KHNP Establishes 30 Billion Won Guaranteed Loan Fund for Small Businesses... Offers Consulting in Start-up, Finance, and Management

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Headquarters Building Exterior. KHNP

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced on December 31 that it has established the "KHNP Small Business Hope Fund" with a total of 30 billion won, marking the first time a public institution has created such a fund for small business owners located in basic local governments near nuclear power plants.

This is a loan fund initiative for small business owners, jointly promoted by KHNP, guarantee institutions, and partner banks. Starting with 30 billion won in 2026, the plan is to expand the guaranteed loan fund to a total of 60 billion won over five years. Through this initiative, small business owners in six basic local governments hosting nuclear power plants will receive financial support for five years, as well as specialized consulting in areas such as business start-up, finance, and management to help stabilize their operations.

The "KHNP Small Business Hope Fund" targets small business owners in various sectors, including the restaurant industry, within the six basic local governments. Beneficiaries will be selected through a loan review process. In the first year, the fund will be established at 30 billion won, with 2.5 billion won from the KHNP budget and 1 billion won contributed by partner banks as guarantee resources. The program will offer preferential guarantee amounts and loan limits for small business owners. It will also provide a lower contractual interest rate than the average market rate, and cover guarantee fees incurred at the time of the loan. Full-scale lending operations will begin in 2026, after specific implementation plans are determined with partner institutions.

Jeon Daewook, Acting President of KHNP, stated, "We hope that the KHNP Small Business Hope Fund will serve as much-needed support for local small business owners and make a significant contribution to revitalizing the local economy."