Seoul expands ‘Next Local’ startup program to middle-aged entrepreneurs

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding its ‘Next Local’ regional startup support program to include middle-aged entrepreneurs. Originally focused on youth, the program aims to help middle-aged individuals utilize their professional expertise and career experience to create new jobs and businesses by connecting with regional resources.

Since its inception in 2019, the program has supported 1,252 entrepreneurs across 52 regions, generating 44.1 billion won in cumulative sales and attracting 11.8 billion won in investment. The scope of supported industries is diversifying from agriculture and food into AI, IT, tourism, and workations.

During a recent meeting at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and leaders from several regions, including Gumi, Yeongwol, Hongseong, Chilgok, and Hamyang, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation. Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho highlighted the city's industrial strengths in semiconductors, robotics, and defense, suggesting that Seoul's R&D capabilities could be paired with Gumi's manufacturing base to support tech-based startups.