Hana Bank is launching a third round of recruitment for its Small Merchant Competitiveness Support Project to help small business owners digitise their stores.

Hana Bank said on Thursday it will select 500 small businesses and provide support of up to 2 million won per site for the purchase and installation of digital devices.

The programme is part of the bank's small merchant support initiative, Hana Power On Store. It aims to reduce cost burdens from adopting digital devices and improve operational efficiency at stores.

Eligible items include AI CCTV, table-order and stand-type kiosks, an IoT wireless store management solution, QR order and clean care. Applicants can choose 1 item from the list.

Eligible applicants are small business owners who meet criteria on sales by industry and number of full-time employees. Manufacturing, construction, transportation and mining businesses must have fewer than 10 full-time employees, while wholesale and retail, lodging, food and services must have fewer than 5. Applicants must have opened by Dec. 31, 2025 and be operating normally.

Final recipients will be selected through a comprehensive review of business performance and sustainability, and the appropriateness and effectiveness of the support. Onnuri gift certificate affiliated stores located in alley-type commercial districts will receive additional points.

Applications can be submitted online through the Hana Deosoho platform in New Hana OneQ, the Hana Bank website and the Hana Power On website until Sept. 29.

A Hana Bank official said it hopes the programme will provide practical help to small business owners struggling to introduce digital devices due to cost burdens. The official said the bank will continue to expand customised support needed at worksites.