[This Person] Why Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, Is Fully Committed to Supporting Small Business Owners?

Extension of Support Period for Closed Small Business Owners by 2 Months... Active Guidance on Government Support Including Rechallenge Incentives and Job Transition Allowances

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa District, is providing information about support funds to small business owners at the Songpa District Small Business Comprehensive Support Center.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is making every effort to provide various support for small business owners who are facing increased difficulties due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

First, the period for providing closure support funds will be extended by two months. Since June 7, the district has been providing 500,000 KRW in cash to small business owners who closed their businesses due to restrictions on gatherings and business operations.

The eligible recipients are those who closed businesses in restricted industries between March 22, 2020, when social distancing began, and the day before the announcement ('21.6.6.), and who operated their business for at least 90 days before closure.

However, due to the recent extension of social distancing level 4, the number of closed small businesses has increased, so the district extended the payment period for closure support funds from the original August 13 to the end of October, about two months longer.

Applications can be submitted to the relevant industry reporting or licensing department at Songpa-gu Office. Applicants should bring their business registration ID, certificate of closure, and confirmation of receipt of the closure store re-challenge incentive. As of early August, support funds have been paid to 500 closed small business owners.

In addition, the district provides information and assistance to ensure small business owners do not miss out on various support benefits.

The district operates a Closure Small Business Support Counseling Center and a Small Business Comprehensive Support Center, working to connect applicants with support such as re-challenge incentives, job transition allowances, and store demolition costs.

For example, Mr. A, who ran a snack bar in Songpa-dong, closed his business without receiving a deposit due to COVID-19. With the district’s help, he received closure support funds, government re-challenge incentives, job transition allowances, and was linked to fully free employment training. He is currently preparing to obtain a caregiver certification.

Mr. B, who operated a casual dining restaurant in Bangi-dong and closed his business, was unable to receive support funds because his closure date was before the district’s announcement period. While in despair, the district actively guided him to government support funds, and he received assistance for store demolition costs.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “We are exploring various support measures to help small business owners struggling due to COVID-19, even if only a little.” He added, “We will make every effort to support Songpa-gu’s small business owners so they do not lose hope for recovery and overcome this crisis together.”

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