CKI sponsors 260,000 USD to KOSBI to foster women-owned SMEs

News provided by
Citibank Korea Inc.
Apr. 03, 2012 10:22
SEOUL--(Korea Newswire)--Citibank Korea (CEO Ha Yung-Ku, www.citibank.co.kr) signed an agreement for the “2012 Women-Owned Enterprise Competitiveness Enhancement Program” with Korea Small Business Institute (“KOSBI”, www.kosbi.re.kr) and contributed 200 million won (260,000 USD) in sponsorship funds. At the signing ceremony held on April 3, 2012 at the 1st Grand Meeting Room, 2nd fl., of KOSBI Bldg. in Yoido, approximately 80 people participated including CEO Ha, Yung-Ku of Citibank Korea, Div. Head Choi, Soo-Gyu of the Small & Medium Business Administration and Chairperson Jeon, Soo-Hye of the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association along with program organizers and women-owned entrepreneur academy course takers.

The program was developed in 2007 and was made available in 2008 sponsored by Citi Foundation, with the goal of identifying role models for women-led SMEs and enhancing their competitiveness through trainings and business women networks. In 2012, the fund is to be used for Citi-KOSBI women-owned enterprise academy, Citi-KOSBI women entrepreneurs’ award, and networking between women business owners and college students aspiring to run startups at home and abroad.

“I expect this program will continue to help foster as many competitive women-owned businesses as possible,” said Chairperson Jeon, Soo-Hye of Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association showing her expectations of this 5-year long program. “I hope that the business knowledge and networks you gain from this program will help you grow your business and become role-models of women entrepreneurs,” said CEO Ha to encourage CEOs of women-led SMEs.

The signing ceremony was followed by the entrance ceremony of the “5th Citi-KOSBI women-owned enterprise academy.” The program catered to CEOs and middle managers of women-led SMEs will last from April 3 till Jul 10 at the KOSBI office located in Yoido. In this 14-week course, 21 subjects including leadership, global competence, fun management, business innovation, SME governmental finance, etc. are to be provided to enhance job capabilities and innovative business ideas of women CEOs. Tuition fees are approximately 3 million KRW per person, but the full amount will be sponsored by Citi Foundation.

Please visit our website (http://www.citikosbi.net/) or call KOSBI at +82-2-707-9855 for any inquiries on Citi-KOSBI women-owned enterprise academy or Women Entrepreneur Award.

Website: http://www.citibank.co.kr

Contact

Oh Young Ran,
Communications Dept.,
Citibank Korea
+82 2 3455 2336