A Story of Songpa-gu Small Business Owners Overcoming the COVID Hardship with 'Hope Planner'?

Visited over 25,000 sites for on-site consultations, supported about 7,200 locations... Small business owners express gratitude and praise for Hope Planner activities in the COVID-19 era

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The ‘Visiting Small Business Hope Planner’ (hereinafter referred to as Hope Planner), operated exclusively in Songpa-gu nationwide, is receiving great responses by providing practical assistance to small business owners amid the COVID-19 situation.

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seong-su Park) announced on the 13th that through the Hope Planner, they directly visited about 25,000 small business and self-employed stores in the area struggling due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and provided guidance on various government support policies.

Since August 2019, the district has continuously operated the Hope Planner project by hiring five small business experts in different fields who visit business sites in person to listen to difficulties, provide guidance on support policies according to the situation, and assist with application procedures when necessary.

The Hope Planner visits and consults approximately 25,000 small business and self-employed stores regardless of day or night, helping about 7,200 locations utilize government support policies such as finance, employment insurance, startup, and closure support.

In particular, it plays the role of a ladder of hope for small business owners by proactively guiding COVID-related financial consulting from the government or local governments to those struggling due to COVID, greatly assisting in securing funds and continuing management.

For example, Mr. A, who runs a hair salon in Bangi-dong, needed funds for interior improvements but was struggling as loans were difficult to obtain from general financial institutions. With the help of the Hope Planner, he was able to receive a low-interest loan by obtaining a guarantee certificate from the Credit Guarantee Foundation.

Mr. B, who operates a workshop in Samjeon-dong, regained his business will after applying for the Small Business Market Channel Project of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, guided by the Hope Planner.

Ms. C, who runs a flower shop in Pungnap-dong and was considering closure due to business difficulties, was able to establish a foundation for recovery by receiving necessary funds through consultation with the Hope Planner.

Mr. D, an elderly owner of a laundry in Samjeon-dong preparing for closure due to worsening management, was able to receive support as the Hope Planner guided him on closure consulting and demolition cost support projects and handled online document preparation and application on his behalf due to his difficulty operating a smartphone.

Additionally, small business owners visited by the Hope Planner continuously express their gratitude through the ‘Let’s Compliment’ section on the district’s website.

Accordingly, the district plans to further systematize and continue operating the Hope Planner.

Also, in October last year, the ‘Small Business Comprehensive Support Center (15-1 Baramdri-gil, Songpa-gu)’ was opened to help stabilize management and strengthen self-reliance of small business owners.

Applications for visits by the Hope Planner can be made by contacting the Small Business Comprehensive Support Center.

Seong-su Park, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “Although this is a difficult time for residents and small business owners due to COVID-19, we will not spare on-site support with a spirit of sharing pain and solidarity. This year as well, we will actively strive to systematize the operation of the Hope Planner so that small business owners and self-employed people can feel it and to discover policies that provide strength.”