"What Were This Year's Biggest Issues Shaking the Small Business Sector?... Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, and More"

Establishment of a Dedicated Vice Minister for Small Businesses
Record-High Budget Allocation and More

This year, the top 10 issues that shook the small business sector included the distribution of livelihood recovery consumption coupons and win-win payback, as well as the establishment of a second vice minister dedicated to small businesses. Although the unprecedented crisis continued, as highlighted by the buzzword "the era of 1 million closures," it is evaluated that bold government support measures for livelihood recovery and policy support have laid the foundation for a new leap forward.

On December 31, the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises announced that it had selected the "Top 10 Small Business News" that made waves throughout the year. The first issue was "Successful Rebound in Perceived Economic Conditions Due to Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons and Win-Win Payback." It is evaluated that the alley business revitalization policy of the Lee Jaemyung administration led to a significant improvement in economic sentiment, with the small business economic outlook index reaching 90.7 in November-the highest since 2023.

The second issue selected was the "Establishment of a Second Vice Minister Dedicated to Small Businesses." The federation noted that the creation of this dedicated vice minister position, which had been continuously requested, has secured the ability to implement field-oriented policies.

Next, the "Record-High Budget of 5.4 Trillion Won and Expanded Sales Criteria for Small Businesses" was chosen. Direct support budgets such as the management stability voucher (579 billion won) and policy funds (3.3 trillion won) were significantly strengthened, and for the first time in 10 years, the sales range criteria for small business sectors were expanded, establishing a rational support system that reflects price increases.

Other issues included "First Labor-Management Agreement on Minimum Wage in 17 Years," "Accelerating Regulation of Unfair Practices on Platforms," and "Opposition to the 4.5-Day Workweek and Promotion of Transparency in Commercial Lease Management Fees."

On the other hand, there are still unresolved problems ahead. As of last year, the number of business closures surpassed 1 million for the first time, and the outstanding balance of self-employed loans reached a record high of 1,072 trillion won. In particular, there are concerns about deepening polarization within self-employment, as delinquency rates among people in their 20s and small-scale businesses have surged.

Song Chiyoung, President of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises, stated, "2025 was a year in which the government's strong will to overcome the crisis and the desperate voices of small business owners were reflected in policy," adding, "Through solidarity and unity among small business owners, we will do our best to make 2026 a year of full economic recovery and the restoration of small business rights."