Sejong City is recruiting teams to participate in its "2026 Local Brand Street Development Project" through April 30, the city announced Tuesday.
The Local Brand Street Development Project has been running since 2024 to foster region-specific small business brands from startup through growth, creating private-sector-led commercial districts and laying the groundwork to address commercial vacancy issues.
Starting this year, the city will directly operate the project to strengthen its transparency and accountability.
The city will provide up to 120 million won to one finalist team, covering business space development, brand creation and events to boost business recognition. However, 30 to 50 percent of the project costs must be self-funded.
There are no restrictions on the location of the representative company's headquarters or residence, but upon final selection, business registration within the planned project area specified in the business plan is mandatory.
"This is not simply financial support but a structure in which the private sector takes the lead in planning and operating commercial districts," said Ryu Je-il, head of the city's Economy and Industry Bureau. "We encourage active participation to create a competitive local brand street that reflects regional characteristics."
