South Korea rolls out K-Micro-Enterprise Initiative

Programme aimed at micro-enterprises with export potential.

South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has launched the K-Micro-Enterprise Initiative to help micro businesses become full-fledged exporters.

Known formally as the Global Micro-Enterprise Development Programme, the new initiative aims to provide end-to-end support in the areas of product development, overseas market access, and export capability building.

Aside from dedicated mentoring, the programme will include commercialisation funding and hands-on support in endeavours like entering international e-commerce platforms. Funding for each company will be as much as $68k (KRW100m).

Around 100 businesses will be selected. Applicants should have either annual export sales worth $30k or up in any year since 2023; early-stage investment from a government-linked private operator in the same period; or previous participation in an MSS-affiliated development programme.        

The MSS noted: "An initial document review for the selection will narrow the field to 150-200 companies, evaluated on the distinctiveness of their export items. Those who advance will present at a global audition, where panels assess export strategy, market viability, and commercialisation readiness before the final 100 companies are confirmed."

Applications will be open until 15 May 2026.