Unrealistic Support Measures for Small Business Owners in Buk-gu, Gwangju

Backbreaking Delivery Fees...

"Support Programs That Truly Matter Are Needed"

Various support measures for small business owners promoted by Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, have been criticized for being out of touch with reality.

On the 10th, Im Jong-guk, a member of the Buk-gu Council, explained during a 5-minute free speech at the 296th extraordinary session, "Buk-gu is promoting various projects to support small business owners and self-employed individuals, such as the Small Business Hope Dream Inclusive Finance Support, Special Guarantee Support for Tenant Small Business Owners, and Interest Subsidy Support for Low-credit and Low-income Small Business Owners."

However, he pointed out, "While these projects do provide some help to the self-employed, I believe there is an urgent need for support projects that directly address the concerns of self-employed individuals."

Councilor Im said, "One of the major burdens for self-employed people is delivery fees," adding, "Currently, delivery fees range from as low as 6.8% to as high as 12.5% of the payment amount, meaning that if you sell a 10,000 won meal, 1,250 won is deducted as a delivery fee."

He suggested, "One possible solution is for local governments to cover part of the delivery fees for self-employed individuals using private delivery apps." This was a criticism that Buk-gu’s various support projects for small merchants struggling with management difficulties are focused only on the financial sector.

In conclusion, Councilor Im urged the discovery of "broader and more proactive support projects that can help the survival of small business owners and self-employed individuals, who are a pillar of the low-income economy."