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Busan Metropolitan City Launches 2026 “Star Small Business” Program to Discover Leading Local Brands

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will recruit participating companies for the “2026 Busan Metropolitan City Star Small Business Support Program” from today (April 2) through April 15.

The “Star Small Business Discovery and Support Program” identifies local small businesses with high growth potential, nurtures them into competitive local brands, and supports their advancement into star enterprises. This year marks the fifth year of the program.

This year, the city plans to select 10 star small businesses and provide customized support based on their stage of growth. A wide range of industries will be considered, including lifestyle-related sectors such as food, clothing, and housing.

Selected businesses will receive expert one-on-one (1:1) growth strategy consulting (mentoring), growth support funds (up to KRW 20 million) that can be used for product development and marketing, as well as promotional support.

In addition, previously selected companies (2024–2025) will be eligible for collaboration project funding (up to KRW 5 million) to promote inter-company cooperation and generate tangible business outcomes.

Last year, 10 companies were selected, including Green Ribbon (brunch), Liqulab Agricultural Corporation (makgeolli), Dance Farm Corporation (ballet wear), Double Healthcare (tofu misutgaru), Babijoa (low-sugar enzyme brown rice), Busan Yak-kong Wheat Noodles (milmyeon), Yangga Sonmandu (thin-skin handmade dumplings), Chaaejeon Halmae Kalguksu (kalguksu), Cosmile Corporation (souvenirs), and Taeri Shoes (handmade shoes).

These selected companies achieved an average sales increase of approximately 20 percent compared to the previous year and expanded employment. Babijoa Co., Ltd. received the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award and achieved milestones such as registration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and entry into overseas markets.

In addition, previously selected star small businesses—such as Lucky Bakery (investment attraction, popular local venue), Gahyeonjeong (150% sales growth, expansion into franchise stage), and Nosh Project Co., Ltd. (investment attraction, overseas expansion)—continue to grow into representative companies of Busan.

Small business owners wishing to participate can apply through the Busan Small Business Comprehensive Support Center website (bsbsc.kr) from today (April 2) until 6:00 PM on April 15. For further details, applicants may refer to the official notice or contact the call center (☎1833-3665).

Kim Bong-cheol, Assistant Mayor of Digital Economy Office, stated, “We will continue to support local small businesses with growth potential so they can develop into representative brands of Busan,” adding, “We will keep striving to foster competitive small businesses that grow together with the local economy.”