Application and Submission Period Extended for the "2026 Commendation for Meritorious Contributors to Small and Medium Enterprises"

Application Deadline Extended Until Year-End
Broader Award Opportunities Offered

The application and submission period for the "2026 Commendation for Meritorious Contributors to Small and Medium Enterprises," the largest award in Korea for those who have driven innovative growth and job creation, has been extended.

On December 14, the Korea Federation of SMEs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that the deadline for applications and submissions for the "2026 Commendation for Meritorious Contributors to Small and Medium Enterprises," which recognizes individuals who have contributed to the development and growth of SMEs, has been extended until December 31.

This extension aims to broaden participation in the awards. There are no plans for a further extension. The Commendation for Meritorious Contributors to Small and Medium Enterprises is the largest nationwide award for 8.3 million SME stakeholders, and the winners are honored at the "Korea SME Entrepreneurs Conference," held annually during SME Week (the third week of May).

Applications for the Commendation for Meritorious Contributors to Small and Medium Enterprises are accepted in five categories: exemplary SME entrepreneurs (manufacturing), exemplary SME entrepreneurs (distribution and services), exemplary workers, contributors to SME development, and outstanding support organizations (institutions). Awardees will be selected through a review process and will receive government honors such as the Order of Industrial Service Merit (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, Stone Tower), Industrial Service Medal, Presidential Citation, Prime Minister's Citation, as well as institutional awards (from the Minister of SMEs and Startups, Administrator of the Public Procurement Service, etc.).

Companies are ineligible for nomination if they have been publicly listed for industrial accidents under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, violated the Fair Trade Act, have wage arrears under the Labor Standards Act, have overdue national or local taxes, or have caused significant social controversy. If an individual or company has previously received a government award, they are ineligible for re-award within seven years for the Order of Merit, five years for the Medal, and three years for the Presidential or Prime Minister's Citation. For more detailed information regarding the awards, please contact the Awards Task Force at the Korea Federation of SMEs or the relevant department at the local SME and Startup Office.