Outstanding products from small businesses nationwide on display... '2026 Korea Small Business Owners' Conference' in Busan

[Financial News] An exhibition and sales fair showcasing outstanding products from small businesses nationwide will be held in Busan. Awards will also be presented to people who have contributed to the development of the small business sector in Korea.
Busan Metropolitan City Government and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups said they will hold the '2026 Korea Small Business Owners' Conference' at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2 from the 23rd through the 24th.
The event aims to highlight the status and importance of small business owners, who are the backbone of the people's economy, support them in growing and advancing as economic agents, and share their achievements with the public. It has been held under the auspices of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups since 2006.
Now in its 21st edition, this year's conference is themed 'A Greater Korea Made by Small Business Owners.' It will feature a variety of programs, including an exhibition and sales fair for outstanding small business products, hands-on exhibits of outstanding skills and techniques across different industries, and the Busan Small Business Livelihood Innovation Forum.
The opening ceremony will be held on the afternoon of the 23rd on the main stage at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2. It will begin with a video on small business policies, followed by opening remarks, an address of encouragement, a welcoming address, and a cheering performance, as well as awards for people who have contributed to the development of small businesses. A total of 147 awards will be presented, including one Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, one Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, two Industrial Service Merit Medals, seven Presidential Commendations, and 10 Prime Minister's Commendations.

A total of 153 outstanding small businesses from across the country will take part in the exhibition and sales fair, showcasing a range of products, including food, household goods, and crafts. Visitors will be able to see, sample, and buy the products, creating an opportunity to expand small businesses' market access and boost local consumption.
Seven industry groups will also take part in the hands-on exhibits of skills and techniques: the Makeup and Beauty Association, the Central Association of Tattoo Artists, the Master Chefs Association, the Dog Association, the Florists Association, the Drone Industry Association, and the Master Confectioners Association. These associations and groups will offer a variety of activities for visitors to participate in and showcase small businesses' outstanding skills and techniques.
Side events will also be held to strengthen small business owners' management capabilities and expand their online sales channels. To provide information useful to small businesses, the program will include the 'Busan Small Business Livelihood Innovation Forum,' 'Labor and Legal Training,' and a 'Seminar Commemorating the National Small Business Owners' Conference.' On the second day, the 24th, 'Small Business Live Commerce Day' will be held to help expand online sales channels and promote products.
Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, "I hope this conference will widely showcase small businesses' outstanding products and technologies and lead to increased sales and new growth opportunities." He added, "The city will also continue providing support that businesses can feel on the ground, so that small business owners can operate and grow with stability."
Lee Byeong-gwon, Second Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups, said, "The 8.11 million small business owners are a solid pillar of Korea's people's economy and the roots that sustain local communities." He promised, "We will spare no effort in providing policy support so that small business owners, who have stood by their businesses despite difficult conditions, can strengthen their competitiveness and advance as confident economic agents."
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter