Kwon Ik-wi Requests Ministry of SMEs to "Recognize Various Supporting Documents for Small Business Support Funds"

Over 880 Active Administration Public Applications from July to October
55 Regulatory Improvement Suggestions Presented to Relevant Ministries

As non-face-to-face classes continue due to COVID-19, the worries of merchants in university commercial districts are deepening. On the 8th, the commercial area near Ewha Womans University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, appeared quiet due to the lack of students visiting. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on the 19th that it has conveyed to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups the opinion that the documentation requirements should be relaxed to facilitate the smoother distribution of recovery support funds for small business owners affected by COVID-19. Since the introduction of the 'Active Administration National Application System' in July until early this month, over 880 national applications have been received, of which 55 cases involved regulatory improvement opinions delivered to relevant ministries, including the easing of support for small business owners.

The Commission pointed out that, first, during the payment process of the 'Small Business Owner Support Fund Plus' for economic recovery of small business owners, documents other than National Tax Service data are not being recognized as valid evidence. Cases have been reported to the Commission where support payments were denied because credit card sales data were not considered valid documentation, and where support was not received despite an 80% decrease in total sales because the individual business owner had no VAT sales. Accordingly, the Commission requested the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to consider recognizing various documents submitted by individuals.

Additionally, regarding the additional support funds received when purchasing a vehicle with a higher emission grade after early scrapping of an old diesel vehicle, the Commission presented an opinion to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to reconsider the payment criteria. Currently, if the new vehicle's maximum load capacity or engine displacement is larger than the existing vehicle, it is excluded from support eligibility. However, since there are cases where it is unavoidable to purchase a vehicle with a larger load capacity, the Commission requested an expansion of the benefit scope.