Expansion of Vouchers, Business Recovery, and Policy Funds
Focused Support for Non-Metropolitan and Low-Credit Small Businesses
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on December 29 that it will implement the "2026 Integrated Notice for Small Business Support Programs and Loans" ahead of schedule.
The 2026 budget for small businesses under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has been set at a record high of 5.4 trillion won. In particular, among the integrated support programs, those available to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners span 26 projects in 7 areas, totaling 1.341 trillion won, which is an increase of 524 billion won (64%) compared to the previous year.
The main areas of support include: ▲ fostering entrepreneurial small businesses ▲ supporting small business growth ▲ specialized support for small manufacturers ▲ revitalizing local commercial districts ▲ strengthening digital capabilities ▲ alleviating management burdens ▲ and supporting business recovery. Policy funds are allocated to 11 projects in 3 areas, totaling 3.362 trillion won, with a focus on: ▲ alleviating funding difficulties for general small businesses ▲ enhancing accessibility for financially vulnerable groups ▲ and promoting the growth of promising small businesses.
First, following this year, in 2026 the government will continue to operate the Management Stability Voucher Program, which can be used to pay utility bills such as electricity and gas, as well as the four major social insurance premiums, to help reduce the management burden on small businesses. A total budget of 579 billion won has been allocated for next year, enabling support for approximately 2.3 million businesses. Vouchers of up to 250,000 won per business will be provided to small business owners with annual sales of less than 104 million won.
The budget for the Hope Return Package, which assists small businesses in crisis, has been set at 305.6 billion won, an increase of 60.6 billion won compared to this year. The maximum support for store demolition costs will be raised from 4 million won to 6 million won, and the number of beneficiaries linked to the Ministry of Employment and Labor's National Employment Support System will be expanded from 2,000 to 3,000. For business recovery support, the government support limit will remain the same, but the self-payment ratio will be eased from 100% to 50%.
More than 60% of policy funds will be supplied to small businesses in non-metropolitan and population-declining areas, and the interest rate for these businesses will be reduced by 0.2 percentage points. For small businesses with mid- to low-credit ratings, the scope of eligible debts for refinancing loans will be expanded to include those incurred before June 30 of this year, in order to alleviate accumulated financial burdens. For household loans used for business purposes, the refinancing limit will be raised from 10 million won to 50 million won.
To promote exports by small businesses, a new export category of up to 20 billion won will be established within the Relay Fund. The Co-Prosperity Growth Promotion Fund will also be revamped to foster digital and online small businesses. The eligibility criteria will be expanded to allow TOPS Stage 1 companies to apply, and loan limits will be differentiated by growth stage so that more policy funds can be provided as businesses grow.
To strengthen the sales base of traditional markets and alleyway shopping districts, Onnuri gift certificates will be issued in the amount of 5.5 trillion won. To enhance payment convenience and policy efficiency, the issuance of paper certificates will be gradually reduced, while the proportion of digital certificates will be continuously increased.
The "Glocal Commercial District" project, which promotes the inflow of domestic and international visitors by linking with local tourism and culture, will be newly established as a regular program with a budget of 15 billion won to support about six new locations. The "Local Hub Commercial District" program, which focuses on supporting local content development, will support about 10 locations, and the "Promising Alley Commercial District" program, which supports the organization, collaboration, and capacity building of alleyway commercial districts, will support about 50 locations.
Support will also be provided for the AI transformation of innovative small businesses. By introducing differentiated product development and services utilizing AI, the government aims to help small businesses reduce costs and improve work efficiency. The "Global Small Business Fostering" program will support product development, packaging, and design to help products recognized in Korea transition into export-oriented brands.
The integrated notice containing detailed information, as well as individual notices for each specific program, can be found on the websites of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Small Enterprise and Market Service, and Small Business 24.
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