Lagoon KOZA in Koza, Okinawa City, is an incubation facility that offers a variety of consultations on starting and running a business, including “I’d like to wallop a business idea” “I wish to start a business but don’t know where to start with” “I want to expand my business,” and more.
With the concept of “accompanying entrepreneurs from success to failure,” the company’s strengths include individual consultation by experienced staff and strong connections with related organizations.
Lagoon KOZA is located in Koza, Okinawa City, which is thriving with startups and entrepreneurship. The facility also hosts a variety of events, including “Startup Festa,” one of the largest startup festivals held in Okinawa, and “KOZA ROCKS,” an urban conference.
The first floor is a coworking and business startup/management consultation space that is open to everyone.
The space can be used freely, either to focus on their work in silence or to hold a meeting using a whiteboard.
With a fee, you can also avail of their free Wi-Fi, browse books, and bring your own food and drinks. They also have a café.
The staff members are also available at the reception desk, where prospective entrepreneurs can feel free to consult with them.
Ms. Sukegawa, the coordinator of Lagoon KOZA, says, “Lately, many businessmen are considering starting a business as their second life.”
It is my impression that the hurdle for people in Okinawa to start a business is getting lower every year, thanks to the help of support bases like this facility.
Lagoon KOZA offers three main support menus.
①“Yukuruba”, a consultation event for women and mothers to start their own businesses (free)
A consultation event for women on how to start a business, held with Ms. Yuko Iwabuchi, a representative of Okinawa Girls Square. It is a school-style program to think about how to work and prepare for starting a business while valuing women’s unique perspectives and sensibilities.
The first event was held in the summer of 2023, and since then the number of women consulting with Lagoon KOZA about starting a business has been increasing.
“There are social issues that are noticed only by women, and I feel that there are various synergistic effects created by women’s positive attitude toward entrepreneurship. This is an event we hope to focus on in the next year and beyond.” Ms. Sukegawa said with anticipation.
② “Startup Lab”, a course to master the knowledge and skills required to start a business in two months (free)
This course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs “who wish to start a business but do not know where to start,” or “who have an idea but cannot draw a business model”.
Through a total of six courses over two months, participants will acquire the preparation and management knowledge necessary to start a business. The course is taught by a team of reliable instructors, including a president who has actually launched a startup, an investor, and an expert in the startup world.
③ “STARTUP BOOT CAMP: Entrepreneurship from scratch”, a specialized entrepreneurship course for the start-up phase (with fee)
This is an entrepreneurship support event organized by Ryukyu Mirai Inc., which operates the facility. This program is designed for people who are planning to start a business or are in the early stages of starting a business and is designed to help them thoroughly confront themselves as entrepreneurs over approximately four months.
As for the specific content of the program, you can learn about business design, expertise in client development, financial planning, and how to make a presentation that will impress investors.
With these three school businesses at its core, Lagoon KOZA will accompany startups and entrepreneurs in their growth.
Ms. Sukegawa says, “I feel that it is such a waste for them to inhibit their action even though they have an idea or dream. If they have any concerns about starting a business or are feeling bewildered, I hope they will take a step forward and consult with us. We can connect you with the necessary agencies and hope to assist them in shaping one’s business as they hit the wall.” She also said that she has regrets wherein she didn’t dare to take the plunge into what she wanted to do when she was a student and graduated from college with her feelings dragging on and on. That is why they can provide support that is close to the feelings of the people they are consulting with.
“I want to be the best support group for entrepreneurs and those who are thinking about starting up. As we’re having a consultation, I am always surprised, empathetic, and delighted to see people opening their own doors with their expertise in the business they want to start,” said Ms. Sukegawa with a smile. If you have any thoughts about starting a business, how about going and meeting a reliable ally?
For those who are interested in discussing entrepreneurship or connecting with entrepreneurs, we would recommend you to feel free and visit the facility or check out their regularly scheduled events.
User’s voice
LINNAS KANAZAWA
Akihiro Matsushita
Mr. Aki Matsushita, who manages the LINNAS KANAZAWA complex at Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, often uses Lagoon KOZA when he visits Okinawa for workcations.
“Not only is it a great place to work, but it is also a great way to get to know entrepreneurs and business people from Japan and abroad. It is also interesting to note that the facility is located in Okinawa City-Koza, which has a diverse mix of cultures. You get to know the different colors and history of Okinawa more when you live in Koza compared to when you visit as a tourist, and you’ll get inspiration,” he talked about the charm of the facility.
