Gwangju Metropolitan City Seeks and Supports Outstanding Small Business Owners in the Gwangju Area

[Financial News, Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong] "We are looking for outstanding small business owners in the Gwangju area."
 Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, which is in its first year of integration, will hold an open recruitment drive for the "2026 Outstanding Small Business Owners of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City" to boost the pride of local entrepreneurs who are driving the regional economy.
 This year, Gwangju Metropolitan City will carry out the program, but the application area will be limited to the five autonomous districts in the Gwangju region. Up to five people will be selected. 
 Eligible candidates are heads of exemplary small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses that have maintained their headquarters and factories, or main offices, in the five autonomous districts of the Gwangju area for at least three years as of the announcement date, Aug. 31, and employ 10 or more regular workers.
 Those selected as outstanding small business owners will receive a range of benefits for two years, including an expanded cap on management stabilization funding from 300 million won to 500 million won, an additional 1 percentage point subsidy on interest differentials, extra support of up to 10% of the loan amount for restructuring and export promotion funds, a credit guarantee fee discount from 1.2% to 1.0%, an additional 10% support limit for trade insurance guarantee fees, and a three-year postponement of local tax audits.
 They will also receive benefits such as dispatch support for overseas market development missions, priority assistance for participation in overseas exhibitions and fairs, and free environmental technology support for pollution-emitting facilities.
 Hong Na-sun, head of the Startup Promotion Division at Gwangju Metropolitan City, said, "We will actively identify outstanding business owners who have worked hard to develop the local economy and create quality jobs, and support their growth and challenges." She added, "As this year's recruitment is open to business owners who meet the location requirements in Gwangju's five autonomous districts, we ask that interested applicants check their eligibility and application period and take part actively."
 Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to finalize the selection of the "2026 Outstanding Small Business Owners" after document screening, on-site inspections, and review by a selection committee. The evaluation will comprehensively assess factors such as company age and financial soundness, management performance, job creation, technology development, contribution to the local economy, and ESG management readiness. Qualitative factors such as improved worker welfare and social contribution will also be reflected. The awards ceremony is scheduled for December. 
 Applications will be accepted from the 21st until 6 p.m. on Oct. 2. Business owners who wish to apply may visit the Startup Promotion Division at the Gwangju Office of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City or submit their applications by mail to the Startup Promotion Division, 7th Floor, Gwangju Office, 111 Naebang-ro, the West, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City.
 Meanwhile, Gwangju Metropolitan City has identified and supported a total of 63 outstanding small business owners from 2012 through 2025.

[email protected] Hwang Tae-jong Reporter