High Flyers South Korea concludes after supporting over 200 high-potential youth businesses with training and access to finance

We are pleased to share the successful conclusion of the programme High Flyers South Korea: Supporting Underserved Young Entrepreneurs to Scale and Grow. Implemented by our member Work Together Foundation and funded by J.P. Morgan Chase, the programme has supported a cohort of early-stage young entrepreneurs with high-growth potential to secure funding and expand their market reach.

Supporting access to finance and markets

The High Flyers South Korea programme featured both a Market track, targeting lifestyle-based youth-led companies aiming to expand their market presence, and an Investment track, supporting tech-based companies seeking investment. There was a focus on reaching underserved groups, with 70% of participants being female. Based on feedback received from participants, Work Together Foundation also offered additional mentoring services to increase the depth of support offered.

Over two years, the programme reached 231 young entrepreneurs, with 58 receiving intensive training and support (against a target of 55). Among those who received the intensive training:

• 55 businesses are still trading
• 45 businesses have received an increase in customers
• 32 businesses have increased revenue, and 25 are now profitable
• A total of 16 paid employees have been added to the businesses

This initial high success rate is a testament to the value of tailored, targeted support for youth-led businesses seeking to bring innovative and often socially impactful businesses to market. Through focused interventions and accessible mentoring services, youth businesses can generate employment and boost economies responsibly.

Bringing socially impactful ideas to market

Soo Min Kim almost lost her sight as a child, which gave her a personal interest in the lives of the visually impaired. After training as a perfumer, she realised that she could combine her two interests, and she now trains and employs blind people as perfumers and scent healing therapists.

After struggling to reach customers, she joined the programme’s Market Track, seeking PR and marketing support from Work Together Foundation. “I learned how to make my brand more appealing, and I also had the opportunity to take part in mega-shows to get my brand out there in person,” says Soo Min. “We gained a lot of insights from the sales testing, and it really helped us to plan our strategy.”

She currently employs two people with disabilities and aims to employ more people to run workshops soon. In the future, Soo Min plans to expand her business beyond Korea to other parts of Asia.

Investing in better financial health

In Chang Yoo, 35, has always had an interest in economics. Through work experiences, he saw the potential of AI to support people with financial tools and assistance. His company, Intalk, is an AI-based financial planning platform that provides personalised financial consulting and insurance product recommendations.

As a young entrepreneur, In Chang had met resistance to his business and accessing finance, needing guidance in business fundamentals and accessing finance. “I received practical training on accounting, investment contracts, and preparing for government support projects, which were immediately applicable to our operations.” Thanks to the programme’s training, he was able to secure investment and collaborate with major financial institutions.

The entrepreneurs involved in the Investment track received tailored mentoring support, which enabled them to achieve their specific investment and growth goals and harness the tech and support they need to survive as a small business. “Feedback from mentors was instrumental in preparing successful R&D support project applications. I also learned about AI automation tools, which we continue to use today.”

About High Flyers

Work Together Foundation has incorporated the High Flyers Guidelines into their support for young entrepreneurs to deliver this programme. The guidelines have been developed as part of our High Flyers programme, funded by Argidius Foundation, with additional support from JPMC to expand the programme to Korea with Work Together Foundation’s participation. YBI defines High Flyers as young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who have been running a business for approximately two years and are looking to grow. The guidelines have been developed by 10 YBI members who Work Together Foundation joined for a community of practice at the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2024 in Kenya, and the final version will be made available to YBI members through the EYE Academy in 2026. High Flyers South Korea is now the second programme to have successfully used the guidelines to deliver tailored support to youth-led businesses with high growth potential.

Programme results and what comes next

As High Flyers South Korea comes to a close, it’s evident that young entrepreneurs provided with the right guidance are building stronger, more resilient businesses with a tangible social and economic impact. From enhancing financial literacy to expanding market access and building inclusive workplaces, the programme has shown what’s possible when youth receive tailored support. These outcomes underscore the importance of investing in young entrepreneurs with the vision and drive to lead change. The High Flyers Guidelines are now available as a resource for ESOs through the EYE Academy.