Renewal of Fukuoka Cities Startup Support Program: Global Business Support

New Beginnings

As of April 2024, the management of the Startup Cafe has been transferred to the Fukuoka Growth Next Steering Committee, which includes Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Jisho, Sakura Internet, GMO Pepabo, and forStartups. For more details on this change, refer to the March 2024 issue of Startup Cafe Press (vol. 47):here

Similarly, the international startup support program, formerly known as the Global Support Center (GSC) has transformed and evolved into the Global Business Support.

What is the Global Business Support?

One-Stop Support Center for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Financial Institutions

Fukuoka City established the Startup Cafe as a hub for local entrepreneurs to meet, exchange ideas, and receive expert advice. Originally popular among both local and foreign entrepreneurs, the city noticed an increasing demand for fluent English support. To address this, they launched the Fukuoka Growth Next Global Business Support (GBS), a one-stop center providing resources and information for foreign entrepreneurs and financial institutions looking to establish or expand their businesses in Fukuoka City. This initiative aligns with Fukuoka’s goal of becoming the global startup and financial center in Asia.

GBS Concierges Are Here to Help!

At Global Business Support (GBS), you’ll find advice from staff who not only speak your language but also understand your unique concerns. Each team member is fluent in English and has extensive experience living or traveling abroad, are entrepreneurs themselves, providing a global perspective and comprehensive startup assistance. During opening hours, one or more GBS concierges will adeptly guide you through the process of founding your business. They recognize the importance of seamless and comprehensive support during this critical phase. Additionally, GBS connects you with current foreign founders in Fukuoka who serve as mentors. If a concierge wants to ensure you gain insights from someone who has been through the startup journey, they can reach out to a mentoring founder. Fukuoka City’s strong startup community, composed of local and international entrepreneurs, is eager to assist you through GBS, paving the way for your success!

Unparalleled Business Support

GBS is your go-to resource for getting things right the first time. Their expert staff assists with everything from answering questions to tackling more complex tasks. For instance, if you’re eligible for the Startup Visa, they’ll guide you through the application process. GBS members can also help with daily concerns like renting a home or office space or opening a Japanese bank account while living in Japan. Fukuoka City has even established Memorandums of Understanding with various countries and regions, including Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Taipei (Taiwan), and San Francisco (USA). These connections provide valuable insights and link you to new opportunities within the global startup community. In short, GBS empowers you to achieve more than you ever imagined. Don’t hesitate to visit and discover how crucial they are for founding your business. Working with the GBS ensures you can focus on what you love while confidently completing each step of the founding process!

Introducing you to the Core Team

Antony Normand

Originally from Prevost, Canada, Antony brings a wealth of international experience, with a particular focus on Asia. With over eight years spent living in Japan, he has cultivated a profound understanding of the culture and language, contributing to his success in the Japanese business sector. His previous role as a member of the management committee at Fukuoka Growth Next attests to his expertise in assisting foreign startups to navigate and thrive in the Fukuoka market.
Antony played a pivotal role in establishing and fostering Fukuoka’s international startup community, making him an invaluable resource for those seeking to connect with local international founders. His extensive network and deep-rooted connections enable him to facilitate swift and meaningful introductions.

Antony’s advice:

“Recognizing the significance of the Japanese market as one of the largest and most influential in the world, success in Japan can pave the way for global triumph. Overcoming challenges is part of the journey, and I encourage you to embrace the opportunity. Reach out to us, and together, let’s position your startup as the next success story in Fukuoka!”

Shun Ono

After graduating from Temple University with a concentration in law, Shun started off his career working for a Fortune 500 company in NYC. Through grit and perseverance, he expanded the firm’s automotive footprint in the US and was pivotal in the development of the aerospace trading business from scratch. 

Subsequently, he moved over to another trading firm, and as project lead, formulated a global fabrication program utilizing the company’s expansive manufacturing and fabrication network around the globe. The new enterprise program targeted the construction sector, providing convenience, competitiveness, and quality for job EPCs and GCs around the world. These two experiences proved pivotal in his growth, and thereafter, has moved over into the startup world where he is today. 

Currently, he has established a joint venture company with 2 institutional partners in Fukuoka focused on flour milling and process optimization.

Shun has worked in both big and small, new and established firms in a variety of industries, so he understands what you are going through, and moreover can support you in any stage of your startup. When he’s not cracking away at his joint venture, or supporting burgeoning startups at GSC, you can find him either at the beach paddleboarding or doing BJJ at the local dojo.

Shun’s advice:

”Congratulations and welcome to the club! We are here to help, so feel free to ask, and moreover do not be afraid. Fortune favors the bold”

Masami Sakaguchi

Beginning her professional journey in the retail industry in Fukuoka, she later transitioned to supporting overseas sales in the automotive parts sector before relocating to Singapore.

In 2010’s, she honed her skills in business development, contract management and office operations management in the vibrant business environment of Singapore.

Upon her return to Japan, she joined a team specializing in supporting overseas investors engaged in property investments within the country. In this capacity, she has facilitated smooth processes and provided invaluable assistance to property owners, enabling them to navigate challenges with ease.

Masami’s advice:

“As your trusted partner, Global Business Support is committed to leveraging our extensive cross-functional expertise to guide you toward success in Japan’s dynamic business landscape. Let’s embark on this journey together, towards entrepreneurial excellence in Fukuoka!”

There is no I in Fukuoka but there is a U!

Feel free to drop by anytime or shoot us a message. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on this exciting and wonderful journey.

Global Business Support

Opening hours:
Everyday 10:00-17:00 (Days closed: New Year’s holidays)

Location:
Fukuoka Growth Next 1F, Global Business Support
2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0041
*The entrance to Fukuoka Growth Next is on the south side of the building. As there is no on-site parking or bicycle parking available, we kindly ask that you utilize nearby parking facilities or bicycle parking areas.

Contact Information:
Tel: 070‐8406-7169
Mail: info@global-fgn.com