[New Year's Address] FSMBA President Song Chiyoung: "We Will Usher in the Era of Small Business Sovereignty"

Key Initiatives Proposed, Including Establishing a Social Safety Net for Small Business Owners

Song Chiyoung, President of the Federation of Small and Medium Business Associations (FSMBA), emphasized his determination to make the Year of Byeongo (2026) the "first year of restoring the rights of small business owners."

Song Chiyoung, President of the Federation of Small and Medium Business Associations (FSMBA)

On December 30, President Song stated in his New Year's address, "Next year, we will usher in the 'Era of Small Business Sovereignty,' establishing the status of small business owners as independent actors in the Korean economy."

Reflecting on this year, President Song said, "Despite challenging circumstances such as political upheaval and sluggish domestic demand, we laid the policy groundwork by establishing a vice minister dedicated to small business affairs and supplying a special fund of 10 trillion won for diligent repayers."

He further highlighted, "Thanks to FSMBA's strong advocacy, the 579 billion won budget for small business management stability vouchers was maintained, and small businesses were exempted from the mandatory installation of kiosks for people with disabilities. Achieving the 'era of 1 million members' ahead of schedule and emerging as a major representative organization in Korea is a testament to the solidarity and unity of Korean small business owners."

President Song also presented the main initiatives that FSMBA will pursue next year. The key priorities for the coming year include: ▲ Establishing a social safety net and strengthening the welfare system for small business owners ▲ Laying the foundation for the establishment of the FSMBA Policy Research Institute and driving data-based policy innovation ▲ Improving the employment environment for small business owners, such as abolishing the weekly holiday allowance ▲ Creating a policy environment that prioritizes small business owners in line with the upcoming local elections.

Quoting the saying "Nojeokseonghae," which means "dew drops gather to form a sea," President Song encouraged small business owners facing difficult business conditions. He emphasized, "If all small business owners in Korea unite as one, we can overcome any wave. I will strive even harder to make the Year of Byeongo a year of hope, where small beginnings lead to great achievements."