The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced it will recruit companies from May 5 to 26 to participate in the 2026 "Climate Disclosure and Supply Chain Due Diligence Response Framework" program for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The initiative aims to help domestic SME suppliers prepare for tightening global environmental and climate regulations, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive taking effect in July 2028. The program will enable companies to assess supply chain restructuring risks in advance and establish response systems.
Starting this year, the ministry introduced a new "consortium" recruitment method alongside individual company support. Prime contractors, SME suppliers, and implementing agencies will participate together, allowing customized solutions that reflect prime contractors' requirements.
Selected companies will first receive in-depth diagnostics through on-site expert visits that comprehensively analyze management systems and risk factors to identify improvement measures.
Based on diagnostic results, companies at intermediate levels will receive consulting to improve vulnerable indicators, including energy efficiency, occupational safety and health, and greenhouse gas emissions measurement and inventory development. Advanced-level companies will receive support for sustainability management report preparation and international certification acquisition.
Companies participating in self-diagnosis programs will receive preferential interest rates when using private banks including Kookmin, Nonghyup, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, and iM Bank, easing their financial burden. The ministry plans to conduct satisfaction surveys after program completion to monitor outcomes and continue ongoing follow-up management.
