“Is this even possible?” The incredible journey of small businesses in Chungnam
Imagine a small local business increasing its revenue by over 1,000% in just four years. Sounds unbelievable, right? Take, for example, a company in Cheonan, Chungnam. With support from the Hoseo University LINC 3.0 initiative, this local business secured a spot in a major supermarket chain and saw a 30% increase in its first month’s sales. The transformative role of the Local PACE initiative was pivotal—a program designed to connect regional agricultural products directly with consumers through innovative platforms. Their success stemmed not from grandiose plans but from practical steps like in-store sampling and promotional discounts.
The Local PACE initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap between Chungnam’s agricultural producers and consumers, offering fresh and safe products. This is achieved through quality control collaborations with local producers, managing direct trade markets, online stores, and facilitating partnerships with large supermarkets to streamline distribution. By creating an ecosystem that benefits both producers and consumers, the initiative has become a cornerstone of regional economic vitality.
This story isn’t just about success; it’s a testament to the power of small, deliberate actions. “What can I do to drive such change in my organization?” Reflect on this as you explore further.
Collaboration and Innovation: Small steps to big success
The Hoseo University LINC 3.0 initiative goes beyond financial support, focusing on empowering businesses with the tools and skills they need to thrive. For instance, regional companies participated in digital marketing workshops, learning cutting-edge advertising techniques, while tailored consultations helped them enhance branding and develop online sales channels. Programs such as live commerce, e-commerce integrations, and promotional video production have proven to be invaluable growth drivers.
One standout example involves a company in Chungnam that adopted live commerce strategies and saw a 200% year-over-year increase in sales, reaching a new customer base. Such achievements underscore the value of collaboration and innovation—not mere luck but well-orchestrated effort.
What’s the key takeaway? Even small markets can thrive globally with the right mindset and approach. How might your organization or community embrace collaboration to spark similar innovations?
A People-Centric Philosophy: Building trust and delivering results
In 2020, the Local PACE initiative operated six stores with annual sales of KRW 700 million. By 2024, this grew to 26 stores generating KRW 8.3 billion—a phenomenal leap. This success owes much to partnerships with large supermarkets, establishing stable distribution channels for regional agricultural products, and hosting ongoing sampling events to earn consumer trust.
At its core, the Local PACE initiative embodies a people-centric philosophy. By listening to both consumers and producers, the program fosters an environment of mutual satisfaction, emphasizing trust and sustainability over mere transactions. Reflect on how such a people-first approach might be applied in your community. What transformations could it inspire?
Reaching for a Broader Horizon: Take your first step
Small businesses in Chungnam are now looking beyond their local market to reach national and even global audiences. Hoseo University LINC 3.0 Director Kim Jang-woo has vowed to create results that satisfy both regional businesses and consumers, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation.
You too can draw inspiration from these stories. Don’t just read about them—apply the lessons to your own journey. In your community or business, remember that small changes can lead to immense possibilities.
The success of Chungnam’s local businesses isn’t just their story—it’s a blueprint for a shared future we can all help build. What will your first step be?
Get Involved
- Start locally: Initiate small, actionable collaboration projects within your community.
- Spread the word: Share these examples with your network to inspire new ideas.
- Seek opportunities: Look into programs like Local PACE or similar initiatives in your area to participate or collaborate.
Small steps ignite big transformations. Now is the time to act. Build local networks, participate in impactful programs, and let your actions pave the way for a brighter future.
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