[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)is expanding its support for the digital transformation of local small business owners and startups to include artificial intelligence (AI). It is revamping “Kakao Class,” which has been in operation since 2016, into a hands-on AI business course and will offer a step-by-step program ranging from training to hands-on camps, one-on-one mentoring, and support for outstanding companies.

Kakao announced on the 18th that it will operate the “Kakao Class—AI Business Practical Course” in collaboration with 11 Creative Economy Innovation Centers nationwide, including the Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center, as well as centers in Gangwon, Gyeongnam, Daegu, Busan, Sejong, Ulsan, Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Chungbuk.

Kakao Class is a program that teaches participants how to effectively utilize Kakao’s services and platforms. Kakao and the Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center have jointly operated the program since 2016.

To date, the program has focused on training designed to enhance the digital sales capabilities of local small business owners, such as through Kakao Talk Deal operations and Kakao Shopping Live, and has seen approximately 7,000 small business owners and startups participate as of 2025.

In 2021, the program was featured as a best practice in digital transformation training for small business owners at a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Digitalization Support for SMEs (D4SME) initiative.

Expanding from Digital Training to Practical AI Courses

This year, Kakao Class was reorganized into the “AI Business Practical Course.” The program was designed to enable small business owners and startups to utilize AI in their actual business operations and marketing to achieve tangible results.

The program operates in four phases: △ online video-on-demand (VOD) training tailored to different skill levels △ an AI practical camp △ one-on-one in-depth mentoring △ and an awards ceremony for outstanding companies.

The online training consists of a total of 10 lectures, including the introductory “AX Starter Pack” and the advanced “AX Booster Pack.”

The curriculum covers topics applicable to real-world business operations, including AI-based target audience identification and marketing message development, KakaoTalk Channel management and content creation, ad creation and performance analysis, AI-based consultation and message automation using Kanana, and the validation of new business ventures using AI.

The online training will be available for free from October 1 to November 30 on the dedicated Kakao Class page within the Kakao Business Seminar. Upon completion, participants will receive an AI guide and industry-specific templates.

Practical Training Camp for 100 Companies… 20 Companies to Receive One-on-One Mentoring

Kakao will select recipients for support in phases from among the companies that complete the training. It will select 100 companies that complete the training early in October and offer them the opportunity to participate in the “AI One-Day Practical Camp” to be held on November 10 at SVC in Seoul. Participating companies will receive 300,000 won in Kakao BizWallet funds.

From among the camp participants, 20 companies will be further selected to receive 500,000 won in Kakao BizWallet credit and in-depth one-on-one AI mentoring.

The five outstanding companies ultimately selected will attend an awards ceremony held at Kakao Pangyo Ajit on December 4 and receive benefits totaling 13 million won, including advertising grants.

Applications can be submitted through November 27 via the Kakao Class application page, the Jeju With Kakao website, and the websites of the 11 Creative Economy Innovation Centers nationwide.

A Kakao spokesperson stated, “We prepared this program to help small business owners and startups nationwide who wish to expand their business opportunities through AI establish a solid foundation for growth,” adding, “We will continue to support the AI transformation of local small businesses and startups and strive for sustainable mutual growth.”