Korea’s SME program seeks second wave of overseas platform entrants
The Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service is inviting small businesses to apply for a second round of its program that helps firms expand to overseas online platforms. The initiative covers onboarding, content production, consulting, and intellectual property assistance, with the aim of creating an export base for participating companies.
What the program offers this round
The program, titled “2026 Overseas Online Platform Onboarding Support,” plans to assist about 120 companies. Eligible applicants are small businesses actively operating on the application date and not yet on an overseas platform; however, a business already on one platform can apply if it intends to join another platform. Examples include a seller on Amazon applying to join Shopee. Support covers platform onboarding, content production, and consulting, plus help with patents and intellectual property rights. The maximum grant is 5,625,000 won per company, including the company’s own contribution but excluding some costs.
Key facts to know
The Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service (K-SEMAS) is running a second round of its export-support program. The target is small enterprises looking to expand to overseas online marketplaces. The program provides onboarding to new platforms and optional services such as content creation, business consulting, and IP support. The grant cap is 5,625,000 won per company. The announcement notes the call for applications was issued on the 30th of the prior month, with the article published on October 11, 2026.
Who is affected
Small businesses in Korea that are currently operating but not yet on an overseas platform would be eligible. Companies already on one overseas platform may apply if they plan to enter another platform, potentially diversifying their online sales channels. Businesses that are considering expanding to platforms like Shopee or similar marketplaces could benefit from onboarding and related support.
Practical next steps
Interested firms should check eligibility criteria and the application window for the second round of the program. Prepare documentation showing current operations, plans for entry to a new overseas platform, and a budget outline. Decide whether to use the optional services (content production, consulting, IP rights support) and be ready to commit the company’s own contribution toward the grant cap. Monitor official announcements from K-SEMAS for deadlines and submission methods.
Limits and questions
Specific eligibility details, the total number of participants, and the exact benefits of each supported service are described by the official program materials. If you need clarity on how the grant interacts with your existing platform presence or on which platforms are considered “overseas,” consult the source materials or official K-SEMAS communications for the precise language.
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