The Seoul Economic Promotion Agency (SBA, CEO Hyunwoo Kim) announced that it is recruiting companies to participate in the 'Investment-Linked Fashion Enterprise Development Program' targeting fashion brands and fashion convergence/complex SMEs based in Seoul.
This program aims to identify promising companies in the fashion industry and provide practical support combining investment connections, networking, and showcases to promote corporate growth and strengthen industry competitiveness.
The investment-linked incubation program goes beyond simple support and encompasses the entire process from 'corporate diagnosis – capacity building – investment meetup – showcase and demo day.'
First, through expert consulting, companies undergo a business diagnosis that assesses brand capabilities, marketability, and organizational operations. This is followed by training and workshops designed to strengthen practical business capabilities, including branding, operations, marketing, and investment strategies. Following this, customized mentoring with industry experts focuses on addressing specific growth challenges. Furthermore, the program provides investor relations (IR) document production and pitching consulting to cultivate practical investment attraction capabilities.
In addition, we provide networking opportunities for industry stakeholders such as investment firms, large and medium-sized enterprises, and distributors to increase the possibility of practical collaboration and investment attraction, and support companies to directly connect with the industrial ecosystem and create new business opportunities.
This program stands out from other startup support programs by incorporating exhibitions, showcases, and runways. Participating companies will be able to showcase their brands and products directly to investors, distributors, and buyers at the "Runway to Seoul (RTS)" exhibition and fashion show, held at the DDP showroom at the end of the year. An open pitching day will also provide an opportunity to effectively communicate the company's vision and achievements.
In addition, various marketing support programs, such as pop-ups and brand promotions utilizing the DDP showroom space, and external promotions through media, SNS, and influencer connections, can be provided simultaneously to increase the company's awareness and market accessibility.
Recruitment will be divided into two tracks: the fashion manufacturing/distribution SME track and the fashion industry convergence/complex SME track.
The fashion manufacturing and distribution SME track includes companies that directly design, manufacture, and distribute fashion products such as clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry, and also includes designer brands, sustainable and ethical fashion companies, and Dongdaemun wholesale companies.
The Fashion Industry Convergence and Complex SME Track includes fashion distribution platforms, fashion content and media companies, AI and big data-based fashion tech companies, marketing and branding agencies, and beauty and wellness companies that can be linked to fashion.
Applications will be accepted online from Monday, August 25, 2025, to 5:00 PM on Monday, September 15, 2025. Applicants will undergo a written and presentation evaluation process, with approximately 10 companies selected. The program will run for approximately four months, from September to December.
“This program is a practical support system that encompasses investment attraction, networking, exhibitions, and showcases, and will provide opportunities for fashion companies to generate tangible results,” said Ahn Ji-heon, head of the SBA Fashion Business Development Team. “We look forward to the active participation of promising companies that will lead the Seoul fashion industry.”
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