The 'Everyone's Startup Project' aims to nurture 5,000 entrepreneurs across the country.
Category: Business
On March 25, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) launched the 'Everyone's Startup Project' with a kickoff event held at the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center. This initiative marks the beginning of a new era for entrepreneurship, aiming to cultivate 5,000 entrepreneurial talents nationwide.
The project is a response to the government's strategy for a national entrepreneurship era, which emphasizes direct investment into entrepreneurial talent rather than traditional selection processes. The event was attended by notable figures including Son Han-guk, head of the Gyeongnam Small and Medium Business Administration, and representatives from local universities and startup incubators, along with over 30 aspiring entrepreneurs.
The initiative seeks to break away from conventional assessment and selection structures, allowing anyone with an idea to participate and receive support. This includes mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and partnerships with excellent operational institutions like universities and accelerators. The goal is to provide aspiring founders with the resources they need to evolve into innovative startups.
The kickoff event included a common session linked to Seoul and a separate regional segment that showcased local talent. Notable speakers included Koo Soo-ryong, CEO of Snack 365, and Lee Dong-hyung, chairman of Peoplesnow, who shared their insights and experiences with the participants.
Son emphasized the project's commitment to support anyone willing to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship, stating, “This project promises that if you have an idea, you can challenge yourself, and even if you fail, the state will back you up.” He highlighted that 70% of the 4,000 opportunities allocated for the first round will be distributed to non-metropolitan areas, reinforcing the belief that regional dynamism is key to national competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the project is not limited to Gyeongnam. On the same day, the Ulsan branch of the MSS also held its launch event at the Ulsan Creative Economy Innovation Center, where over 80 participants gathered, including local mentors and budding entrepreneurs. This event was part of a nationwide simultaneous launch across 17 cities and provinces.
Ulsan’s event also aimed to support a total of 5,000 entrepreneurs, with a structured support system that includes funding for startup activities, prototype development, and commercialization. This system is divided into various tracks, with 4,000 spots for technology-focused projects and 1,000 for local initiatives.
The Ulsan initiative will provide 200,000 won for startup activities, 1,000,000 won for prototype development, and up to 100,000,000 won for commercialization. The final winners will also have the chance to compete for additional prizes. A network of over 100 incubators and 500 experienced mentors will be involved, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the entrepreneurial process.
Son Hyung-seok, head of the Ulsan Small and Medium Business Administration, remarked, “The Everyone's Startup Project presents the best opportunity for Ulsan to become a hub for deep tech and manufacturing innovation startups.” He expressed a commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take risks without fear of failure.
Adding to the excitement, Sunmoon University was also selected to serve a key role within the 'Everyone's Startup Project' framework for the Chungcheongnam-do region. The university will begin accepting startup ideas from the public until May 15, 2026, marking its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent.
The program at Sunmoon University will adopt a four-stage survival format, with the first stage offering 200,000 won and AI solutions to 4,000 participants, followed by support for prototype development and commercialization. The final stage will see 100 participants receiving substantial funding to help them launch their ventures.
Chungcheongnam-do’s initiative will also feature a team of 38 specialized mentors who will provide intensive support throughout the entrepreneurial process, from refining ideas to securing investments. The mentors will include successful entrepreneurs from various industries, offering practical advice and guidance.
Applications for the project are open to all citizens, including students, youth, women, and middle-aged individuals, ensuring a diverse range of participants. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship across South Korea.
With the Everyone's Startup Project, the South Korean government aims to empower its citizens to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that can compete on a global scale. The project aims to support individuals and to stimulate local economies and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
For those interested, applications can be submitted through the official project website until May 15, 2026. This initiative is seen not just a program, but a movement to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs ready to take on the challenges of the modern economy.