Dongjak-gu to boost local commerce with Small Business Day event

Dongjak-gu will hold a Small Business Day event to promote local small-business products and help revitalize the district's commercial areas, ahead of the 11th National Small Business Day on Nov. 5.

Organized by the Dongjak-gu Small Business Association, the event runs Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the first-floor piloti of Dongjak-gu Office.

More than 30 small businesses will take part, presenting their products and services across a wide range of categories — from clothing and accessories to food. A beauty association will also offer free grooming services for elderly visitors at the venue.

A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, the second day of the event. It will open with a saxophone performance by the Chamjoheun Music Volunteer Ensemble, followed by congratulatory remarks from guests and commendations for outstanding small businesses.

Residents will also be able to join open singing and talent competitions to add to the festive atmosphere. A live-commerce broadcast will introduce local small-business products to online consumers as well.

In addition, discount coupons worth 5,000 won will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis — 300 per day, for a total of 600 recipients — to encourage participation and help boost sales for vendors.

Meanwhile, the district has been working to ease the financial burden on small businesses through a range of support programs: interest-free special guarantee loans, illness-and-injury business-interruption insurance, health checkup cost support, and a storefront sign improvement project.

"I hope this event gives small business owners a chance to showcase their products and meet new customers, while giving residents an opportunity to discover the appeal of locally made goods," District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said. "Dongjak-gu will continue to expand practical support that small business owners can feel on the ground, and breathe new vitality into the local economy."