Shizuoka and Aomori unveil 2026 business development programs

The Shizuoka Prefecture Small‑Business Association announced the “Future Academy 2026,” a 11‑session training course running from 7 September 2026 to 22 January 2027. Designed for small‑business owners, successors, executives and candidates, the program will cover basic management, finance, succession planning, talent retention and corporate‑value enhancement, and includes networking with other firms and support agencies. Tuition is ¥100,000 for a cohort of 20 participants, with registration closing on 28 August 2026.

The Aomori Prefecture, together with the nonprofit 21 Aomori Industry Support Center, opened applications for the “Monozukuri Business Matchmaking 2026” trade fair scheduled for 5 November 2026 at the Utri Hall in Hachinohe. The free‑entry event will bring together manufacturers from Aomori, Hokkaido, Iwate and Akita with purchasing companies from across Japan for individual 20‑minute meetings, a brief questionnaire, and a post‑event networking session. Target sectors include plastics, metalworking, machinery, electronics and information‑communication equipment. Up to 10 companies per region may participate, with a modest fee for the evening networking portion.