The application and submission period for the "2026 commendations for contributors to small and midsize enterprises," which select leaders in innovative growth and job creation, has been extended. The goal is to broaden opportunities to participate in the awards.
According to the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups on the 14th, the application and submission deadline for the "2026 commendations for contributors to small and midsize enterprises," which identify and honor those who have contributed to the development and promotion of small and midsize enterprises, has been extended to the 31st.
The commendations for contributors to small and midsize enterprises are the largest nationwide awards targeting 8.3 million small and midsize enterprise stakeholders, with prizes presented at the "Korea small and midsize enterprise conference," held every year during Small and Medium Enterprise Week (the third week of May).
Applications for the commendations for contributors to small and midsize enterprises are accepted in five categories: exemplary small and midsize entrepreneur (manufacturing), exemplary small and midsize entrepreneur (distribution and services), exemplary worker, contributor to the promotion of small and midsize enterprises, and outstanding support organization (institution). Through screening, government honors such as the Order of Industrial Service Merit (gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone), the Industrial Service Medal, the Presidential Citation, and the Prime Minister's Citation, as well as institutional citations (Minister of SMEs and Startups, Commissioner of the Public Procurement Service, etc.), are awarded.
Applicants may submit the required documents and supporting materials by email or file the original documents with the awards team at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises or at any regional Small and Medium Business Administration office nationwide.
However, companies subject to public disclosure of industrial accident lists under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, violations of the Fair Trade Act, wage arrears under the Labor Standards Act, delinquencies in national tax and local government tax, or those that have caused social controversy are excluded from recommendation for awards. For those who have previously received government awards, re-awards are restricted within 7 years for orders, 5 years for medals, and 3 years for the Presidential Citation and the Prime Minister's Citation.