Emergency Relief Fund Applications: Odd-Numbered Small Businesses on the 11th, Even-Numbered on the 12th

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[Asia Economy, Reporter Kim Jonghwa] Starting from January 11, small business owners whose business registration numbers end in an odd digit can apply for the Emergency Relief Fund. On January 12, those with even-numbered business registration numbers are eligible to apply, and from January 13, all small business owners who have received a notification text message can submit their applications.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it will provide the Emergency Relief Fund, ranging from 1 million to 3 million won, to 2.76 million small business owners whose businesses were either subject to closure or operating restrictions, or who experienced a decrease in sales due to COVID-19. The ministry plans to send out application guidance text messages sequentially to the 2.76 million first-round recipients starting at 8 a.m. on January 11.

Small business owners who receive the text message can apply through the Emergency Relief Fund website (버팀목자금.kr) by entering their business registration number, verifying their identity via mobile phone or digital certificate, and providing their bank account information.

If a business owner does not receive the text message, they can visit the Emergency Relief Fund website directly to check their eligibility for the first round and then apply. Those who apply before noon may receive the funds as early as the afternoon of the same day, while those who apply before midnight may receive the funds the following morning.

For facilities such as outdoor winter sports venues that were subject to business restrictions as part of the year-end and New Year special quarantine measures, and for newly established businesses (opened between January and November last year) that are newly eligible for support, the Emergency Relief Fund will be provided after January 25. Detailed plans regarding this will be announced by January 22.

Among the 2.76 million first-round rapid payment recipients, 116,000 are in the business closure category, 762,000 are in the restricted operations category, and 1,881,000 are in the general business category. Among the businesses subject to closure or operating restrictions, restaurants and cafes account for 630,000, the largest group. This is followed by 80,000 hair and beauty salons, 75,000 private academies and tutoring centers, and 45,000 indoor sports facilities.

Inquiries regarding the Emergency Relief Fund can be made through the dedicated call center (1522-3500, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the online chat consultation service (available on the Emergency Relief Fund website, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

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