When I was in high school, I learned about the contradiction of food loss occurring in Japan while there are people in need of food, and wanted to do something about it. I joined the APU Startup Program with the hope of creating a system to deliver items recovered from food loss to those who need them. After joining the program, I received advice on how to advertise my project, participated in business plan competitions to find supporters, and worked hard to build a network. As a result, I gained the support of the local agricultural community and others. In 2021, I was able to start a supermarket without price tags, which is open every Saturday. In the future, I would like to open a cafeteria that makes use of the food collected and brings happiness to a variety of people. To students aiming to start their own businesses, including social entrepreneurs, please have faith, be persistent, and push forward toward your goals!

I grew up in a family where both of my parents were entrepreneurs, and I entered APU with dreams of developing a business in Japan in the future. Through the APU Startup Program, I received advice from various people. And through trial and error, I challenged myself to adapt my business plan to Japanese society and environment. Thanks to these past experiences, I have been able to launch not only a Sri Lankan restaurant but also an online business selling black tea and spices and a car rental business. Moving forward, while working to further develop these businesses, I would also like to work as a business consultant in the future. When trying to start a business, it is very important that the business fits the local area and environment. To students aiming to start their own businesses, please listen to advice from as many people as possible, take on different challenges, and work hard to make your dreams a reality!

Since I was a student, I have wanted to start my own food delivery service after graduation and repeatedly conducted test marketing. In particular, I received support from the APU Startup Program to conduct market research and build a network. I worked hard on these aspects while also trying to develop an app through trial and error. Right after graduation, I launched the business Mainichi Monkey Co., Ltd., a food delivery service with a focus on Oita Prefecture. It gave me great joy and confidence to see the number of users exceed 30,000 in FY2022. Having achieved that level of success, I wanted to take the next step. I transferred the company through merger and acquisition in 2023, and now another owner runs the business. Currently, I am at Yaraku, Inc., a software business with a focus on large companies where I learn while developing the company. I encourage students aiming to start their own businesses to take on different challenges while acquiring new knowledge!