Policy Fund Eligibility Checker — Find Government Funding for Your Business

Korea offers many policy funds for SMEs and small businesses, but figuring out which ones you qualify for is a challenge. This tool auto-matches eligible policy funds based on your company profile and pre-screens qualification requirements.

Key Features

🔍 Auto-Matched Policy Funds

• Ministry of SMEs and Startups programs (startup, innovation growth, emergency stabilization)
• Small Enterprise Market Promotion Agency funds
• Korea Credit Guarantee Fund and Korea Technology Finance Corporation programs
• Regional government support programs

✅ Eligibility Pre-Screening

• Industry restriction check (excluded industries like entertainment)
• SME size criteria verification
• Business age eligibility (under 3 years, under 7 years, etc.)
• Basic debt ratio and credit rating requirements

📋 Application Guide

• Step-by-step application process per matched fund
• Required document checklist
• Application periods and submission channels

How to Use

Step 1: Enter Company Information

Input industry, revenue, headcount, establishment date, and location.

Step 2: Enter Financial Status

Select approximate debt ratio and credit rating.

Step 3: View Matched Funds

Eligible policy funds, support limits, and interest rate conditions are displayed.

Tips

Check Early Each Year

Policy fund applications typically open between January and March. Early diagnosis ensures you don’t miss suitable programs.

Best Practices

Prepare Financial Statements Before Running the Diagnosis

Policy fund eligibility depends heavily on debt ratios, revenue thresholds, and credit ratings. Having your most recent financial statements (income statement and balance sheet) on hand before starting the diagnosis ensures you enter accurate figures. Approximate guesses can lead to false positives — programs you think you qualify for but actually do not — wasting valuable application time.

Apply to Multiple Compatible Programs Simultaneously

Many policy fund programs can be combined, and applying to several at once increases your chances of securing at least one. For example, a startup under three years old might qualify for both the Ministry of SMEs startup fund and a regional government innovation subsidy. After the diagnosis identifies your matches, review whether any have exclusivity clauses, and if not, submit applications in parallel to maximize funding opportunities.

Keep Company Registration and Tax Payment Certificates Current

Nearly every policy fund application requires a business registration certificate, tax payment completion certificate, and corporate registration transcript. These documents have validity periods (often 30 days), so obtain fresh copies right before applying. Submitting expired certificates is one of the most common reasons for application rejection, and it delays your reapplication by weeks.

FAQ

Does a positive diagnosis guarantee approval?

No, this tool pre-screens basic eligibility only. Actual approval depends on document review and on-site evaluation.

How current is the information?

Major policy fund criteria are updated periodically. Always verify the latest conditions from official announcements.

Can foreign-owned businesses in Korea apply for policy funds?

Yes, foreign-invested companies registered in Korea can apply for most SME policy funds as long as they meet the standard eligibility criteria (industry type, size, revenue). However, some programs specifically targeting Korean nationals or specific demographic groups (e.g., youth startups, female entrepreneurs) may have additional restrictions. The diagnosis tool checks general eligibility; verify nationality-specific conditions in the official program guidelines.

What interest rates do policy funds typically offer?

Policy fund interest rates are significantly below commercial bank rates, typically ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% per annum depending on the program, your credit rating, and the fund’s purpose. Emergency stabilization funds and youth startup programs often offer the lowest rates, while general operating capital funds are slightly higher. The exact rate is determined during the final approval stage based on your company’s credit evaluation.