Chosun University Selected as Lead Institution for Small Business Specialized Support Center

Chosun University announced that it has been selected as the lead institution for the '2024 Small Business Specialized Support Center' by the Small Enterprise and Market Service under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, receiving approximately 2 billion KRW in project funding for up to five years.

The Small Enterprise and Market Service is working to enhance regional competitiveness by supporting specialized centers in areas densely populated with small businesses nationwide, providing beneficial customized specialized projects for small business owners.

The Small Business Specialized Support Center, led by Chosun University (General Manager: Joo Sung-min), plans to carry out support activities in various fields focusing on the manufacturing of other products such as precious metals and jewelry in the Chungjang-dong area of Dong-gu, Gwangju. Key activities include ▲information provision ▲operation of shared facilities and equipment ▲formulation of development plans for industrial clusters ▲technology and commercialization education ▲management strategy creation education ▲establishment of collaborative networks ▲operation of living labs ▲mentoring for local creators ▲brand marketing support ▲collaborative prototype support ▲online and offline promotional projects.

Since 2021, Dong-gu, Gwangju has been fostering local industries through the construction of joint infrastructure in small business clusters, promotion of product sales, enhancement of technological value, and support for specialized funds for small businesses. Alongside this, Chosun University plans to create and promote a new concept of a university town-type industrial ecosystem that can revive urban small-scale manufacturing through projects such as regional industry-linked development projects and customized job support projects for local industries in city, county, and district areas.

Kim Yong-jae, Director of Industry-Academic Cooperation at Chosun University, stated, "We will do our best to provide comprehensive support to overcome the small scale and identity challenges of small manufacturing businesses centered on precious metals and jewelry in Chungjang-dong, Dong-gu," adding, "We will support growth into a differentiated campus-linked innovative square and a specialized development district for small businesses alongside the establishment of a jewelry convergence industry innovation hub."