Naver Partners with IBK Industrial Bank to Launch Training for Small and Medium Business Owners

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Naver and IBK Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) are jointly operating an online growth support program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

On the 29th, Naver announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with IBK to promote the online advancement of small business owners.

The two companies will collaborate to provide high-quality educational content by combining platforms and financial education expertise necessary for stable online startups and business operations.

This program targets SMEs who are opening an online store for the first time or want to further activate their business through online marketing. It is designed to provide online education for online startups and sales improvement.

The online education will be conducted for six weeks starting from the 18th of next month. Any SME wishing to enter the online market can apply. The curriculum includes smart store product registration and management, how to utilize Naver support programs for beginner sellers, know-how on using and managing financial products for small business owners, and essential tax, tax-saving, and labor knowledge education that small business owners must know.

Participants will receive practical online platform training from Naver and specialized basic financial education lectures directly taught by IBK’s in-house staff. Fifty outstanding participants of the online education will be additionally provided with coaching and consulting courses.

The 'Small Business Online Growth Support Program' can be applied for by anyone until the 15th of next month through the Naver Business School website, IBK internet banking, and mobile apps 'i-ONE Bank (IBK)' and 'i-ONE Small Business'.

Business owners who complete both the online education and coaching/consulting courses will receive preferential loan interest rates from IBK. Ten outstanding business owners will also receive benefits such as 100,000 Biz Money points usable for Naver search advertisements and brand logo creation.

Han Seong-sook, CEO of Naver, said, "Naver is an online platform where 460,000 smart stores and 2.5 million local businesses operate, and we have accumulated know-how and data to provide customized educational content needed for each business stage. We will provide systematic support with practical educational content necessary for increasing online business sales, such as marketing know-how for online business activation and essential financial management tips."