Green Industry Support Center Provides 'One-Stop Service' for Green SMEs and Prospective Entrepreneurs
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] “It is difficult to produce and realize prototypes exactly as we intended, but in these tough economic times, being able to expand product distribution channels is truly a great help. We received support for prototype production through 3D printing, are currently undergoing the Public Procurement Service registration process, and have achieved the success of securing an installation contract with the Korea National Park Service.” (Wildfire suppression equipment developer)
According to Seoul City on the 1st, the city will actively foster and support Seoul-style green industries by significantly expanding support measures and benefits starting this year, including high-quality green small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support programs and the establishment and operation of customized support hubs.
First, support for 3D printing prototype production will be provided. The Green Industry Support Center will offer ongoing 3D printing and scanning support from April onwards through the Green Tech Shop facilities staffed with 3D printing specialists and newly introduced high-performance equipment to help green SMEs realize their product ideas. Additionally, practical 3D printing training will be provided from May to November for SMEs preparing for mass production (including prospective entrepreneurs).
This year, expert company presentation (IR) consulting and one-on-one investment consultation support projects will also be newly planned. Investment attraction opportunities will be provided to SMEs with excellent technology and green products to help them secure funding. A pool of investment institutions will be established by forming groups of venture capitalists, startup investment companies, and angel investor groups who wish to invest in or have experience in the green technology sector. Promotion and recruitment of participating companies based in Seoul will be conducted through announcements on related institution web pages and the Seoul green SME database within this month.
Education and acquisition fees for obtaining green certification will also be supported. The certification acquisition support project will expand the educational content companies desire, including not only the existing green certification education but also environmental labels, new technology (NET)/new product (NET) certifications. Companies that obtain certification will receive support for certification acquisition fees such as 1 million KRW for green technology and 300,000 KRW per case for green technology products.
More than two online special exhibitions are planned to be held this year. The Green Industry Support Center will hold at least two online special exhibitions between September and November this year to support product listing and marketing on major domestic online open market platforms. Specialized startup and professional mentoring tailored to green industries will also be provided through a panel of experts from various fields. Customized mentoring will be offered by matching demanders with expert mentors in areas such as certification acquisition, marketing, patents, and funding.
Kim Ho-seong, Director of the Green Energy Division at Seoul City, explained, “We have established a comprehensive support system for the entire green industry process through active support from the Seoul Green Industry Support Center for green SMEs and those preparing startups, as well as organic cooperation with related support centers such as the Seoul Institute of Technology. We hope this will provide practical help to SMEs struggling with expanding distribution channels and attracting investment.”
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