Branding, promotional content, consulting and a connect fair — the program aims to develop 10 local youth brands
The youth division of the Suncheon Small Business Owners Association is accepting applications for the "2026 Suncheon Youth Small Business Early Growth Project," a program designed to strengthen the competitiveness of young local entrepreneurs and support their long-term development.
The project is part of Suncheon's youth community revitalization initiative and aims to cultivate youth brands that can represent the region by providing practical support — including branding, promotional activities and network building — to young entrepreneurs with growth potential.
Ten companies will be selected. Applicants must be between 19 and 45 years old and operate a store or office in Suncheon.
Selected companies will receive support across three areas: customized consulting, promotional content production and participation in a connect fair.
Under the consulting component, specialists will assess each company's stage of development and characteristics, then propose growth strategies covering marketing, design and links to support programs.
The promotional content support will help companies produce materials such as company introduction presentations and online promotional assets, boosting brand competitiveness and laying the groundwork for market entry.
The connect fair will give participating companies the opportunity to meet consumers, local institutions and potential partners through booth operations, brochure listings and networking programs where they can directly promote their brands and products.
Organizers said the project goes beyond one-time education or support, with a particular focus on building a foundation for young entrepreneurs to grow together and collaborate within the local community.
Ju Chi-hun, chair of the association's youth division, said what young small business owners need most is not simple support but the opportunity to grow their brand and gain competitiveness in the market. "This early growth project is a hands-on program that connects everything needed for growth — from expert consulting and promotional content production to network building and the connect fair — into one," he said.
Ko Young-woo, president of the Suncheon Small Business Owners Association, said the growth of young entrepreneurs is an important investment in the future competitiveness of the local economy. "The association will expand practical support and cooperation systems so that young people can start businesses stably and continue to grow," he said.
Applications are open until 6 p.m. on July 22. The program will select 10 companies, and eligibility is open to entrepreneurs between the ages of 19 and 45 who operate a store or office in Suncheon.
Applicants can apply online via the QR code on promotional materials or by email at appkorea119@naver.com.
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