Songpa-gu Operates Comprehensive Support Consultation Center for Small Business Owners

Deployment of 10 Employees... Detailed Guidance on Subsidy Application via Video Call

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa District, is explaining the application method for small business survival funds through a video call at the 'Comprehensive Support Counseling Center for Small Business Owners' located on the 6th floor of the district office at 10 a.m. on the 19th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) will operate the ‘Small Business Comprehensive Support Counseling Center’ from the 25th, which provides a comprehensive guide to various support policies needed by small business owners.

In response to the increasing difficulties faced by small business owners, such as the rise in store closures due to COVID-19, the district established the ‘Small Business Comprehensive Support Counseling Center’ on the 6th floor of the district office to help their recovery.

In fact, the number of closed stores in Songpa-gu from January to March this year was 2,824, an increase of 317 stores, or 12.6%, compared to the same period last year.

The ‘Small Business Comprehensive Support Counseling Center’ provides extensive support policies needed by small business owners in one place, including financial information, facility improvement, and management consulting. A total of 10 staff members, including small business hope planners and emergency survival fund specialists, are assigned to assist with detailed consultations.

Applications for the ‘Seoul City Self-Employed Survival Fund’ can also be made through the center. Eligible applicants are small business owners located in Seoul who had annual sales under 200 million KRW in 2019, started their business before September 1, 2019, and are currently operating. After a separate eligibility review, cash support of 700,000 KRW per month for two months will be provided.

The application period is from May 25 to June 30 and can be done online (smallbusiness.seoul.go.kr). From June 15 to June 30, for 15 days, applications can also be submitted in person at the ‘Small Business Comprehensive Support Counseling Center’ or at branches of Woori Bank. However, since online applications follow a 5-day rotation system and in-person applications follow a 10-day rotation system, it is necessary to check the Songpa-gu Office website (www.songpa.go.kr) before applying.

In particular, the district will provide video call guidance for business owners who have difficulties with online applications for the survival fund. A dedicated mobile phone will be available to explain the online application screen clearly while viewing it together.

Additionally, an instructional video on how to apply will be produced and sent to mobile phones upon request to aid understanding. For those with mobility difficulties and sole proprietors, an on-site response team will be organized to provide visiting guidance as well.

For inquiries about the small business survival fund and the comprehensive support counseling center, contact the Songpa-gu Office Regional Economy Division at ☎2147-5090.

Furthermore, the district supports the recovery of small business owners through initiatives such as a rent reduction campaign, the nation’s first COVID-19 special consulting operated by small business hope planners, expansion of free delivery services for neighborhood supermarkets and convenience stores, and free disinfection support for small businesses.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “We will strive to ensure that small business owners who are facing great difficulties due to COVID-19 receive various benefits without exclusion through this comprehensive support counseling center and regain vitality.”