Applications Open for the 2026 SME Contributor Awards
Honoring the Pillars of Korea’s Economy:
Awards for Outstanding Contributors to SMEs
The largest domestic awards program for contributors to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who are the driving force behind Korea's innovative growth and job creation, has begun.
The Korea Federation of SMEs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 23rd that they are now accepting applications for the “2026 SME Contributor Awards,” which recognize individuals who have contributed to the development and growth of SMEs.
The SME Contributor Awards, which will accept applications until December 12, is the largest nationwide award program targeting 8.3 million SME stakeholders. The awards are presented each year at the “Korea SME Entrepreneurs Convention” held during SME Week.
Applications for the SME Contributor Awards are accepted in five categories: exemplary SME entrepreneur (manufacturing), exemplary SME entrepreneur (distribution/service), exemplary worker, contributor to SME development, and outstanding support organization (institution). Through a review process, recipients will be awarded government honors such as the Order of Industrial Service Merit (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, and Stone Tower), Industrial Medal, Presidential Citation, and Prime Minister's Citation, as well as institutional commendations (from the Minister of SMEs and Startups, Administrator of the Public Procurement Service, etc.).
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It should be noted that companies subject to public disclosure for industrial accidents under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, violators of the Fair Trade Act, those with wage arrears under the Labor Standards Act, companies with delinquent national or local taxes, and those that have caused public controversy are restricted from being recommended for awards. In addition, those who have previously received government honors are restricted from being awarded again within 7 years for the Order of Merit, 5 years for the Medal, and 3 years for the Presidential and Prime Minister's Citations. For more details regarding the awards, inquiries can be made to the Awards Task Force at the Korea Federation of SMEs or to the relevant departments at local SME and Startup Offices.
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