Send Your Company Abroad: Overseas Exhibitions for Groups of Ten SMEs

[Financial News] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 13th that it is recruiting host organizations to participate in the '2026 Export Consortium Program.'
The Export Consortium Program allows host organizations, such as industry associations, to form a consortium with at least ten SMEs. The government then provides financial support for costs incurred at overseas exhibitions or export consultations held abroad.
Last year, SME exports ranked third in history, and in the first half of this year, despite global tariff challenges, the number of exporting companies reached an all-time high and export volume ranked second. To continue this success, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is accepting applications for the Export Consortium Program from the 10th to the 24th.
Once a host organization is selected for the Export Consortium Program, it conducts preliminary market research domestically before dispatching companies to exhibitions abroad. This is followed by a three-stage overseas market development process, including inviting buyers.
This year, 1,300 SMEs are participating in 80 consortia. Recently, in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Ministry operated the 'Middle East Market Entry Program' for SMEs and startups. Through this program, 29 SMEs in new industries such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology visited and met with 20 local institutions in the Middle East, and participated in investment promotion briefings and business networking events.
For next year's program, consortia selected as promising exporters will be eligible for three consecutive years of support without additional selection procedures. This initiative aims to give host organizations ample preparation time and enhance their expertise, ultimately improving SME participation outcomes.
Additionally, general export consortia supported next year may also apply to participate in exhibitions held in the first and fourth quarters of 2027. This change reflects the high demand among SMEs for certain exhibitions that take place early in the year.
The Ministry will also expand SME exports to emerging markets, in addition to traditional key markets. To this end, support will be strengthened for major consumer goods sectors driven by the spread of K-beauty and fashion, as well as for new technology fields such as tech services.
Lee Soon-bae, Director General for Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "The Export Consortium Program will serve as a direct breakthrough for overseas expansion in an uncertain external environment," and added, "We hope to see active interest and participation from host organizations so that our SMEs can continue their export achievements."

stand@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter