The SME Ombudsman and the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) are seeking small and medium-sized enterprises and microbusiness owners that have contributed to creating social value, driving technological innovation, and developing local economies.
The SME Ombudsman and the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) said on the 3rd that they are openly recruiting candidates for the "2026 Truly Good SMEs and Microbusiness Owners Award."
The award was created to identify and encourage small and medium-sized enterprises and microbusiness owners that have achieved excellent results in each field. Winners will be selected by evaluating candidates' core competencies and key achievements, as well as their social and economic ripple effects. The award categories are social contribution and regional development, technological innovation, microbusiness owners, and regulatory innovation.
In the social contribution category, the review will look at creating social value, creating quality jobs, and results in practicing environmental, social and governance (ESG) management. The regional development category evaluates efforts to coexist with local communities, such as investment outside the capital area and hiring local talent.
The technological innovation category mainly reviews achievements in developing new technologies and products and pioneering new markets. In the microbusiness owners category, the review will look at overcoming management crises through challenge and innovation and contributions to revitalizing local commercial districts. The regulatory innovation category focuses on improving unreasonable regulations and creative problem-solving cases.
The application period runs from the 3rd to 6 p.m. on the 31st. Candidates may apply directly, and they can also be recommended by local governments, public institutions, and associations or groups.
This year's award scale is around 40 honors in total. In addition to commendations from the Minister of Economy and Finance and the Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the SME Ombudsman Award and the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) President's Award will be presented.
Final winners will receive their awards at the "2026 Truly Good SMEs and Microbusiness Owners Award" ceremony on Dec. 9.