Seoul Economic Daily and the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) are accepting entries for the 2026 Happy SME Jobs Awards. The organizers invite small and medium-sized enterprises that have led efforts to create quality jobs and develop talent to apply.
Now in its 13th year, the awards program identifies and honors outstanding SMEs that have taken the lead in creating rewarding workplaces. The aim is to boost morale at those companies and to draw young talent into the sector by shifting public perceptions.
Award categories: 13 in total
- Ministry of Finance and Economy citations: one corporate, one individual
- Minister of Trade and Industry citation, Minister of Employment and Labor citation, Minister of SMEs and Startups citation (three corporate)
- KBIZ Chairman citation, Seoul Economic Daily President citation (two corporate)
- Citations from the chairmen of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, the Small Enterprise and Market Service, the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, the Korea Venture Business Association and the Korea Women's Venture Association (six corporate)
Deadline: Oct. 8 (Thursday). For mailed applications, a postmark of that date is accepted.
Required documents: A merit statement in the prescribed format and supporting documents (attached files)
How to apply: Online submission via the KBIZ website, plus the original application documents by mail
- Online: www.kbiz.or.kr - Events - Award Applications - "2026 Happy SME Jobs Awards"
- By mail: Attn. 2026 Happy SME Jobs Awards, Human Resources Policy Department, 7th floor, KBIZ Main Building, 30 Eunhaeng-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: KBIZ Human Resources Policy Department, (02) 2124-3274/3273
Awards ceremony: Dec. 7 (Monday), 2 p.m., KBIZ Hall, first basement level, KBIZ building, Yeouido, Seoul
Hosted by: Seoul Economic Daily and KBIZ
Sponsored by: Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Small Enterprise and Market Service, Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, Korea Venture Business Association, Korea Women's Venture Association
* Award details and the schedule may change depending on consultations with the relevant ministries and agencies and on the volume of applications.
