The Incheon Metropolitan Government is expanding its signage support program for small business owners from individual stores to entire neighborhood commercial districts starting this year.
Incheon announced Monday that it will newly introduce group support under its "Small Business Distinctive Signage Support Program" and select a total of 100 locations. The initiative aims to go beyond individual store-level assistance to improve the overall streetscape of neighborhood commercial areas and promote local branding.
Support is divided into individual and group categories. Individual support targets 40 small businesses that have been operating in Incheon for at least one year. Group support covers alley-type shopping streets or groups of five or more stores within a 2,000-square-meter (approximately 605 pyeong) area, with a minimum of five and a maximum of 20 stores eligible to participate per group. A total of 60 locations will be selected under the group support category.
Each business can receive up to 3.5 million won. The funding covers the cost of replacing old signage with high-efficiency LED three-dimensional signs. Value-added tax and costs exceeding the subsidy are borne by the applicants. Designated design firms will collaborate with businesses to provide customized designs reflecting the characteristics of each industry.
The application period runs from the 13th through 6 p.m. on the 21st. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person, and details are available on the website of the Incheon Small Business Comprehensive Support Center.