Gwangju Namgu Launches "Startup Item, Generous Funding" Idea Contest

Exterior view of Gwangju Namgu District Office.

On June 10, Gwangju Namgu District announced that it will launch a project to provide integrated support for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with outstanding startup ideas. The support includes commercialization funds, product design development costs, and promotional marketing, utilizing both national and district budgets.

The district will hold a startup idea contest to actively discover and nurture aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, aiming to revitalize the local economy.

This year’s contest is distinguished from previous ones in two ways. For the first time, national government funds will be allocated to the contest, and Chonnam National University will participate as a collaborative partner. The total project budget for the contest is 68.15 million won.

The district and Chonnam National University plan to select six startups with creative and highly marketable ideas. Each selected company will receive up to 10 million won, covering startup costs, promotional marketing, material costs, design development, marketing production, product development, and packaging.

Applications for the 2025 Startup Idea Contest will be accepted until June 27. Eligible applicants must either be aspiring entrepreneurs with a resident registration address in the district as of the application date, or early-stage entrepreneurs whose business is registered in Namgu and who started their business after January 1, 2022.

Aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who submit their application documents must attend both the first round of basic startup education and the second round of in-person expert evaluation, which will be held in July. These steps are designed to thoroughly assess practical abilities to refine startup ideas and the sustainability of the business.

Following the first and second evaluations, Namgu District will conduct a third round of on-site inspections and finalize the six companies to be supported based on the highest scores.

Companies that pass these stages will participate in startup education, customized mentoring, and expert on-site training starting in August, and will receive commercialization funds beginning in September.