Geumcheon-gu (district mayor Choi Ki-chan) announced it is accepting nominations for the 15th Geumcheon Entrepreneur Award from Monday through Aug. 28 to recognize exemplary business leaders who have contributed to local economic development, job creation and community service.
The Geumcheon Entrepreneur Award has been presented annually since 2012 to boost the morale of business leaders who contribute to the local economy and to foster a culture of mutual growth between businesses and the community. Through last year, a total of 88 entrepreneurs have received the honor.
Eligible candidates must be owners or operators of small and medium-sized enterprises under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises, with a factory or principal office in Geumcheon-gu and at least one year of business operation. Candidates must have a record of contributing to local economic vitalization, job creation or community development. Those who have previously received the Geumcheon Entrepreneur Award, received a district mayor's commendation within the past three years, or have outstanding local tax arrears are excluded from consideration.
This year, the district will actively seek out business leaders who practice co-prosperity with the community and contribute to building an inclusive employment culture. Priority will be given to those who hire Geumcheon-gu residents or participate in community donations, and companies that actively employ foreign nationals and multicultural residents will also be factored into the evaluation.
Nominations may be submitted jointly by 20 or more Geumcheon-gu residents or business workers, or individually by heads of business-related institutions or organizations, dong (neighborhood) chiefs, or department heads.
Nominators must complete a nomination form and a merit statement, attach supporting documents, and submit them to the district office's Local Economy Division or the dong community center where the business is located. Required documents can be found under "Notices/Announcements" on the district office website.
Recipients will be selected through deliberation by the Entrepreneur Award Merit Review Committee, and the award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Geumcheon Citizens' Day commemoration in October. Winners will receive a trophy along with bonus points of up to 5 when applying for the small and medium-sized enterprise development fund.
"Business leaders who strive to create jobs and drive local economic growth even amid difficult economic conditions — and who put the spirit of co-prosperity with the community into practice — are the solid engine of Geumcheon's growth," district mayor Choi said. "I hope many outstanding entrepreneurs who are leading the way not only in local economic development but also in social contribution and building an inclusive employment culture will be nominated."
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