As of May 13, a total of 322 suggestions were submitted from February 2 to May 13, averaging 3.5 suggestions per day. Of these, 211 have received responses.
The participation of a diverse group, including representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), small business owners, startup founders, bank employees involved in SME financing, and overseas citizens, has been noted as significant in conveying the voices from the field.
Minister Han Seong-sook has personally read all the suggestions and responds directly to those that can be addressed immediately. For matters requiring further review, the ministry connects them with relevant departments for detailed examination.
The suggestions are categorized into five types based on their content, scope, and necessity for action: 1) System Improvement (issues under the ministry's jurisdiction), 2) Policy Projects (long-term tasks requiring collaboration with other ministries or legislation), 3) Field Communication (inquiries and guidance), 4) Business Promotion, and 5) Others.
Starting with an expanded executive meeting on May 18, the ministry plans to discuss key suggestions and system improvements with senior officials to ensure they lead to actual policy enhancements.
Notably, suggestions that can be implemented immediately during policy operations have already been acted upon.
For example, proposals related to the "Everyone's Startup" project included requests to ease restrictions for existing entrepreneurs and those who have not generated revenue after registering their businesses, as well as allowing overseas citizens to apply.
In response, the ministry has included individuals wishing to start a business in a different industry within three years of their initial startup in the eligibility criteria.
Additionally, overseas residents can now apply for business registration after verifying their identity through email and contact information. Starting from the second application round scheduled for June 2026, an IP-based identity verification method will be introduced to enhance convenience.
Regarding policy funds for small businesses, requests for improvements to the first-come, first-served application system and issues with system stability have been received.
The ministry has introduced a policy prioritization evaluation to comprehensively select applicants that align with funding purposes. It has also improved the system to accept all applications submitted during the application period.
In response to suggestions for expanding financial support for companies struggling due to the Middle East conflict, the ministry has allocated 250 billion won for emergency management stabilization funds in this year's supplementary budget.
Minister Han Seong-sook stated, "From urgent inquiries that need immediate resolution to sharp critiques of current systems regarding small business policy funds, technology protection, and startup support, as well as long-term policy issues requiring in-depth review such as regulatory improvements or legal amendments, each suggestion reflects the earnestness and dedication of the citizens. I recognize the weight of the proposals submitted by the public and carefully consider each response to ensure effective communication."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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