[July 28 (Tuesday) Event] 2023 Fiscal Year 1st Women's Entrepreneur Seminar - For those interested in starting a business. A program and networking event to discover your strengths and take the first step.

I am interested in starting a business, but I don't know where to begin. There is no one around me to consult with.

A seminar aimed at women interested in starting a business, titled "2026 Fiscal Year 1st Women Entrepreneurs Seminar: Goal Setting and Strengths Rediscovery Program & Networking Event", will be held on July 28 (Tuesday) at Kurashiki Civic Hall.

This seminar is open to those considering starting a business, as well as those who are just somewhat interested in entrepreneurship.

Since the application started on June 25, there have already been many applications for the 20 available spots, indicating a high level of interest among women in entrepreneurship.

We conducted an interview about the seminar.

What is the "2026 Fiscal Year 1st Women Entrepreneurs Seminar"?

The "2026 Fiscal Year 1st Women Entrepreneurs Seminar: Goal Setting and Strengths Rediscovery Program & Networking Event" is an event aimed at women aspiring to start a business or those interested in entrepreneurship within the Takahashi River basin area.

When you hear "starting a business," it may feel like a big decision, but this seminar is about discussions that are a little before that decision. It encourages participants to consider making their passion a choice for their work. The content is designed for those who can participate even before starting a business.

The seminar consists of the following components.

• Part 1: Group Work and Discussion
  • Sharing experiences from three instructors (facilitators) who have started businesses by leveraging their strengths and doing what they love
  • Using worksheets to reflect on oneself
  • Group work and discussion
• Part 2: Business Card Exchange & Networking Event

The goal of this seminar is to make a "first step declaration" that can be executed starting tomorrow, rather than setting a big dream, enabling participants to take a definite step forward.

For example, if you set a goal like "I will start a business by a certain date," it becomes a larger discussion and can be difficult to achieve.

Therefore, by attending the seminar on July 28, you might set small, achievable goals like "I will read this book on July 29" or "I will go to the city's entrepreneurship support office to gather materials within three days," allowing you to take that first step.

The seminar will be held in Room 4 of Kurashiki Civic Hall.
The participation fee is free, and the capacity is 20 people.

For details on how to apply, please check the Kurashiki City website.

Additionally, two sessions are planned for the 2026 fiscal year, with the second session scheduled for January 2027.

We spoke with the seminar coordinators and instructors

We spoke with Matsui Kanako and Ito Hana from the Kurashiki City Commerce and Industry Division, and Instructor Ueda Akiko about the seminar.

Are there more women aiming to start businesses in Kurashiki?

Matsui (no honorifics)

We have been working on supporting women entrepreneurs for several years, and I feel that the number is gradually increasing.

However, while the number of women entrepreneurs is increasing, I think there are still few role models or people to consult with around them.

Therefore, we plan to make this seminar a place where participants can meet role model instructors and connect with others in similar situations.

What kind of people participate?

Matsui

In terms of age range, we have participants from their 30s to 60s.

In terms of circumstances, there seems to be a lot of people who have gained time for themselves as their children have grown and those who have had the opportunity to think about their future work during a break, such as maternity leave.

There are group work, discussions, and networking events; what is the atmosphere like?

Matsui

Reflecting on past seminars, there is a unique excitement among women, and once they start talking, they can't stop.

Participants share what they want to do, and often say, "Let's participate in an event together!" or collaborate with each other.

There is a positive atmosphere where participants feel "I might be able to do this too."

Ito (no honorifics)

Including the instructors, the atmosphere is very relaxed and easy to talk in, so I believe participants can join with peace of mind.

Ueda (no honorifics)

Participants exchange ideas about what someone wants to do, and it opens up the possibility of "I might be able to do that too." The discussions in groups are endless.

Last year (2025), I participated in this seminar as a participant, and the connections I made there continue to this day. I have received actual work opportunities and visited others' shops.

There have been times when I ran into someone by chance.
We met again having both grown a little, and it made me realize, "We've been working hard together." It's a great atmosphere that fosters such connections.

There is a theme of "rediscovering strengths," but many people may find it difficult to identify their strengths.

Ueda

A common sentiment is, "I only do childcare and housework."
However, I believe that childcare and housework involve multitasking and require constant adjustment. There are many strengths hidden in that daily accumulation of experiences.

For example, I have always worked in customer service.
Now I am involved in LINE development, and I thought that my experience in customer service was not useful. However, my experience in customer service has been incredibly helpful in designing LINE.

The three instructors will share such examples. I hope that through their stories, participants can discover that "this experience of mine might be a strength." Instructors Nakamoto and Watanabe also chose to work while raising children, so I believe interesting stories will be shared.

Furthermore, when participants share what they wrote about themselves in the group, experiences that the instructors have not had will emerge from the participants. Sharing those experiences is also enjoyable.

The seminar title mentions "how to draw the shortest route to making your passion your job." How can one draw that shortest route?

Ueda

To draw the shortest route, I believe it is necessary to first take stock of oneself.
When people start thinking about starting a business, their ideas can expand rapidly, and they may end up spreading themselves too thin, losing sight of what they are doing.

As this seminar will practice, understanding what you have done and what you can do is the first step to avoid taking a detour.

Matsui

Listening to the opinions of experts who have seen various people at support organizations like the Chamber of Commerce can also be a kind of shortcut.

Incorporating objective information and reconsidering "Is this what I really want to do?" is also important. You don't have to accept everything; just hearing it as words may help you find a new good route.

Ito

Some people may take a detour because they have too many things they want to do, while others may not know what to do and end up putting things on hold. I tend to be the type who puts things aside when I get confused.

However, writing down small actions that can be done immediately and stacking them one by one may be the shortest route to finding the path you want to take.

What is the most important message you want to convey in this seminar?

Ueda

There are many things, but the first is "Everyone has strengths."
I've seen many people who think, "I am useless" or "I have no special experiences," and even when they start to take action, they end up not continuing or missing opportunities.

I want to convey that "the everyday experiences that you may have forgotten are actually significant strengths. So, it's okay."

The second is "Let's make friends."
Since I started my business, I have received support from many people, and now I work with a team. Having even one person who shares the same aspirations can help you continue taking action and create an environment for growth, which is incredibly comforting.

Finally, please give a message to the readers.

Matsui

Whether you are just a little interested, thinking about what you can do, or already working on something but exploring options and wanting to hear others' opinions, we welcome anyone at any stage to come freely.
Even if you cannot participate until the end due to picking up children, that is okay, so please let us know when you apply.

Kurashiki City is also committed to supporting women entrepreneurs.
However, I believe that simply supporting the start of a business does not constitute true "support." To ensure that those who have started a business do not find it difficult to continue midway, we are considering providing support for business continuity through other projects this year, such as how to continue within the same industry.

Kurashiki City also has a Women Entrepreneurs Follow-up Consultation Desk. We want to provide thorough support even after starting a business, so please feel free to participate.

Ito

I think it can be quite difficult to make the decision to start something when you are stuck in your head and worrying.

Even if it is a small concern or something you are vaguely thinking about for the future, coming to the seminar and writing down your thoughts on a worksheet or verbally expressing them to someone can be a great opportunity to clarify your feelings and thoughts.

This seminar is designed to provide a warm push to start something new, so I hope you will participate and have many conversations.

Ueda

You may feel a barrier with the word "starting a business," but please don't think of it as something difficult; rather, consider it as one of your options for working. Participation is free, and it won't be a big deal even if you fail, so it's okay.

If you feel even a little like "I might want to try," please come and visit.

It seems I can find my strengths and take the first step

What may seem too obvious to you might appear as a strength to others. I believe many such discoveries will surely arise in this space.

The author submitted a business registration a few years ago. At that time, I had no one to consult with and felt anxious. I think it would have been great to have a seminar like this at that time to consult and build connections.

I was also impressed by Matsui's comment that "just starting a business does not constitute support." I felt reassured knowing there are people to consult with about continuing after taking that first step.

This seminar is about making a declaration of small first steps and putting them into practice, rather than just thinking "someday." If you are interested, please consider participating.

Data on the "2026 Fiscal Year 1st Women Entrepreneurs Seminar: Goal Setting and Strengths Rediscovery Program & Networking Event"

Name	2026 Fiscal Year 1st Women Entrepreneurs Seminar: Goal Setting and Strengths Rediscovery Program & Networking Event
Date	July 28, 2026 (Tuesday) 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location	Kurashiki Civic Hall
Participation Fee (Tax Included)	Free
Website	Women Entrepreneurs Seminar & Networking Event

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