[Held from September 12 to November 6] Takahashi River Basin Women Entrepreneurs Support Program "Jibun Entrepreneurship Seminar" - A free seminar series of 4 sessions to find your own worldview.

When it comes to starting a business, it is often thought that it is something only amazing people with a clear vision do.

Especially in the world of social media, where there is an abundance of "sparkle," it is easy to think, "I can't do something like that."

However, is starting a business really about becoming an "object of admiration"? It should be one means of realizing your own worldview.

There is a program called "Jibun Kigyo Seminar" for women organized by Kurashiki City, which provides an opportunity to think about such things. This is not a one-off seminar or a networking event, but a four-session program designed to refine business plans.

What is the Takahashi River Basin Women Entrepreneurs Support Program "Jibun Kigyo Seminar"?

The Takahashi River Basin Women Entrepreneurs Support Program "Jibun Kigyo Seminar" is a seminar for women organized by the Commerce and Industry Division of Kurashiki City.

This initiative started in the fiscal year 2025, and while government-sponsored entrepreneurship seminars are often one-off events focused on networking, this program consists of four sessions and was planned with the desire to provide an opportunity to "focus on one's own business and think deeply."

In the first year, 10 people participated, and some of them have started their activities.

• Naito Noriko
  Created a business plan for a prepared food shop. Currently conducting cooking classes and participating in events.

In the fiscal year 2026, the basic concept will remain unchanged, and the seminar will be held as a four-session program from September 12 (Saturday) to November 6 (Friday), 2026. The tuition is free. The speakers for the seminar are as follows.

• DAY1
  CEO of GOB Inc. Takahashi Yasuhito
• DAY2
  Director of GOB Inc. Okuhira Mao
• DAY3
  CEO of GOB Inc. Takahashi Yasuhito

Please check the following images for other details. There will also be an information session.

Interview with the program manager

We spoke with Matsui Kanako and Ito Hana from the Commerce and Industry Division of Kurashiki City, who planned the "Jibun Kigyo Seminar," and Kuzuhara Aya from GOB Inc., who is responsible for planning and managing the seminar.

It's the second year, but could you tell us the background of how the "Jibun Kigyo Seminar" was originally planned?

Matsui (no honorifics)

Currently, the percentage of women among entrepreneurs nationwide exceeds 30% and is gradually increasing. However, in Kurashiki City and the Takahashi River Basin, there are still few opportunities to see women entrepreneurs, and there is a lack of chances to meet nearby role models (seniors) to take the first step.

Therefore, we started this program with the desire to raise the overall level of women entrepreneurs in the region by allowing them to see the figures of those who are ahead.

Additionally, we have been conducting networking-focused seminars for many years, but after observing the enthusiastic exchanges of opinions among participants, we thought, "We want to provide an opportunity to step up and focus on one's own business and think deeply."

Thus, we officially launched the "two-month continuous seminar" starting last year (fiscal year 2025), and this year marks its second year.
Our main goal is to support women who have not been able to take the first step due to various circumstances, helping them to build a stable foundation for their "desired activities" so that they can continue their businesses for a long time.

What are the features of the "Jibun Kigyo Seminar"?

Kuzuhara (no honorifics)

What we value most is not just the transfer of know-how, but business creation based on one's worldview.

In typical entrepreneurship consultations, the first questions often are "Is it profitable?" and "Is there really a demand?" Starting from there tends to lead to small-scale businesses.
Instead, we thoroughly refine one's inner thoughts and worldview by asking, "Why are you doing this, and what kind of world do you want to create with it?" before shaping the business.

If this axis (worldview) is firmly established, even in competitive fields like nail salons or cafes, one can continue their business without getting caught up in unnecessary price or location competition, staying true to themselves.

In today's world, know-how can be easily obtained through the internet or AI, but one's "worldview," which is refined through dialogue with others, should be the strongest weapon.

Additionally, a highlight of the "Jibun Kigyo Seminar" is the robust mentor support system that allows participants to consult at any time when they encounter difficulties.

I, the responsible mentor, also live in Okayama and place great importance on face-to-face communication. During the seminar period, we use a communication tool called Slack, where participants can casually consult whenever they are confused or troubled, and we can set up online meetings as needed.

We closely share information with the government (Kurashiki City) and provide personalized support that is attentive to each individual, which may be a highlight of the program.

What kind of people would you like to participate?

Kuzuhara

When hearing the word "entrepreneurship," many women tend to feel that "this is not for someone like me," raising the hurdle too high.
However, this seminar is not a strict place where you must absolutely start a business.

We would like those who have many things they want to do but don't know where to start, or those who want to take this opportunity to reflect deeply on their own desires, or those who are looking for a chance to change, to participate.

Please tell us about the feedback from participants last year (2025) and what kind of people participated.

Matsui

Last year, a diverse group of women gathered, including those who had already started their own businesses.
For example, a person running a cooking class reflected on "what is truly important to me" while experimenting with the idea of a home delivery service for side dishes, and began to confidently engage in the cooking class business.

Additionally, a participant involved in agriculture was troubled by "who to sell the vegetables to and how," but ultimately established the focus of "delivering my favorite rare vegetables along with suggestions on how to eat them," and has been actively participating in markets.

Rather than a business transformation, many participants experienced a change where they became "confident in themselves and able to speak about their business in their own words."

Kuzuhara

The changes in the students were truly remarkable.
At first, those who were modest, thinking "Is it okay for someone like me to participate...," gradually became brighter and more positive as they met the same like-minded peers multiple times during the two-month continuous course.

We have received many positive responses regarding the changes in mindset and action, such as "My vague thoughts became sharper" and "What I had hoped to do someday has turned into action to do it tomorrow."

Finally, please give a message to those who are hesitant to participate.

Ito

Although I have only been in charge since April, I have already heard many concerns from people who say, "I have a lot of things I want to do, but I don't know where to start."

I would like to encourage such individuals to participate in this seminar and find their own focus, which will help them continue their business in the future.
If you feel that "applying suddenly is a high hurdle," please feel free to join just the information session or individual consultation first.

The initial vague discussions will surely become more focused through dialogue, making for a wonderful time.

Matsui

Last year, there was someone who mustered the courage to apply, asking at the information session, "Is it okay for someone like me to attend...?" That person, after meeting the same members multiple times during the two-month course, transformed remarkably by the final day, and their lively expression still remains in my memory.

While Kurashiki City often holds one-off seminars, it is rare to have a free continuous seminar that allows for such a long time to engage in workshops and deeply confront what one wants to do.

There is no need to feel pressured to start a business; I hope you will take this opportunity to reconsider your own situation and participate casually.

Kuzuhara

When you hear "entrepreneurship" or "creating a business," it may seem like something only special people do.

However, we do not consider business creation to be something special. We want you to see it as a "means" to realize your favorite things and the ideal world you wish for, in a more casual way.

Of course, since you will be participating, we expect you to commit fully, but in return, our warm and supportive mentors will welcome you with all their might.

If you want to change your current situation or take a step forward, we welcome you to join us in shaping your "worldview" together!

Conclusion

I, too, released this media "Kurashiki Tocotoco" and subsequently established a corporation as the operating organization. I suppose I can be considered an entrepreneur, but I did not intend to do anything flashy, nor do I wish to be that way now.

However, starting and continuing a business is more lonely than I imagined. There are hardly any "peers" to consult with as situations change daily.

What impressed me during the interviews was the very good relationship between the administration and the business representatives as a team. Whether you are considering starting a business or not, if you feel like "I want to do something," please come and visit.

I believe that the encounters and experiences here will surely be useful in a few years.

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