participants from now on.