Woori Bank will select 18 micro business owners with the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency and support them with promotion, consulting and mentoring.

Woori Bank said on Sept. 8 it held the first plaque ceremony for the “Recognized Store” project on Sept. 7 at Yeonhwa Table in Seoul’s Mapo district, together with the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency and the incorporated association Good Influence Store.

Recognized Store is an inclusive finance initiative that identifies micro business owners with the will and potential to grow and supports stable operations and growth.

Woori Bank, the agency and Good Influence Store selected 18 micro business owners with a strong willingness to contribute to their communities from among users of the Woori Smile Microfinance Foundation and members of Good Influence Store.

The selected business owners will be provided with official certification plaques and stickers for their stores. They will also receive promotional funding for online marketing, as well as publicity on social media and through the media.

At the first plaque ceremony, Woori Bank CEO Jin-wan Jeong (정진완), agency head Eun-kyung Kim (김은경) and Good Influence Store chair Seong-ryeong Kim (김성령) held a meeting with store owners. They exchanged views on difficulties faced by micro business owners in the field and on needed support measures.

Jeong said, "We will support the self-reliance and growth of micro business owners and create a virtuous cycle of inclusive finance that leads to revitalising local economies." He added, "We will continue support activities for small business owners."