The following program overview highlights a Sapporo City initiative operated by Glosperity Inc. that supports Sapporo-based IT companies in developing direct business relationships with U.S. companies. Open to firms regardless of prior overseas expansion experience, the program provides end-to-end support from target company selection and English sales material development to U.S. business meeting arrangements and post-meeting follow-up. Participation is free, although participating companies are responsible for travel and other related expenses.
Background and Objectives
• Current context: The depreciation of the Japanese yen has improved the international price competitiveness of Japanese IT companies. At the same time, many IT companies in Sapporo continue to rely heavily on subcontracted work from prime contractors based in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
• Program purpose: The initiative aims to help Sapporo-based IT companies establish direct business relationships with U.S. companies, diversify their customer base, and support their long-term growth and international expansion.
• Support approach: Companies are not required to have previous overseas business experience. Participants receive practical support throughout the process, including identifying suitable U.S. companies, preparing sales materials, developing pitches, and arranging business meetings.
Support Program Overview
• Overall structure: Specialists provide comprehensive support from preparation and target company identification through U.S. business matching and post-meeting follow-up.
• Participation fee: Free. Participants are responsible for actual expenses associated with overseas travel, including airfare, accommodation, and related costs.
• Pre-matching support: Support includes identifying and communicating each company's competitive strengths, preparing English-language sales materials such as one-pagers, English pitch training, and legal guidance related to international business transactions.
• Matching with U.S. companies: The program identifies potential U.S. partners that align with each participant's technologies and business capabilities. It also supports business meeting arrangements, preliminary assessment of potential business opportunities, and the provision of interpreters and local coordinators where necessary.
• Post-meeting follow-up: Participating companies receive continued support for negotiations, contract development, and potential coordination with bridge system engineer services and other resources that can facilitate ongoing U.S. business development.
Recruitment Overview
• Eligible companies: IT-related companies with a head office or business office located in Sapporo City. Previous overseas expansion experience is not required.
• Number of participants: Approximately 10 companies.
• Application period: 16 September 2026 to 6 October 2026.
• Application deadline: 6 October 2026, 09:00 GMT+1.
• Onsite business matching: Planned for December 2026 in the United States. The specific destination area is expected to be determined around mid-October.
• Participation fee: Free. Participating companies must cover their own travel-related expenses, including airfare and accommodation for travel to the United States.
• Selection method: Applicants are evaluated through a document review using the designated application form, followed by an individual online interview of approximately 30 minutes.
• Organizer: Sapporo City.
• Operator: Glosperity Inc., serving as the contracted operator of the program.
Application Process
• Detailed program information, application guidelines, and application materials are available through the Glosperity Inc. program guidance page.
• Application deadline: 6 October 2026, 08:00 GMT+0.
Applicants should review the program requirements and submit the designated application form before the deadline.
Online Briefing Session
• Purpose: An online information session will be held for companies considering participation. The session will explain the program structure, support measures, and application process, with opening remarks from Sapporo City.
• Recording availability: Companies unable to attend the live session may register in advance to receive access to a recording afterward.
• Participation requirement: Attendance at the briefing session is not required in order to apply for the program.
• Date and time: 29 September 2026, 14:00–15:00 Japan Standard Time.
• Format: Online. Access information will be provided individually by the program secretariat after registration.
• Participation fee: Free.
• Registration deadline: 28 September 2026, 17:00 Japan Standard Time.
Sapporo-based IT companies seeking to develop direct business opportunities in the U.S. market can use this program to receive structured support covering preparation, sales material development, business matching, on-site meetings, and follow-up negotiations. Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2026, 08:00 GMT+0.