Building Resilience... Uiseong County Launches 'Triple Safety Net' for SME Management

2026 Customized Support Package
Addressing Interest, Workplaces, and Jobs All at Once

Uiseong County is set to launch its 2026 support programs for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have been facing increased management burdens due to high interest rates, high inflation, and growing domestic and international uncertainties. The county’s plan is to enhance the effectiveness of its support by establishing a comprehensive assistance system that simultaneously addresses financing, working conditions, and employment.

Photo by Byeonggeon Kwon, Uiseong County Office

According to Uiseong County, this year’s key initiatives include: ▲SME operating fund support ▲SME work environment improvement projects ▲SME employment subsidy support. The programs are designed to cover the full spectrum of business management, from securing short-term liquidity to improving production sites and promoting new employment.

The SME operating fund support program will provide a total of 11.5 billion won in funding, offering both loan recommendations and a 4% interest subsidy. The county intends to flexibly adjust the scale of support in response to economic trends, aiming to strengthen the management stability of companies experiencing temporary cash flow difficulties.

The work environment improvement project targets manufacturing SMEs that have been operating normally in the county for at least one year. The county will cover 50% of project costs (up to 20 million won per company), with broad support ranging from improvements to workspaces to the introduction of welfare and convenience facilities such as dormitories, cafeterias, and break rooms, as well as high-efficiency energy equipment.

The SME employment subsidy support program is a policy designed to encourage new hiring and promote employment stability.

Companies that maintain newly hired employees for more than six months after July 1, 2025, will receive 2 million won per person, supporting up to two employees per company.

This is expected to both create local jobs and alleviate the burden of labor costs.

In addition, Uiseong County plans to sequentially expand related support programs, including logistics cost support, industrial safety and environmental improvements, and enhancements to dormitory conditions for foreign workers. Detailed requirements and application procedures for each program can be found in the notices and announcements section of the Uiseong County website. Inquiries should be directed to the Future Industry and Corporate Investment Team.

County Governor Kim Jusu stated, "I hope this support will serve as a practical pillar for SMEs struggling with worsening economic conditions," adding, "Since the sustainability of businesses is directly linked to the competitiveness of the local economy, we will continue to strengthen support that can be felt in the field."

In times of crisis, the role of local governments comes down to 'speed' and 'tangible impact.' Attention is now focused on whether Uiseong County’s policy-designed to simultaneously address interest burden relief, workplace improvements, and employment retention-will serve as a signal for the recovery of the local industry.