[Exclusive] IBK Industrial Bank Steps Up to Revitalize Regional SMEs... Increased Support and Fund Creation

2026 Business Plan

IBK Industrial Bank will increase its supply of funds to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this year by 2 trillion won compared to last year, focusing on supporting SMEs located in regional areas. The bank plans to mobilize a variety of methods, including expanding low-interest funding, establishing dedicated funds, and making investments.

According to the office of Lee Jungmoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, IBK's funding plan for this year totals 81 trillion won. This represents an increase of 2 trillion won from last year's 79 trillion won. Of this, the supply of funds to SMEs has increased by 2 trillion won, and the additional funds will be used to support regional SMEs. IBK stated, "We will strengthen financial support for SMEs in regional areas to revitalize local economies."

IBK will first expand its support for low-interest financing. The bank will work with local governments to expand support for interest compensation agreement loans. To this end, it has signed agreements with 16 regional credit guarantee foundations nationwide. The bank will also operate a dedicated product (Regional Advanced Innovation Industry Special Support Program, 1 trillion won) that offers preferential interest rates and limits on facility funds to support large-scale facility investments for companies relocating to regional areas.

In addition, IBK plans to establish dedicated funds and increase investments specifically for regional SMEs. The bank will create a Regional SME Leap Foundation Fund to provide tailored support for areas at risk of decline. Investments in 'regional exclusive funds,' such as the Regional Era Venture Fund established to discover specialized industries in each region, will also be expanded. To facilitate this, IBK has set new criteria for investments in non-capital area funds, including investment units.

To ensure the stable operation of manufacturing companies with high contributions to economic growth, IBK will expand support for supply chain and raw material procurement funds. Of the 2.5 trillion won to be supplied, 1 trillion won will be allocated to the 'Industrial Ecosystem Enhancement Special Fund,' which provides preferential working capital support to key industry partner companies. To foster K-content, IBK will also conduct the K-Culture Public Investment Project. The bank will focus 40 billion won in investments on promising companies and projects in related industries, and will strengthen customized support in areas such as e-commerce entry for K-content, participation in K-Food import fairs, and participation in international K-Beauty events.