While the joy of raising children is unparalleled, it presents unique challenges for small business owners who often have to juggle the demands of both parenthood and running their own enterprise. Concerns about potential disruptions to their business or finding reliable temporary help during their absence can be constant worries.
However, there’s good news! In 2025, a variety of support initiatives are available to ease the childcare burden for small business owners and help them maintain stable business operations. While it might not be a traditional “parental leave” in the conventional sense, we’ll delve into the different avenues that empower you to nurture your precious children without having to sacrifice your business endeavors.
Daejeon Small Business Owners, Take Note! Support for Substitute Personnel Costs During Childcare Leave
If your business is located in Daejeon Metropolitan City and has been operating steadily for at least six months, there’s encouraging news that can alleviate the staffing shortages and management challenges that can arise from taking time off for childcare. This is the ‘Childcare Leave Substitute Personnel Expense Support Program for Small Business Owners’.
This program provides financial assistance to cover the labor costs of a temporary worker who can manage your business while you are on childcare leave. Eligible businesses can receive up to 500,000 KRW per month for a maximum of six months, totaling 3 million KRW in support for one substitute employee. If you’re facing operational difficulties due to an unexpected need for childcare leave, actively consider utilizing this program to ensure the continuity of your business. (Source: Daejeon Metropolitan City Official Blog)
Childbirth and Spouse’s Childbirth Leave Support for Self-Employed Individuals in Seoul
In Seoul, instead of using the specific term “childcare leave,” the city government implements various practical support policies for self-employed individuals who have given birth or whose spouse has given birth.
- Self-Employed Childbirth Congratulatory Fund: For self-employed individuals, freelancers, and labor providers residing in Seoul who have given birth after April 22, 2024, the Seoul Metropolitan Government offers a congratulatory fund of 900,000 KRW to the mother. This is additional to any national childbirth benefits you may be eligible for, potentially bringing the total support up to 2.4 million KRW. (Information Source: Bizhankook)
- Spouse’s Childbirth Leave Support Fund: Self-employed individuals who reside in Seoul but operate their businesses in other regions are also entitled to receive a spouse’s childbirth leave support fund of 800,000 KRW when their spouse gives birth. This policy aims to provide financial assistance to help utilize the legally guaranteed 20 days of leave upon the birth of a spouse. (Information Source: News1)
Are You a Small Business Owner with Employment Insurance? Check Your Eligibility for Childcare Leave Benefits!
If you, as a small business owner, are enrolled in employment insurance, it’s worth investigating whether you qualify for childcare leave benefits, similar to regular employees. However, it’s important to note that if your business generates an income exceeding 1.5 million KRW per month during your childcare leave, you may not be eligible for these benefits. It is crucial to consult with the relevant employment insurance agency to confirm your specific eligibility. (Information Source: NodongOK)
Keep an Eye on the Expanding Childcare Support Policies for 2025
Starting in 2025, the government will further strengthen support for small businesses to encourage employees to utilize childcare leave and the reduced working hours system for childcare. For instance, if an employee voluntarily resigns after taking childcare leave or reduced working hours for childcare, the government plans to provide the small business owner with a subsidy of 300,000 KRW per month. While this isn’t a direct support for the small business owner’s own childcare leave, it can indirectly assist by lessening the financial burden associated with an employee’s leave. (Source: Business Post)
We’re Here to Support You, Working Moms & Working Dads Who Are Small Business Owners!
Being a small business owner and raising children is undoubtedly a demanding journey, but our society is committed to providing various support mechanisms for you. We hope that the information shared today will empower you to carefully examine and utilize the support policies that align with your needs, enabling you to achieve happiness in both your family life and your business. If you have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the relevant organizations for assistance. We are always cheering for your bright future!
쿠팡파트너스 활동으로 일부수익이 발생됩니다.