From Emergency Funds and Smart Technologies to Consumption Coupons
Full-scale Efforts for Business Stability and Local Market Recovery
Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province has introduced on-site solutions to protect small business owners who have been pushed to the brink by the prolonged economic downturn. The county is leading the recovery of local businesses with a 'customized comprehensive support package' that includes financial support, improvements to the business environment, strengthening digital competitiveness, and campaigns to boost consumption.
The county is expanding various policy funds such as emergency management stabilization funds, special funds for second chances, and innovation growth promotion funds to provide relief for small business owners struggling with cash flow problems.
In addition, the county is easing the burden of fund management by providing interest subsidies, special guarantees, and social insurance support. It has also introduced the 'Burden Reduction Credit' system to lower fixed costs such as utility bills and the four major social insurance premiums, thereby providing a stable management foundation.
To keep pace with the changing consumer environment, the county is supporting the adoption of smart technologies such as kiosks and serving robots, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of small business owners. This goes beyond simple support and represents a future-oriented measure to secure sustainable self-sufficiency.
To this end, on September 4, a meeting was held at the Cheongyang Traditional Market Multipurpose Hall, attended by Governor Kim Donggon, members of the Small Business Association, officials from the Small Enterprise and Market Service, and about 50 other participants.
At the meeting, small business owners proposed the introduction of a paid sick leave system for sole proprietors, suspension of parking enforcement during lunch hours, strengthened support for fire and disaster insurance for small businesses, establishment of a dedicated department to respond to no-shows and voice phishing, establishment of a small business support center, and fostering of neighborhood commercial districts. The county announced that these suggestions would be reflected in its policies.
In addition, the county launched a campaign to promote the use of 'Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons,' publicizing the usage deadline (November 30) and the second application period (September 22 to October 31). Together with residents who visited the site, the county delivered direct messages to encourage consumption, sparking the recovery of local businesses.
Governor Kim Donggon stated, "We will not provide one-off support for small business owners, but instead implement practical measures that enable them to operate stably," adding, "We will incorporate the voices from the field into our policies to achieve a revival of local businesses."
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