Korea Federation of SMEs Opens Applications for Awards for Contributions to SMEs

Recognizing and Honoring Contributors to SMEs, the Driving Force of South Korea’s Economy

The country’s largest awards program recognizing outstanding contributors from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the driving force behind South Korea’s innovative growth and job creation, is now accepting nominations.

The Korea Federation of SMEs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on November 11 that they are accepting nominations for the “2027 Awards for Contributions to SMEs,” which recognize and honor individuals who have contributed to the development of SMEs and the growth of the national economy.

The Awards for Contributions to SMEs are the country’s largest nationwide awards program, open to 8.5 million SME owners and others. The awards are presented at the Korea SME Entrepreneurs’ Conference, held every year during the third week of May, designated as SME Week.

Nominations are accepted in five categories: exemplary SME owners (manufacturing), exemplary SME owners (distribution and services), exemplary employees, contributors to SME development, and outstanding support organizations (institutions).

Following a review, government awards—including the Order of Industrial Service Merit (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, and Seoktap), the Industrial Service Medal, the Presidential Commendation, and the Prime Minister’s Commendation—as well as commendations from relevant institutions, including the Minister of SMEs and Startups and the Commissioner of the Public Procurement Service, will be presented.

Applications will be accepted until December 11, and further details about the awards are available from the Korea Federation of SMEs awards team or the relevant departments at regional offices of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.