"Connecting Small Businesses Struggling to Secure Sales Channels with Their Neighbors"... K Bank's 'Hope Link'

[Financial News] K Bank purchased products from small businesses struggling to secure sales channels and delivered them to people in vulnerable circumstances. The bank plans to establish a mutually beneficial social contribution model that supports small businesses' sales while providing vulnerable groups with goods they need. 
According to financial industry sources on the 6th, K Bank is delivering outstanding products from small businesses to 20 welfare institutions in Seoul in cooperation with the SME Hope Foundation and the Impact Business Foundation. The initiative is part of the Small Business Hope Link Project. The donated goods will be used to support approximately 1,800 people, including recipients of basic livelihood security and near-poverty households.
The project is a social contribution initiative that connects small businesses with competitive products but limited access to sales channels with institutions that support vulnerable groups. It provides small businesses with opportunities to expand their sales channels and revenue while supplying goods needed in the daily lives of vulnerable people. K Bank donated 66 million won to the SME Hope Foundation in February to support the initiative. 
A total of 232 small businesses nationwide applied to submit products. Following an evaluation, 20 products were selected, including 12 food items and eight household goods. To increase practical usability, each welfare institution was allowed to choose the donated goods directly, taking into account the characteristics and needs of its users. 
A K Bank official said, "We have created a virtuous cycle of mutual growth in which outstanding products from small businesses find new sales channels and are delivered to neighbors in need." The official added, "We will continue our social contribution activities that connect small businesses with local communities so they can grow together."
Meanwhile, K Bank held an event on the 2nd at the Our Neighborhood Welfare Center Senior Dining Hall of the Sinmok Comprehensive Social Welfare Center in Yangcheon District, Seoul, to deliver 75 boxes of Onaejeong Mugwort Loach Soup. 
[email protected] Lee Hyun-jung Reporter