Starbucks Launches 'Restart Support Program for Middle-Aged and Older Adults' in Collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Starbucks Coffee Korea announced on the 8th that it will officially launch the 'Starbucks Restart Support Program' for middle-aged and older small business owners in Korea who wish to restart their businesses, in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small Enterprise and Market Service.

At the end of last month, Starbucks conducted interviews to select trainees for the Starbucks Restart Support Program at the Small Enterprise and Market Service Dream Square. Out of approximately 250 applicants, a total of 27 first-generation trainees were selected after the final interviews.

The 'Starbucks Restart Support Program' is part of a win-win program related to the social contribution business agreement Starbucks signed with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in May. Starbucks and the Ministry agreed to support barista training programs aimed at reemployment, industry transition, and re-entrepreneurship for small business owners aged 40 and above who have closed their businesses.

During the 10-day application period from the 10th to the 19th of last month, conducted by the Small Enterprise and Market Service, the announcement recorded over 29,000 views, showing significant interest from middle-aged and older individuals dreaming of restarting their businesses.

The selected trainees will receive 16 hours of theory and practical training at designated Starbucks training centers. The program will cover various topics including the latest coffee trends and knowledge, effective customer service, beverage quality, hygiene management, and store profit and loss management.

Additionally, to help overcome difficulties due to lack of experience and to provide cautionary advice for starting cafes or food service businesses, Starbucks experts will share diverse store operation know-how. Continuous mentoring will also be provided after the training to support stable store management and maintenance of excellent quality during actual business startups.

The training is scheduled to begin on the 21st (training schedules may change due to COVID-19), and those who complete the program will receive a certificate jointly issued by the Small Enterprise and Market Service and Starbucks Coffee Korea. Outstanding trainees will also be offered opportunities for Starbucks barista employment.

Besides the selected trainees this time, Starbucks plans to recruit additional applicants and conduct interviews next month to select a total of 100 trainees within this year. The middle-aged restart program will be continuously operated and developed not only this year but also in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.