ASSISTA

Empowering Entrepreneurs in Sendai

*ASSISTA - Sendai City Entrepreneurship Support Center (From 2014 to 2023)

Consultation Achievements

Total Consultations:

12,494 cases

  • The male-female ratio

  • Age group

  • Consultation details

  • Number of Startups

    1,089 cases

    (including 1,011newly established businesses)

    Sole Proprietorships:
    607cases
    Corporations & Others:
    482cases

Roadmap to Starting Your Business

  1. Organizing Your Business Idea

    • Can you leverage your experience?
    • Have you researched market needs?
    • Who are your competitors?
  2. Building a Business Model

    • Define your target
    • Develop a profitable business model
    • Establish your product/service concept
  3. Preparation

    • Create a solid business plan
    • Estimate required funds
    • Decide on company structure: Incorporation or self-employment?
  4. Securing Funds

    • Review personal financial resources
    • Explore grants or subsidies
    • Consult lenders or investors
  5. Launching Your Business

    • File startup notifications with tax authorities
    • Secure office or shop space
    • Plan and execute a promotional strategy
  6. Launching Your Business

    • Promote through social media and advertising
    • Develop customer relations and sales strategies
    • Focus on business improvement and expansion

We support entrepreneurs!

Start Your Journey with ASSISTA

At ASSISTA - Sendai City Entrepreneurship Support Center, we help individuals realize their entrepreneurial visions by supporting various business ventures.
The name "ASSISTA" represents our commitment to "assisting entrepreneurs" and "nurturing the stars of tomorrow."
Established in January 2014 in collaboration with Sendai City, ASSISTA operates within the Sendai City Industrial Promotion Organization to provide comprehensive, one-stop support—from initial business planning to post-startup growth. If you’re considering starting a business, we’re here to help!

Do any of these concerns sound familiar?

  • I'm still at the idea stage. How do I refine my business concept?

    Research your industry and understand your potential customers' unmet needs.
    Then, develop a business that effectively addresses those gaps.

  • How can I avoid failure when starting my business?

    A "start small, grow big" approach is key.
    Keep rent and staffing costs manageable, and develop a well-structured financial plan to increase your chances of success.

  • I'm unsure if my products or services will sell.

    Prepare marketing materials in advance and start promoting before your business launch. Identify potential customers early and plan a strategy to retain them.

Comprehensive Support from Experts

Starting a business comes with many challenges. That’s why ASSISTA provides expert consultations tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs, covering topics such as business planning, financing, and marketing.

Free Startup Consultation Services

Open Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Appointments Take Priority)

Our team of certified business consultants, tax accountants, administrative scriveners, and financial institution experts is here to help with all aspects of launching and managing a business.

  • Special Consultation Services (Reservation Required)

    Weekend & Evening Consultations – For those unable to visit during regular weekday hours. Startup Consultation Day – A one-stop group consultation event featuring multiple specialists.
    Accounting & Bookkeeping Workshop – Practical guidance on bookkeeping and accounting software from tax experts.

  • Essential Knowledge & Networking for Entrepreneurs (Reservation Required)

    We offer seminars and events tailored to different stages of entrepreneurship, covering key topics such as business management, marketing, and financing.

  • The Accounting Workshop (Reservation Required)

    Tax accountants and experts provide clear, practical advice on bookkeeping, accounting software, and essential accounting techniques.

*We announce session dates on the ASSISTA official website.

Entrepreneurial Seminars & Networking Events

Our ASSISTA Salon hosts a variety of programs, including:

  • Practical workshops for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey
  • Small-group sessions for new business owners
  • On-site and remote consultations

We also organize networking events where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas and build valuable connections.

*Event schedules will be announced on the ASSISTA official website.

Post-Startup Support & Business Growth

Our ASSISTA Salon hosts a variety of programs, including:

  • Expert consultations for ongoing business concerns
  • Workshops & networking events
  • Training programs to support business growth

*Details and schedules will be announced on the ASSISTA official website.

Business Consultation for Foreign Entrepreneurs

We support Foreign Entrepreneurs in Sendai!

ASSISTA offers business consultations for foreigners looking to start or grow their business in Sendai, Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!

*Consultations are by appointment only. Please apply in advance.

Consultation Fee: Free

Consultation Venue:

ASSISTA Salon
Sendai City Industrial Promotion Organization, AER 7F, 1-3-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City

Target:

Foreigners, including international students, who are:

  • Interested in starting a business in Sendai
  • Running a business for approximately five years or less
  • Consultation Methods:

    • In-person (at ASSISTA Salon)
    • Online (via Zoom)

    Common Consultation Topics:

    • I'm interested in starting a business, but what should I do?
    • How do I create a business plan and secure funding?
    • Should I incorporate or start as a sole proprietorship?
    • I want to learn about Japanese business customs.
  • Consultation Schedule: (Reservation Required)

    • 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • 10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
    • 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
    • 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM

    *The schedule is subject to change. Please check in advance.

    Supported Languages:

    • Japanese
    • English support available upon request
Application Form
ASSISTA | Consultation Application Form