Minister of SMEs and Startups, Han Seongsook, held a press briefing on Wednesday, November 5, to mark her 100^th day in office, sharing reflections on her tenure and outlining the Ministry’s policy priorities moving forward.
 
During the session, Minister Han reviewed key achievements from her first 100 days, including 31 policy field visits to small businesses, startups, and micro-enterprises – averaging one every two days. These visits directly informed six major policy measures, such as support for Korean SMEs responding to U.S. tariffs, prevention of technology misappropriation, small business recovery programs, and the launch of the AI-based Smart Manufacturing Innovation 3.0 Strategy.
 
To stimulate domestic demand amid economic headwinds, the Ministry introduced a trio of consumption-boosting initiatives – Sangsaeng Payback, Donghaeng Sale, and Onnuri Gift Voucher Refunds – which together generated an estimated KRW 4.1 trillion in consumer spending.
 
Minister Han also introduced the Integrated SME Support System, unveiled earlier this week, which will enable one-stop access to multiple government support programs through a unified digital platform. The reform will reduce administrative paperwork by over 50% and apply AI- and big data-based evaluation tools (K-TOP) for faster, more objective assessments.
 
Policy Priorities Ahead
 
Having focused on recovery during her first 100 days, Minister Han said the Ministry will now shift its focus to growth, setting four policy directions:

1. Again, Venture Wave  
MSS will mobilize KRW 40 trillion in venture investment by expanding pension and retirement fund participation in venture capital, while doubling government contributions to the Korea Fund of Funds to stimulate private investment.
 
The Ministry plans to foster over 6,000 promising startups annually, including 1,000 young founders and 1,200 TIPS-selected firms, positioning Korea for an “era of entrepreneurship for all.” The K-Startup Portal will also be upgraded into a comprehensive platform for business consulting, legal and tax support, and regulatory information.
 
The Next Unicorn Project – a KRW 13.5 trillion initiative – will be launched next year to nurture AI and deep-tech startups, alongside the Open Data X AI Challenge (scheduled for November 2025) to encourage the development of AI services using public data.

2. Scaling Up SMEs  
A record R&D budget of KRW 2.2 trillion will be invested in high-impact, market-driven technologies. Half of this (KRW 1.1 trillion) will be allocated through a TIPS-style matching model that pairs government support with private VC investments, while KRW 200 billion will fund commercialization-oriented R&D under a new Korea-style Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR).
 
To advance AI transformation across regions, the Ministry will promote the adoption of 12,000 smart factories customized to business size and develop 500 AI solution providers. More than 100 new manufacturing AI solutions will be identified each year.
 
MSS will also diversify export markets using K-Soft Power, cultivating 100 strategic export items by year-end and 500 by 2030. The government will partner with flagship enterprises to support SME internationalization through tailored regional strategies.
 
To reinforce the SME growth ladder, the Ministry will promote a new Special Act on M&A-Type Business Succession to encourage third-party takeovers, expand public institutions’ mandatory SME product purchases by 50%, and extend the Jump-Up Program through 2030, supporting 100 promising mid-sized companies each year in developing new businesses and markets.

3. Vibrant Small Business Community  
A preemptive crisis-response system will be established for 3 million small business owners with outstanding loans. The system will monitor sales and risk indicators, offering tailored support – including financial aid, debt adjustment, and business closure assistance – based on diagnostic results. Post-closure, the Ministry will link recovery programs with employment-support schemes to ensure sustainable re-employment.
 
The Local Commercial District Renaissance 2.0 initiative will revitalize local economies by developing glocal, regional, and neighborhood business zones that integrate tourism, culture, and industry. Data-driven analysis of foot traffic and sales will support targeted development strategies.
 
The TOPS Program (TOP Platforms’ Online Sales Package for Small Businesses) will help small merchants go global by leveraging e-commerce partnerships and offering step-by-step consulting, marketing, and export support.

4. Connected and Convergent Ecosystem  
The Ministry will build an integrated ecosystem connecting large corporations, SMEs, startups, and micro-businesses. Unlike traditional supply-chain partnerships, focused solely on large and small firms, this new model promotes multi-directional collaboration among all participants.
 
Joint initiatives will include smart factory cooperation, co-expansion into overseas markets, and inclusive e-commerce channels linking large online platforms with small vendors.
 
Startups will serve as the connecting link, integrating AI and other innovative technologies into SME manufacturing sites while leveraging open innovation with large firms.
 
MSS will also encourage startups to supply AI, payment, and logistics solutions to small merchants, easing their operational burden. In turn, startups will offer digital literacy and AI training to help micro-businesses grow together in a shared ecosystem.
 

For more news and updates on Korea’s SME and startup policies, follow the Ministry’s official LinkedIn page: Ministry of SMEs and Startups, 대한민국 중소벤처기업부