(C) Oven Brothers (오븐브라더스)
DAEJEON—Daejeon Metropolitan City has announced and presented plaques to four businesses designated as “2025 Promising Small Businesses.” The recognized companies—Oven Brothers (오븐브라더스), Coffee 1011 (커피1011), Hanmin Dakgangjeong (한민닭강정), and SGN Bio Co., Ltd. (㈜에스지엔바이오)—were celebrated for their innovation, growth potential, and contribution to enhancing the city's brand value.
The selection process, which began in April, evaluated 117 enterprises based on criteria including growth strategy, market expansion potential, and product creativity. The four chosen businesses each received a growth support fund of 45 million won (approximately $32,500) and tailored consulting services.
This strategic support has already yielded visible results, with the companies reporting increases in sales and employment, along with successful expansion of their market reach. They are actively positioning themselves as competitive brands representing Daejeon both locally and nationally.
Spotlight on the Innovators
Oven Brothers: This company has achieved national recognition by developing 'Tendresse,' a dessert unique to France, leveraging its rarity and specialization. Starting as a small neighborhood dessert shop, its consistent growth has transformed it into a regional dessert powerhouse, now operating its own headquarters building.
Coffee 1011: Leading the popularization of specialty coffee, Coffee 1011 stands out with its unique brand concept, merging "science and coffee." Based near the Daedeok R&D Complex, the company has grown alongside the local community and is now expanding the value of its coffee culture across South Korea.
Hanmin Dakgangjeong: Originating from the traditional Hanmin Market, this business has successfully bridged tradition and modern trends. It developed unique seasoning recipes tailored to the preferences of the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), establishing itself as a popular new regional food brand.
SGN Bio Co., Ltd.: Focused on developing proprietary patented ingredients, SGN Bio owns multiple customized cosmetic brands. With differentiated competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, the company is emerging as a regional leader in the K-Beauty sector.
A Commitment to Local Economy
Mayor Lee Jang-woo of Daejeon City emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial spirit, stating, "The innovation and challenging spirit of small businesses are the core competitiveness of our local economy. Their passion elevates Daejeon's brand value." He further pledged, "We will spare no policy support to help them grow into success models that the entire nation takes notice of."
Since 2023, Daejeon City has annually selected and supported four promising small enterprises. The program has proven highly effective, with some previously selected firms reporting a remarkable 81% increase in sales, successful ventures into overseas markets, and a 300% surge in productivity, underscoring the initiative's significant growth potential and impact.
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