Gwangju City is publicly recruiting outstanding small business owners.
The initiative aims to identify exemplary entrepreneurs in the five districts of Gwangju to enhance the pride of small business owners.
Eligibility criteria include being a manager of a manufacturing company with a headquarters and factory in one of the five districts for at least three years and employing at least 10 people.
Key evaluation criteria will comprehensively reflect the company's operational history, financial stability, management performance, job creation, technology development, contributions to the local economy, and readiness for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management. Qualitative assessments will also consider employee welfare and social contributions.
Up to five individuals will be selected through document review, on-site inspections, and a review committee. The award ceremony is scheduled for December.
Selected outstanding small business owners will receive expanded support limits for management stability funds (from 300 million won to 500 million won), an additional 1% interest rate subsidy, up to 10% additional support for structural improvement and export promotion loans, a discount on credit guarantee fees (from 1.2% to 1.0%), a 10% increase in trade insurance guarantee limits, and a three-year exemption from local tax audits.
Additional benefits include priority support for overseas market development missions, participation in international exhibitions and fairs, and free environmental technology support for pollution emission facilities.
Applications will be accepted from September 21 to October 2, until 6 p.m.
Interested businesses can apply by visiting the Startup Promotion Division at Gwangju City Hall or by submitting applications by mail.
Since 2012, Gwangju City has selected outstanding small business owners, identifying and supporting a total of 63 individuals by 2025.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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