On the 25th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it will hold the 'Strong Small Business Final Audition' at the Gwangmyeong Ibex Studio.
The 'Strong Small Business' program supports small businesses in innovating existing products and services through collaboration or fusion with creators and startups. The audition will take place from the 25th to the 28th.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups supported a total of 160 corporations with up to 60 million won in commercialization funds selected from 7,147 corporations in the first audition held in May.
In this final audition, 60 corporations from the 160 selected in the first round will be designated as 'LICORN' based on their innovation and growth potential in the lifestyle and regional sectors.
These 60 corporations will receive an additional support of up to 40 million won in commercialization funds and will also be linked to support for domestic and overseas market development, investments, and loans to leap to become innovative global companies.
In addition to the public competition, the event will feature sub-programs such as investment, distribution, management consulting sessions, and consulting on export, marketing, and promotional content.
On the 11th of next month, an award ceremony and congratulatory performance will be held at the KBS Annex Public Hall for the corporations selected in the final audition.
Vice Minister Noh Yong-seok said, "The recent global interest in K-culture has led to a growing interest in products and services created by small businesses in Korea such as food, cosmetics, and fashion," and added that "the government will support strong small businesses with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to grow into innovative global companies."