Fukui Industrial Support Center and PR TIMES Sign Partnership Agreement to Support Local Businesses in PR

PR TIMES Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takumi Yamaguchi; TSE Prime/NSE Premier: 3922) signed a partnership agreement with the Fukui Industrial Support Center (Sakai City, Fukui; President: Jun Shirasaki) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, which took effect the same day. Through this partnership, the two organizations will support a wide range of "action-takers" in Fukui Prefecture—including SMEs seeking consultation at the center and startups tackling regional challenges—in expanding their visibility. This will be achieved by offering free press release distribution and hosting PR seminars. This marks the fifth instance of PR TIMES partnering with a prefectural SME support center, following the Saga Prefectural Regional Industry Support Center in July 2025. It is also the second partnership with an enterprise or organization within Fukui Prefecture, following Fukuhou Bank (now Fukui Bank) in September 2018. - Providing a program where businesses and organizations supported by the Fukui Industrial Support Center can use "PR TIMES" free of charge. - Hosting information dissemination seminars themed around PR and communications within Fukui Prefecture. - Providing "PR TIMES" free of charge for the Fukui Industrial Support Center's own announcements. ■ Creating an Environment for Everyone from Traditional Industries to Startups to Share Their Challenges with Society Headquartered in Sakai City, the Fukui Industrial Support Center is the core institution for economic and industrial policy in Fukui Prefecture, covering both the Reihoku and Reinan regions. From business consultations (including the Fukui Prefecture Yorozu Support Base) to startup support, technology development, DX accompaniment, product development and design, human resource development, and sales channel expansion, the center provides multifaceted support to local businesses regardless of their industry, size, or growth stage. Fukui Prefecture is home to diverse professionals, ranging from artisans of traditional crafts and the renowned eyewear and textile industries of Sabae, to startups, ventures, and food service businesses. The challenges emerging from Fukui are not limited to specific industries but extend across all aspects of daily life and industry. The Fukui Industrial Support Center has consistently paired experts with businesses to tackle management issues such as sales growth, market expansion, and branding. By adding the option of press releases—which deliver information directly to nationwide media and consumers—to this support framework, even small businesses and startups with limited PR budgets will be equipped to share their endeavors with society. ■ Support Details: Free Press Release Distribution, PR Seminars, and Promotion of the Center's Information Dissemination Based on this agreement, three key initiatives will be implemented: 1. Provision of a "Special Program" for Businesses Introduced by the Center (Conditional Free Program) Businesses introduced by the Fukui Industrial Support Center will be offered a set number of free press releases on PR TIMES, a service that is typically paid, for a certain period. Delivering information to national media and consumers will serve as a catalyst for expanding recognition. Program Name: Fukui Industrial Support Center x PR TIMES Information Dissemination Support Program Details: Prefectural businesses introduced by the center can use the "PR TIMES" press release distribution service for free for up to three releases over six months from a start date of their choice. Eligible Companies: Businesses introduced by the center that have never used PR TIMES before. (1) Corporations, organizations with corporate status, or sole proprietors. (2) Entities with no prior history of using the "PR TIMES" service (allowed if prior use was exclusively through advertising agencies, etc.). (3) Entities meeting PR TIMES' prescribed review and distribution standards, as well as separate criteria. (4) Application must be submitted via the designated form specific to this program. Availability Start Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Guidance Method: Eligible candidates will be informed separately upon introduction by the center. 2. Hosting of "PR and Communication Seminars" for Businesses To raise the foundational information dissemination capabilities of local companies, seminars on PR and press releases will be held. Content is expected to range from basics like "What is PR?" and "How to write an effective press release" to practical workshops and "Applying PR thinking to management." PR TIMES plans to host free seminars in Fukui in the future. These events will be open to any company in the Fukui area, providing an opportunity to impart PR know-how directly to local businesses.