Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Hana Financial Group’s Support Programme

Hana Financial Group recently hosted an event to present the achievements of its Hana Social Venture University program. This initiative places emphasis on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) management, with the objective of cultivating a prosperous startup ecosystem for young individuals and generating employment opportunities.

The Hana Social Venture University program is an integral component of the group’s dedication to creating social value. It collaborates with local universities, functioning as centres to nurture young entrepreneurs and sustain local populations by creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth. The program’s impact has been so significant that it was recognised as a youth-friendly corporate ESG support project by the Ministry of Employment and Labor for two consecutive years, highlighting its role in job creation.

During the outcome-sharing session at the group’s headquarters in Myeong-dong, downtown Seoul, Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo expressed his hope that the program will serve as a catalyst for empowering young individuals with dreams and aspirations to secure meaningful employment in their communities. He also underscored the group’s ongoing commitment to providing tailored support for entrepreneurship in various regions, creating an environment where both local communities and young people can thrive together.

This year, a total of 650 teams, comprising 1,500 members from 30 regional hub universities, were selected to participate in the program. This resulted in the establishment of an ecosystem dedicated to the creation of local job opportunities by aspiring entrepreneurs.

The program commenced with offline basic entrepreneurship education sessions, aimed at aiding participants in solidifying their startup ideas during the pre- and early stages. Following these initial sessions, 60 teams were chosen based on the completeness of their business model, strategic planning, and potential impact. These selected teams then received further practical education, including coaching for business development, business plan formulation, and the creation of region-specific business models. Additionally, they were provided with one-on-one mentoring from established entrepreneurs who had previously launched startups.

Furthermore, Hana Financial Group extended its support to each of the 60 teams by offering 3 million won in funding, further demonstrating the group’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

During the outcome-sharing session, a team of young entrepreneurs whose startup concept focused on developing an application to assist visually impaired individuals while walking was awarded the grand prize, showcasing the tangible impact of the program on real-world challenges.

Hana Financial Group’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs through the Hana Social Venture University program serves as a testament to the group’s commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in South Korea, creating opportunities for young individuals and contributing to the overall social and economic development of the region.