110 SME Products to Carry National 'BrandK' Logo onto the Global Stage

Ministry of SMEs and Startups Opens Applications for 4th Batch of BrandK Products in 2022
Logo Usage Rights for 2 Years...Support for Promotion and Sales

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will recruit products for the 4th BrandK from the 17th to support the market expansion of excellent small and medium-sized enterprise products.

BrandK is a national representative joint trademark created by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in 2019 for small and medium enterprises that have excellent products but suffer from lack of recognition. Currently, there are a total of 190 products. Selected products are granted the right to use the logo for two years and receive support for promotion and sales activities.

BrandK 1st batch company Mango Slab (selected product: Nemonic Label Printer) utilized BrandK in domestic and international buyer meetings and online promotions in the United States. Last year, exports to eight countries including the US, Germany, Japan, the UK, and Canada were actively expanded through Amazon, resulting in a 424% increase in export value.

BrandK 2nd batch company Hanul Saengyak (selected product: Ricco Baby Wet Wipes) increased exports by 175% last year through direct supply to Costco in the US after selection.

BrandK targets small and medium enterprises with product technology and potential for overseas expansion. Products must be items purchasable by general consumers and produced domestically. In the case of consignment production, proof of core technology ownership through intellectual property rights must be provided.

Recruitment is conducted in two ways: 'open recruitment' where interested companies apply directly, and 'recommendation recruitment' through recommendations from related organizations, private distributors, and associations. The selection process includes eligibility screening, document review, product evaluation, field investigation, and certificate awarding, with about 110 products to be finally selected.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups supports product promotion through BrandK exclusive stores. Customers can see and experience products in stores, and online purchases are also available. Domestically, the store is located near the COEX East Gate, and overseas, a store is scheduled to open in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the end of next month.

Through linkage with export and sales projects of the Ministry, support for domestic and overseas market expansion of BrandK products will be strengthened. If products wish to be sold at the SME Policy Store operated by the Small and Medium Business Distribution Center, priority entry support is possible. Promotion and sales support are provided through operation of promotional exhibition halls at large-scale sales events such as the Korea Together Sale and Christmas Market.

Detailed information on the project announcement can be found on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website or the I'm Stars portal, and participation applications can be submitted online through the I'm Stars portal.

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