Table of Contents
- What Is Mainbiz Certification?
- Eligibility Requirements
- Evaluation Criteria and Scoring
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Required Documents
- Benefits After Certification
- Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- FAQ
1. What Is Mainbiz Certification?
Mainbiz (Main-Biz) stands for MAnagement INnovation Business — a government certification program administered by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부) that recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises with outstanding management innovation capabilities. The program is based on the OECD Oslo Manual definition of management innovation and covers strategic, organizational, and marketing innovation — making it distinct from technology-focused Innobiz certification.
Target companies are those currently conducting management innovation activities or those that have done so within the past three years and are achieving measurable results. The certificate is valid for three years and is renewable.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be SMEs under the SME Basic Act (중소기업기본법) with at least 3 years of business history. The following conditions disqualify a company from applying:
| Category | Disqualifying Condition |
|---|---|
| Credit Status | Companies listed in credit information databases due to default or tax delinquency |
| Bill Clearance | Companies that received a transaction suspension from a bill exchange |
| Insolvency | Companies undergoing bankruptcy, rehabilitation, or liquidation proceedings |
| Financial Ratio | Debt-to-equity ratio exceeding 1,000% as of the end of the prior fiscal year |
| Capital Impairment | Complete capital impairment (완전 자본잠식) |
| Industry Exclusion | Gambling equipment manufacturing, tobacco wholesale, certain entertainment industries |
3. Evaluation Criteria and Scoring
Mainbiz uses a 1,000-point evaluation system. A company must score 600+ points on the online self-assessment to proceed to the on-site evaluation, and must score 700+ points during the on-site evaluation to receive certification.
| Category | Points | Key Items |
|---|---|---|
| Management Innovation Infrastructure | 350 | Leadership, innovation strategy, resource management, performance management |
| Innovation Activities | 400 | Organizational, product/service, process, and marketing innovation |
| Innovation Outcomes | 250 | Financial performance, non-financial performance (customer satisfaction, ESG) |
As of June 22, 2026, the Ministry revised the evaluation indicators to reflect ESG-related trust activities. Companies applying under the new framework should prepare ESG-related documentation in advance.
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Registration | Enter company, factory, and financial data on mainbiz.go.kr | 1–2 days |
| 2. Online Self-Assessment | Score 600+ points to qualify for on-site evaluation | 1–3 days |
| 3. Apply for On-site Evaluation | Pay fee: KRW 550,000 (new) / KRW 440,000 (renewal), VAT included | Upon application |
| 4. On-site Evaluation | Evaluator visits company; 700+ points required; completed within 3 weeks | Up to 3 weeks |
| 5. Regional Office Approval | Ministry regional SME office reviews and approves; KakaoTalk/SMS notification | 1–2 weeks |
| 6. Certificate Issuance | Online issuance; valid 3 years | Immediately |
Total processing time from document submission is approximately 5–8 weeks. If the self-assessment score falls below 600, on-site evaluation cannot be requested — so pre-assessment preparation per evaluation category is essential.
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- Business registration certificate copy
- Corporate registry extract (for legal entities)
- Financial statements for the past 2 fiscal years (audit report or tax adjustment statement)
- Management innovation activity evidence (new product/service development materials, process improvement reports)
- Organizational chart and HR-related materials
- Marketing innovation materials (online channels, brand strategy)
- ESG activity documentation (environmental, social, governance improvement records)
6. Benefits After Certification
| Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Finance | Interest rate reduction up to 1.65%p on corporate loans; guarantee fee reduction 0.1–0.2%p; loan limit expansion up to KRW 7 billion |
| Tax | Regular tax audit deferral by 2–3 years |
| Customs | Customs inspection waiver for companies with imports under USD 100 million |
| Human Resources | Public research institute staff dispatch up to 3 years with 50% salary support |
| R&D | 1–2 preferential points in technology development and industry-academic collaboration grants |
| Trade/Export | 70% discount on TV/radio advertising; priority access to export incubators |
| Other | 33% discount on technology escrow fees; 70% government support for tech dispute legal fees |
7. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The most common reasons for Mainbiz failure are insufficient self-assessment scores and lack of documented innovation evidence. Key points to note:
- Self-assessment below 600 blocks on-site evaluation entirely — run a mock assessment and address weak areas first
- Innovation activities without documentation are not reflected in scores
- Missing prior-year financial statements or debt-to-equity exceeding 1,000% results in automatic disqualification
- Post-June 2026 applications require ESG activity documentation under the revised criteria
- Renewal applications must be submitted within 90 days before the certificate expires
FAQ
Q. Can a company with less than 3 years of business history apply?
A. No. Only SMEs with at least 3 years of operation are eligible. Startups should consider Venture certification first.
Q. Can Mainbiz and Innobiz certification be held simultaneously?
A. Yes. The two certifications are independent and dual certification is permitted. Companies often pursue both to maximize preferential benefits.
Q. Are there costs beyond the on-site evaluation fee?
A. Fees vary by case. We provide accurate quotes during free consultation.
Q. What if the company exceeds SME thresholds during the certification period?
A. The certification becomes void if the company no longer qualifies as an SME. Notify the managing institution immediately upon any change in company scale.
Q. Can a company reapply after scoring below 600 on the self-assessment?
A. Yes. There is no limit on reapplication attempts. Address weak evaluation areas and resubmit the self-assessment.
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