The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is partnering with private platform companies to eradicate illegal brokers operating in various government support programs. The ministry also plans to significantly reduce paperwork required for program applications to ease the burden on business owners.
MSS held the third meeting of its "Third-Party Problem Resolution Task Force" on January 6 at the Korea Federation of SMEs headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, chaired by First Vice Minister Noh Yong-seok. Representatives from MSS, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Small Enterprise and Market Service, Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Credit Guarantee Foundation, Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, and Korea Technology & Information Promotion Agency for SMEs participated in the meeting.
The third TF meeting reviewed the progress of key policy initiatives established during the first and second meetings, including fact-finding surveys, whistleblower reward systems, and voluntary disclosure immunity programs. The meeting also discussed collaboration with private platforms to proactively prevent third-party interference, as well as measures to improve delivery systems so that SMEs and small business owners can more easily access support programs.
To proactively prevent third-party interference, MSS agreed to collaborate with private platforms such as Soomgo and Kmong that connect users with professional service providers. The initiatives include displaying warning messages about illegal broker activities on private platforms, strengthening monitoring of posts related to government support policies and policy financing, and establishing hotlines between participating public institutions and private platform companies for joint promotional efforts.
The meeting also discussed reducing paperwork submitted by SMEs and small business owners during the application process. Through inter-ministerial cooperation, the plan aims to cut application documents by 50% through automatic submission of administrative documents and converting signature-required documents to online formats. Additionally, an "Integrated SME Support Platform" will be established to consolidate support programs in one place for easier access. Starting in the second half of 2026, AI-based support for drafting basic elements of business plans will also be implemented.
"MSS will push forward without delay with key policies introduced to resolve third-party interference issues, including fact-finding surveys, whistleblower reward systems, and immunity programs," First Vice Minister Noh emphasized. "We will also strengthen cooperation with private platforms to prevent third-party interference," he added. "We will continue to improve delivery systems so that SMEs and small business owners can easily and conveniently access support programs."