The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 28th that it will hold the 'September Co-Progress Festival Opening Ceremony' in Jeju from the 30th to the 31st, along with a 'National Small Business Forum' and 'National Small Business One Mind Walking Competition'. This event is organized in connection with the '2025 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises', which will take place in Jeju next month.
First, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will hold the 'September Co-Progress Festival Opening Ceremony' at the International Convention Center Jeju on the 30th. The opening ceremony will include a small business product sales exhibition, a children's play and experience area, and a co-prosperity receipt concert. In particular, about 50 local small businesses from Jeju will sell various products, including food, household goods, and beauty products. The 'Co-Prosperity Receipt Concert' will feature Kim Bum-soo, Min Ji-woon, Lee Mu-jin, and Spider.
A 'National Small Business Forum' will also be held, focusing on the theme of 'Five Major Policy Issues Addressed Together with Small Businesses'. The event will be attended by the president and executives of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME), branch managers and regional representatives from across the country, and local small business representatives.
The forum will begin with opening remarks by Minister Han Seong-suk, followed by remarks from the president of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME), Song Chi-young, on the 'Five Major Policy Issues of Small Businesses'. President Song explained the main policy issues facing small businesses, including ▲Promotion of tailored AX·DX, ▲Activation of internal demand, ▲Strengthening policy information dissemination, ▲Reducing financial burdens and enhancing accessibility, and ▲Strengthening safety nets for small businesses facing closure.
Afterward, attendees, including representatives of small businesses from across the country, freely asked questions about each issue, with Minister Han Seong-suk answering directly regarding support directions. Notably, industry leaders from the federation shared the current status of the industry and examples of difficulties related to attendees' inquiries.
Finally, on the 31st, the '1st National Small Business One Mind Walking Competition', hosted by the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME), will take place on some sections of Olle Course 8 in Seogwipo, Jeju (about 3 km). The event is open to all, including small business owners, Jeju residents, and tourists. Participants will walk from the International Convention Center Jeju to sites like Daepo Jusangjeolli and Daepo Port.
Minister Han Seong-suk said, "I am truly delighted to hold the September Co-Progress Festival opening event in Jeju, where beautiful nature and culture coexist," and added, "I hope many people purchase small business products that shine like hidden gems through the festival and support the dreams of small business owners."