Jeongeup City is systematically enhancing its self-reliance support program for vulnerable groups to establish a foundation for economic independence. The city stated that it is focusing on creating a virtuous cycle structure that leads from stable job provision, improvement of working environments, to the revitalization of the local community through achievements, moving away from simple livelihood support.

This year, Jeongeup City has invested 2.7 billion won in self-reliance labor and self-reliance business support, connecting approximately 145 participants to jobs according to their work capabilities. They have also operated capacity enhancement programs such as job training and humanities courses to enhance competitiveness in employment and entrepreneurship.

The self-reliance business unit operated by Jeongeup Regional Self-Reliance Center is divided into 12 units, categorized as market-entry type and social service type. Businesses like Shinwha Laundry, Laundry 1st Street, Premium Car Wash, and Kids Cafe aim for entrepreneurship and employment through skill acquisition, while businesses like Samgol Farming and preprocessing focus on providing sustainable jobs. In November, the Kids Playroom business unit 'Block Pang Pang' was established as a self-reliant business, expanding the ecosystem of local self-reliant businesses.

Infrastructure improvements have also been made. The city remodeled the old administrative welfare center building into a standalone facility for the Jeongeup Regional Self-Reliance Center, reducing rental costs and resolving issues of insufficient educational and counseling spaces to enhance business stability.

The achievements of the self-reliance business have been recognized in evaluations. The Jeongeup Regional Self-Reliance Center has been selected as an excellent institution in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's '2025 National Regional Self-Reliance Center Performance Evaluation' and has been named an excellent institution for six consecutive years since 2019. They received high scores in participant employment and entrepreneurship rates, salary fluctuation rates, and education completion rates. The secured incentive of 15.19 million won will be reinvested in operating expenses and improving employee benefits.

Efforts to improve on-site working environments have been strengthened. Air conditioners were installed in workplaces vulnerable to heatwaves, and neck coolers were provided. Additionally, as the first self-reliance center in Jeollabuk-do, a mobile flush toilet was installed in the agricultural work area to enhance participant convenience.

Furthermore, the social contributions of self-reliant businesses are expanding. The Vietnam Alley Restaurant supports children's lunches, Block Pang Pang provides free services for vulnerable children, and Laundry 1st Street regularly provides laundry services for homeless facilities and elderly living alone. The trend of transitioning from beneficiaries to contributors continues. The city has also systematized volunteer activities such as fire-damaged household repainting and flooring replacement based on agreements with self-reliant business associations and self-reliance centers.

Baek Ji-won, head of the Social Welfare Department, stated, "Self-reliance business is about creating a foundation for self-sufficiency through skill acquisition and asset formation," adding, "We will strengthen support for discovering business models that adapt to market changes and spreading examples of self-reliance."