The Main-Biz Association, a South Korean business membership organisation, has signed a business agreement with the Small Business Hope Foundation to promote innovative growth for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. The partnership focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), AI transformation (AX), youth employment, startups, and employee training programmes.

The Asia Business Daily reported that the agreement was signed on 3rd February 2026, establishing a framework for joint projects across the SME sector.

Through the collaboration, both organisations will support management and technological innovation based on AI, AX, and digital transformation (DX). The partnership includes joint development and operation of AI, AX, and DX education curricula, as well as shared infrastructure, facilities, and platforms to support member organisations.

Kim Myungjin, president of the Main-Biz Association, said: "The transition to AI and AX is a task directly linked to survival on the ground. Through this agreement, we will create tangible innovation outcomes that connect education, on-site application, and joint projects."

The two organisations will also promote joint events to revitalise networks and facilitate knowledge exchange among members. Additionally, they plan to collaborate on government-supported projects to expand resources available to small business owners and SMEs.

The agreement reflects a growing trend among business associations to leverage institutional partnerships for technology adoption and workforce capability building. By pooling resources and expertise, the Main-Biz Association and Small Business Hope Foundation aim to accelerate digital readiness across South Korea's SME landscape whilst addressing skills gaps in emerging technologies.

Read more about how this partnership is supporting AI transformation for South Korean small businesses.