Seoul City Supports Self-Reliance of Small Manufacturers... 21 Companies' Sales Increased by 126% Last Year

'Urban Small Manufacturers Customized Package Support Project' Provides an Average of 25 Million Won for Desired Areas Such as Prototypes and Marketing
21 Supported Companies Doubled Last Year's Sales... Market Development Through Support for 957 Prototype Productions

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City’s 'Urban Small-scale Manufacturers Customized Package Support Project,' aimed at enhancing the self-sustainability of small-scale manufacturers with innovative potential and growth capabilities but facing poor working conditions, is opening new growth opportunities for urban manufacturing.

According to Seoul City on the 23rd, 21 companies supported by Seoul City last year achieved sales of 9.2 billion KRW domestically and internationally despite the COVID-19 situation, marking a 126% sales growth compared to 4 billion KRW in 2019. Additionally, 10 new jobs were created.

The Urban Small-scale Manufacturers Customized Package Support Project provides an average of 25 million KRW to selected urban small-scale manufacturers in Seoul through a public contest. Notably, it allows recipients to freely choose desired support areas within the limit as a package, offering tailored assistance.

Fashion company 'Muze' received intensive support for product development and promotional marketing, achieving its highest sales since its launch in 2017. Jewelry company 'Dodo' strengthened overseas promotional marketing and secured orders worth 20,000 USD from the United States and Europe.

The city supported small enterprises that usually face difficulties in prototype production by assisting in the creation of 957 types of prototypes, laying the groundwork for new product development and new market exploration. 'Seorim Art,' a startup producing and selling silver jewelry products, produced 52 types of prototypes with Seoul City’s support, selling 39 of them online, increasing market entry potential. Clothing company 'Kompo' launched 13 products combining faux fur with other fabrics through prototype production support. It is currently growing with achievements such as being stocked in 10 famous department stores including Shinsegae.

Seoul City and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) will continue the Urban Small-scale Manufacturers Customized Package Support Project this year as well. Companies will be selected through a recruitment announcement in March to support strengthening technology, quality, and service capabilities. This year, reflecting the requests and actual needs of small manufacturers in the field, the support areas have been consolidated from the previous nine to six: prototype development and production, product upgrading, promotional marketing, sales channels, education, and certification, for focused support.

Jung Sang-hoon, Head of Seoul City’s Base Growth Promotion Team, said, “Despite the difficult economic situation caused by COVID-19, we were able to achieve results such as 126% sales growth and job creation by focusing support on small manufacturers with potential,” adding, “This year, we will actively lead efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of urban small manufacturers and establish a growth foundation for urban manufacturing.”

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