Gangwon Innovation Center Scouts 31 Regional Creators, Launches Small Business Growth Support Program

Innovators poised to inject new vitality into the Gangwon regional economy have gathered in one place! The Gangwon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (hereinafter 'Gangwon CCEI') announced the successful launch of the '2025 Local Creator Incubation Project,' holding an orientation at its headquarters on the 24th with the 31 teams finally selected after fierce competition. The 31 local creator teams selected this time are like gems, combining regional originality and innovation. They consist of 28 individual small business teams and 3 collaborative small business teams. Individual small businesses include unique businesses that highlight local characteristics such as Aribucheok Yangjo, Uptown, Woodrism Factory, Bangatgan Makguksu, and Sonntak Coffee Hongcheon. Collaborative small businesses include teams like Seoljel Company, Donghae Brothers, and Jeokpau, which are expected to create synergy, raising anticipation. The selected small businesses will receive extensive support until the end of the year. This includes not only practical financial support across the entire commercialization process, such as business model advancement and branding marketing, but also professional startup education and active networking programs, providing diverse opportunities to further strengthen their business capabilities. In particular, the recent orientation was filled with participants' enthusiasm. Starting with an introduction to Gangwon CCEI's project, accounting education was provided for the transparent and efficient execution of government grants. Following this, a special lecture on 'Branding Power' by Kang Byung-ho, CEO of the Urban Brand Research Institute, garnered a great response, offering deep insights and inspiration to attendees. Furthermore, a meaningful time was set aside for participants to freely interact, share ideas, and explore potential collaboration methods, allowing a glimpse into future partnership possibilities. The 'Local Creator Incubation Project,' overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and managed by the Small Enterprise and Market Service, aims to instill innovative ideas into valuable local resources and stories, with the purpose of fostering entrepreneurial small businesses that will become the growth engine of the regional economy. An official from Gangwon CCEI stated, "We will spare no effort in providing continuous support to ensure that the 31 finally selected teams grow into local creators representing Gangwon-do, genuinely contribute to regional economic revitalization, and further create successful business models that leverage the unique characteristics of various regions in South Korea," expressing expectations for their bright future and the development of the Gangwon economy. Through this project, it is anticipated that more unique business models embodying Gangwon-do's distinct character will be discovered.