Seongdong-gu Provides Free 3D Printer Parts Support to Small Business Owners Affected by COVID-19

Available for rolling applications from April to June, providing parts and technical support, and operating educational programs

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh), together with the Seoul Forest Social Innovation Sharing Foundation, is providing parts made using 3D printers free of charge to local small and medium-sized business owners who are struggling due to COVID-19.

This "3D Printer Utilization Support Project for Small and Medium-sized Businesses" is being conducted in the 'Makerspace' located on the 7th floor of the Ansim Shopping Building in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, where various 3D printing education and practical training take place. The support runs for a total of three months from April 1 to the end of June.

The main support includes producing and replacing parts that are difficult to purchase or costly for local small and medium-sized business owners using 3D printers, supporting prototype production for new product development, and providing related technology assistance. Additionally, technical support and educational programs for job changes or career transitions utilizing various 3D printers are also offered.

For this project, the district supports four existing professionals working at the Makerspace and hires four new public job assistants. The professionals provide technical consultations and support new product development, while the public job workers are responsible for supporting the 3D printer production and operation processes. This public job recruitment is promoted in connection with the "Public Job Support Project Expansion" in response to COVID-19.

Any small and medium-sized business owner in Seongdong-gu can use this service within the period, and inquiries can be made to the Seongdong-gu Makerspace or the Seongdong-gu Office Job Policy Division.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, "We expect this to provide practical help to small and medium-sized business owners who are suffering from the economic downturn and weakened consumer sentiment caused by the spread of COVID-19," adding, "We will do our best to overcome this difficult time by promoting various measures to improve local economic consumer sentiment and working together."