The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced a total of KRW 3.4645 trillion in startup support plans through the 2026 Integrated Announcement of Central Government and Local Government Startup Support Projects. A total of 111 participating organizations and 508 targeted projects were identified. This marks the beginning of a full-fledged government-wide startup support policy encompassing central government agencies, metropolitan and basic local governments.
This integrated announcement, implemented annually under the "Small and Medium Enterprise Startup Support Act," is characterized by its ability to streamline information scattered across various ministries and local governments, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to access it all at once. Initially launched in 2016 with six organizations and 65 projects, the integrated announcement has significantly expanded in just ten years, both in the number of participating organizations and the size of the budget.
111 central and local government agencies and 508 projects announced in a consolidated announcement.
As of 2026, 15 central government agencies will participate, executing 88 projects worth 3.274 trillion won. Seventeen metropolitan and 79 basic local governments will operate startup support programs totaling 420 projects worth 190.5 billion won. The parallel implementation of central and local policies is expected to broaden the spectrum of startup support.
By business type, loans and guarantees accounted for the largest portion, at KRW 1.4245 trillion, or 41.1% of the total. This figure reflects the current reality faced by startups in the early and growth stages, facing the burden of interest rates and difficulties securing funding. KRW 864.8 billion was allocated for technology development (R&D) and KRW 815.1 billion for commercialization support, creating a structure that simultaneously supports securing technological competitiveness and market entry.
Among central government ministries, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups holds a significant share, accounting for 3.734 trillion won, or approximately 94% of the total central government budget. The Ministry of Science and ICT oversees R&D for AI and AX innovation companies, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism oversees startups in content, arts, and sports, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs oversees startups in agriculture, food, and smart agriculture.
This integrated announcement is significant not only for its increased budget, but also for its meticulously designed policy measures tailored to each startup stage and type. Its intent is to enhance the stability of the startup ecosystem through a continuous policy support system that spans from aspiring entrepreneurs to scale-up companies.