Press

Iksan City Supports Young Entrepreneurs with 'WITH LOCAL' Program 8 Pre-startup Teams Selected 1 Billion Won Invested in Facilities and Rent Iksan City is drawing attention as it takes various support measures to leap forward as a youth startup hub. In connection with this, the city is implementing the 'WITH LOCAL Youth Technology Startup Support Project' in partnership with local companies. For the first time this year, a public-private collaboration project received 102 applications for 20 team slots, showing a highly competitive ratio of 5 to 1. Recently, the final startup teams were selected through document and presentation reviews. The selected teams consist of prospective entrepreneurs and early-stage companies within 3 years of startup. They include 12 teams from the Iksan region and 8 teams from other areas. This project, which invests a total of 1 billion won, was prepared to activate youth entrepreneurship by linking regional specialized industries with high-value-added future technologies. SK E&S (Jeonbuk Energy Service) and startup education specialist 'Underdogs' are participating, providing commercialization funds (up to 40 million won) and specialized programs. The project is expected to create youth jobs, attract population inflow, and identify companies for mutual growth. Additionally, the city supports young people facing initial startup difficulties with facility costs (up to 20 million won) and rental fees (500,000 won per month for 6 months). Furthermore, the city is operating a 'Youth Dream Car Support Project' that provides vehicle purchase costs (10 million won) for young entrepreneurs who need vehicles for their businesses. The program applies to young entrepreneurs under 39 years old and companies within 3 years of startup. Applications can be submitted by visiting or email by the 29th. A city official stated, "We will operate various policies so that young entrepreneurs can settle stably in the region and establish self-reliant foundations." He added, "We will make efforts to create a young city where startups are activated and linked to diverse job opportunities, attracting young people."