Korea Federation of SMEs opens applications for 2027 SME merit awards

The Korea Federation of SMEs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups have launched a search for candidates for next year's SME merit awards.

The Korea Federation of SMEs announced Wednesday that it is accepting applications for the 2027 SME Merit Awards jointly with the ministry, with the submission window running from Tuesday through Dec. 11.

The SME merit award program is designed to identify entrepreneurs, workers and support organizations that have contributed to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and the growth of the national economy. Awards are presented annually at the Korea SME Entrepreneurs Convention, held during SME Week in the third week of May.

Applications are accepted in five categories: model SME entrepreneur (manufacturing), model SME entrepreneur (retail and service), model worker, SME nurturing contributor, and outstanding support organization or institution.

Following a screening process, recipients will receive government honors — including the Industrial Order of Service Merit (gold, silver, bronze, iron and stone tower grades), the Industrial Service Medal, presidential commendations and prime ministerial commendations — as well as institutional commendations from the Minister of SMEs and Startups and the Commissioner of the Public Procurement Service.

Companies listed for industrial accident disclosures, or those with disqualifying records such as violations of fair trade law, wage arrears, or national or local tax delinquency, are barred from nomination. Companies that have caused social controversy are also subject to exclusion.

Applicants should check the relevant notice under the "Information Center — Federation Announcements" section of the Korea Federation of SMEs website, then submit their application forms and supporting documents by email.