[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The Gyeonggi-do Economic Science Promotion Agency will continue its matching project that connects retired experts with young entrepreneurs this year, following last year.
On the 26th, the Gyeonggi-do Economic Science Promotion Agency announced that it will recruit 60 retirees in their 50s and 60s to serve as startup supporters and 30 teams of young entrepreneurs by the 13th of next month.
Startup supporters will play a role in increasing the success rate of startups by transferring their professional knowledge and know-how to young entrepreneurs who relatively lack experience.
Eligibility for startup supporters includes retirees in their 50s and 60s with more than 10 years of experience in technology or management fields. Young entrepreneurs who receive their know-how must be prospective entrepreneurs under the age of 39 or early-stage entrepreneurs within three years of starting their business.
However, young entrepreneurs who are already running a business are eligible only if they have a business entity in Gyeonggi-do.
After the announcement deadline, 60 senior supporters and 30 teams of young entrepreneurs will be selected through each selection criterion. One team of young entrepreneurs will be paired with two consultants (one in technology, one in management).
The Gyeonggi Economic Science Agency will provide startup supporters with a monthly activity allowance of 800,000 KRW for seven months following the matching. Additionally, young entrepreneurs will receive financial support of up to 10 million KRW, including employment creation subsidies (wages) and intellectual property support funds.
Applications can be submitted through EasyBiz (www.egbiz.or.kr) and the Gyeonggi Startup Platform (www.gsp.or.kr).
Kim Ki-jun, director of the Gyeonggi Economic Science Agency, expressed expectations, saying, "The valuable experience of retired experts is a precious social asset that will increase the possibility of successful startups through collaboration with young entrepreneurs."
Last year, the Gyeonggi Economic Science Agency supported 60 startup supporters and 30 teams of young entrepreneurs.
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