NPO ETIC. (ETIC., Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce that its "Local Venture Lab" program, which fosters young entrepreneurs in regional areas, has been selected for the 2026 International Grant Program administered by the MetLife Foundation. Through this grant (18 months, USD 250,000), we aim to nurture 52 young entrepreneurs who will address regional challenges and foster a community of young entrepreneurs who can support each other across regions nationwide. "Local Venture Lab" Official Website: https://localventures.jp/localventurelab Background of Selection: The Importance of Fostering Young Entrepreneurs in Regional Areas and the Barriers to Entrepreneurship In Japan's regional areas, declining birthrates, aging populations, and population outflow are progressing, leading to a shortage of personnel to manage welfare services and living infrastructure. This is expanding the "gaps in society" that cannot be adequately addressed by administrative measures or existing systems alone. Fostering young individuals who can tackle diverse regional issues is a powerful means to solve these problems. Young entrepreneurs have the potential to address challenges with ideas unconstrained by traditional customs or frameworks, and to create new business models by leveraging innovative ideas and digital technologies. Furthermore, they are expected to contribute to the revitalization of regional economies by creating employment and strengthening regional economic foundations through attracting funds and human resources from within and outside the region. Moreover, the employment they create can lead to the development of an environment where young people and families can work comfortably in their hometowns, which in turn is expected to curb population outflow and increase the number of new residents. Youth entrepreneurship in regional areas has the potential not only to solve specific issues through individual businesses but also to promote the transformation of the entir