Small-business cooperatives that operate a joint business can apply for support to purchase shared equipment. The second 2026 Small Business Cooperation Promotion call covers only shared equipment and closes at 4:00 p.m. on August 4.
Program Overview
| Administrators | Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service |
|---|---|
| Eligible applicants | Small-business cooperatives, federations, autonomous commercial-district associations, and other qualifying organizations |
| Supported expenses | Shared production, inspection, research, and similar equipment |
| Government share | Up to 70% of the total project cost |
| Maximum support | KRW 50 million, KRW 100 million, or KRW 200–300 million depending on the growth stage |
| Application period | July 21 through 4:00 p.m. on August 4, 2026 |
What Does the Second Call Support?
This call is limited to shared equipment. It supports the purchase of production, inspection, research, or similar equipment directly required for a cooperative’s joint project. Each requested item must have a purchase price of at least KRW 3 million.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include incorporated small-business cooperatives and federations, as well as autonomous commercial-district associations. Cooperatives and federations generally need at least five members, and at least 50% of their members must qualify as small businesses.
- Revenue-generating cooperatives and federations established under the Framework Act on Cooperatives
- Cooperatives and federations established under the Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperatives Act whose bylaws provide for profit distribution
- Revenue-generating autonomous commercial-district associations established under the Local Commercial District Act
Maximum Support by Growth Stage
| Stage | Main Criteria | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 2025 sales of at least KRW 10 million but below KRW 500 million, or sales growth of at least 5% but below 20% | KRW 50 million |
| Scale-up | 2025 sales of at least KRW 500 million, or sales growth of at least 20% | KRW 100 million |
| Innovative Growth | 2025 sales of at least KRW 1 billion, or member capital contributions of at least KRW 100 million | KRW 200–300 million |
Cooperatives established in 2025 or 2026 may be able to enter the Growth stage without sales. Some stages have additional minimum-sales conditions, so review the official notice.
Cost Sharing
National funding covers no more than 70% of the total project cost. The cooperative must pay at least 30%, plus VAT, IoT terminal installation, procurement fees, and other non-covered expenses. Equipment must be installed in a lawful location where it can be used under the cooperative’s name.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted from July 21 until exactly 4:00 p.m. on August 4, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
- The cooperative chair or federation president creates an account at Small Business 24.
- Sign in to the Cooperation Promotion System.
- Select the organization type and shared-equipment project.
- Enter the project budget and upload all supporting documents.
Documents to Prepare
- Self-diagnosis checklist and business plan
- Participation pledge and data-consent forms
- Membership list, investor list, and bylaws
- Full corporate registry certificate and business registration certificate
- National and local tax payment certificates
- 2024 standard financial statements and 2025 sales evidence
Some documents must have been issued within one month of the application date.
Equipment That Is Not Covered
- Portable equipment such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras
- Vehicles, motorcycles, ships, drones, and other mobile equipment
- Equipment costing less than KRW 3 million
- Consumables, basic tools, office PCs, and convenience facilities
- Used or refurbished equipment, or equipment whose ancillary costs cannot be separated
- Equipment made or sold by the cooperative or one of its members
Installation and Management Requirements
Temporary structures, illegal buildings, and unregistered buildings are not accepted as installation sites. After selection, the cooperative may be required to use and manage the equipment for up to five years. If use stops because of the cooperative’s fault, the agreement may be terminated and funding recovered.
Who Is Excluded?
- Organizations that received this program five times between 2020 and 2025
- Organizations under a participation restriction or with unpaid taxes
- Organizations that are suspended or closed, or whose members are at least 50% suspended or closed
- Excluded industries, large companies, and major-brand franchisees
- Organizations already selected for a related 2026 joint project or sales-channel support program
Application Tips
- Explain why the equipment is needed and how members will share it.
- Check the lease, building register, and other evidence for the installation site.
- Use sales records to determine the correct growth stage before applying.
- Submit well before 4:00 p.m. on August 4.
Official Sources
- Ministry of SMEs and Startups Official Announcement
- Cooperation Promotion System
- Small Business 24
- Information verified: July 27, 2026
This article provides general information. Eligibility and funding depend on document review, on-site verification, evaluation, and available budget. Check the official announcement before applying.