The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 9th that it is seeking candidates for the '2026 Local Extinction Response Awards.'
The awards aim to recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to revitalizing local economies by creating jobs and increasing the local population.
Any individual, small business, or organization that has played a role in revitalizing the economy in areas at risk of extinction can apply. The application period runs from the 10th to the 31st.
The ministry will review the applications and finalize the award candidates through a merit review committee. The awards will be presented at the '2026 Small Business Convergence Exhibition' scheduled for November. A total of nine awards will be given by the Minister of SMEs and Startups.
Meanwhile, the ministry has been supporting the growth of businesses, which are the foundation of local economies, in response to local extinction. It has also been promoting the development of local industries by utilizing unique regional resources and industrial bases.
This year, the ministry is enhancing the competitiveness and self-sufficiency of products from marginalized areas by linking the value chain of specialized resources in production, processing, and distribution, and integrating design and branding through pilot projects.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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