The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has finalized the selection of 100 companies for its "Jump-Up Program," designed to help high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises grow into mid-sized companies.
According to the ministry on the 23rd, the Jump-Up Program supports SMEs with at least seven years of operation and strong technological capabilities in pursuing new business ventures or expanding into overseas markets to secure new growth engines. As one of the government's key national agenda items, the ministry aims to select 100 companies annually through 2029, supporting a total of 500 firms.
A total of 531 companies applied for this round. The 100 selected firms have an average operational history of 22.3 years, with average revenue of 46.6 billion won and average employment of 126 people as of 2024. The ministry noted that these companies' 2024 revenue growth rate and operating profit margin exceeded those of general manufacturing SMEs by 13.9 percentage points and 2.0 percentage points, respectively.
Selected companies will receive support from the ministry including new business entry strategy development, management and technology consulting, and vouchers worth up to 750 million won. They will also have access to localized export and investment attraction support through the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency's Global Business Centers in 14 countries. The ministry plans to consider providing additional incentives to top performers based on performance evaluations.