The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the opening ceremony of the '2026 Korea Small Business Conference' at BEXCO in Busan on October 23, recognizing contributors to the development of small businesses.
During the ceremony, a total of 147 awards were presented to small business owners and related individuals who contributed to revitalizing the local economy and enhancing the rights of small businesses. The awards included one Silver Tower Industrial Medal, one Bronze Tower Industrial Medal, two Industrial Awards, seven Presidential Citations, ten Prime Minister Citations, and 126 awards from ministers and vice ministers.
The Silver Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Ahn Seung-bae, CEO of Shin Young Gas Station, while the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal went to Song Kyung-deok, CEO of Sanha Restaurant. The Industrial Awards were presented to Kwon Hyuk-hwan, CEO of Skin Blue, and Kim Young-heung, CEO of Samyoung ENG.
A total of 153 outstanding small businesses showcased a variety of products, including food, daily necessities, and crafts, at the excellence exhibition and sales event.
Seven industry-specific organizations participated in the technical and functional experience exhibition, including the Makeup Beauty Association, the Tattoo Artists Association, the Culinary Masters Association, the Dog Association, the Florist Association, the Drone Industry Federation, and the Confectionery Masters Association.
This year's conference marks the 21st edition and has shifted from being primarily exhibition-focused in the metropolitan area to being held in Busan. It aims to support small businesses in expanding their market access by introducing a new product exhibition and sales event. The previous '2025 Korea Small Business Conference' was held at KINTEX in Ilsan.
Lee Byung-kwon, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, “We will spare no policy support to ensure that small business owners, who have persevered in difficult circumstances, can enhance their competitiveness and make significant strides as proud economic entities.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.