SEMAS and Jangsu-gun Join Forces for Local Startups and Regional Revitalization

Operation of Residency-Based Education Program in Collaboration with Local Content-Focused Universities

On July 2, the Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) announced that it had signed a "Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Local Startups and Regional Revitalization" with Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province.

This agreement aims to promote on-site, content-focused education and startup support programs utilizing local resources through a collaborative model with Jangsu-gun, a region facing the risk of population decline. The goal is to invigorate the local community and establish a foundation for attracting young people to the area.

Through this agreement, SEMAS and Jangsu-gun will cooperate in various fields, including: enhancing community vitality and establishing a foundation for youth inflow; building a model for exchanges with universities and youth organizations; nurturing local-based prospective entrepreneurs and creating a local startup ecosystem; and linking policies and support systems.

In particular, this agreement will focus on a residency- and field-based program called the "Jangsu 30-Day Summer Project." Students from universities specializing in local content, such as Seoul Institute of the Arts and Mokwon University, will stay in Jangsu-gun and carry out projects in collaboration with the local community. Under the agreement, SEMAS will support extracurricular programs linked to seasonal semesters and internships, as well as provide student accommodation expenses. Jangsu-gun will support project operating expenses through the utilization of local resources and matching funds for countering regional population decline.

Additionally, SEMAS plans to further strengthen its cooperation with the region, centering on the newly established Jeonbuk Regional Headquarters in June, and accelerate the creation of a local-oriented startup ecosystem. Park Sunghyo, Chairman of SEMAS, stated, "This agreement is expected to lay the foundation for creating a startup and cultural ecosystem that connects the region, universities, and youth, going beyond simple exchanges." He added, "We will continue to actively contribute to local startups and regional revitalization through close collaboration with the region."