Kakao is providing platform operation and marketing training for small merchants that sell on Kakao Shopping's Tokdeal and will link top sellers to consulting and advertising support.

Kakao said on Aug. 27 it will run the '2026 Kakao Shopping Adding Value' programme with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Small Enterprise and Market Service and UDI Impact.

The programme is part of the '2026 small merchant platform collaboration training' under the 'small merchant online sales channel support project' led by the ministry and the agency. It provides practical training and follow-up support needed for online sales to small merchants on Tokdeal.

Kakao accepted applications from July 13 to Aug. 10 and selected 143 companies for the first group after screening. At an orientation held on Aug. 19, it provided basic training on the Tokdeal platform, introduced successful sales cases, held a special lecture by senior sellers and ran networking among participating sellers.

The first-stage training for the first group will be held six times through September. Instructors and Kakao employees will provide practical training needed for operating the Tokdeal platform, product sales and marketing.

Kakao is also recruiting companies for a second group. Eligible applicants are small merchants among Tokdeal sellers with a sales record, and they can apply through Sept. 7 on 'Small Business 24'. Kakao plans to hold six offline training sessions in October and November for selected second-group sellers.

After the training, Kakao will select 60 top sellers from the first and second groups and run a second-stage growth support programme. Selected companies will receive one-on-one tailored consulting and networking, as well as support including practice costs for running Tokdeal Big Card ads and catalogue ads.

Kakao plans to use the programme to improve online sales capabilities of small merchants on Tokdeal and discover stores and brands with growth potential.

A Kakao commerce official said the programme is characterised by providing not only training needed to operate the platform but also various opportunities for sellers to apply what they learn to their businesses. The official said Kakao will continue practical support so small merchants can build competitiveness based on Tokdeal and grow steadily.