Learn from Silicon Valley experts and take your first steps toward global expansion.

Fukuoka City is inviting applications for its Startup Global Expansion Training Program, designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in entering overseas markets or pursuing international growth.

The program offers practical learning opportunities led by experts with extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs and startups in Silicon Valley. Through domestic training in Fukuoka, an optional overseas training program, and individualized business support, participants can refine their business ideas, gain international perspectives, and develop concrete next steps toward global expansion.

Whether you are already considering overseas markets or simply want to prepare for future opportunities, this program offers a chance to expand your knowledge and professional network.

■ Program Overview

Application deadline: Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. JST

Who can apply: Individuals and businesses meeting Fukuoka City’s eligibility requirements and interested in international business expansion

Participation fees: Training fees are waived for both domestic and overseas programs

Program components: Domestic training, overseas training in Silicon Valley, individualized business support, and a final showcase and networking event

■ Program Highlights

Participants will learn through a combination of lectures, group workshops, mentoring, and networking with entrepreneurs and investors.

Key learning opportunities include:
・Building foundational knowledge of entrepreneurship and international expansion
・Refining business ideas and pitching skills through mentor feedback
・Learning about business growth from Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and venture capitalists (VCs)
・Exploring innovation ecosystems through visits to global companies and local universities
・Developing actionable plans for entering overseas markets
・Building connections with fellow participants and members of the startup ecosystem

The program features experienced professionals, including Steve Adelman, who has more than 20 years of experience mentoring and developing entrepreneurs, alongside specialists in product development, fundraising, and international expansion strategy.

■ Program Components and Schedule

1. Domestic Training | Fukuoka

Instructors from Silicon Valley will lead sessions covering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and international expansion, including problem identification, customer understanding, and business development. Through group work, participants will have opportunities to reassess and refine their own business ideas.

Dates: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Location: Around Tenjin Station, Fukuoka City
Format: In person
Capacity: 80 participants, selected through document screening

Sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation planned for display. A high level of English proficiency is not required to apply.

2. Overseas Training | San Francisco and Silicon Valley

Participants will gain insights into international business and innovation through feedback from local mentors, discussions with entrepreneurs and VCs, pitch presentations, and visits to global companies and universities.

Dates: February 21–28, 2027
Location: San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Format: In person
Capacity: 30 participants, selected through document screening

Participation in the overseas training is optional. Applicants may apply for the domestic training only. Planned visits and program activities are subject to change.

3. Individualized Business Support

Selected participants will receive online, one-on-one support from a dedicated consultant. The goal is to identify challenges and develop concrete action plans for international expansion and business growth.

Period: January to late March 2027
Format: Online
Capacity: 5 participants, selected through document screening

4. Showcase and Networking

A final showcase event is scheduled for late March 2027 at Fukuoka Growth Next. Participants will present their learning outcomes and business ideas, receive feedback from relevant stakeholders, and explore opportunities for collaboration and further networking.

■ Eligibility

Applicants must meet both of the following requirements.

1. Meet at least one of these criteria:

・Live, study, or work in Fukuoka City
・Represent a startup established approximately within the past five years, or an SME, with its headquarters or a business location in Fukuoka City
・Plan to establish or relocate the headquarters or a business location of a startup established approximately within the past five years, or an SME, to Fukuoka City
・Plan to launch a business in Fukuoka City

2. Have an interest in expanding a business internationally.

Applicants at the business concept or idea stage are welcome. Previous overseas experience and English proficiency at the time of application are not required.

■ Participation Costs

Participation fees for both the domestic and overseas training programs are waived.

However, participants in the overseas training must cover their own international travel and accommodation expenses, as well as related costs such as communications, meals, and visa applications.

■ How to Apply

Submit your basic information and details of the business or idea you would like to develop through the application form below.

Application deadline: Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. JST

▶ Apply for the Fukuoka City Startup Global Expansion Training Program

Applicants for the domestic training will be screened based on their proposed business activities and reasons for applying. A separate selection process will determine participants for the overseas training and individualized business support following the domestic program.

Selection criteria include the novelty and social significance of the proposed business, technological strengths and differentiation, commitment and ability to execute, interest in international expansion, and the specificity of overseas expansion plans.

■ Contact

Fukuoka City Startup Global Expansion Training Program Secretariat　(Operated by ABeam Consulting Ltd.)
Email:JPABFUKUOKA_TRNGDL@abeam.com
Phone: 090-1423-9719 (Contact: Nakahara)

Please include “Fukuoka City Startup Global Expansion Training Program” in the subject line of your inquiry.

Take your first step toward global expansion from Fukuoka.

If you are interested in developing your business with international markets in mind, consider applying for this opportunity.