Klarna launches £3m Support Package and Accelerator Programme to support small business recovery

Klarna has launched a £3m Small Business Support Package to help retail SMEs get back on their feet.

The company is giving 100 entrepreneurs the opportunity to boost their business by winning a support package worth £30,000. **This fund has now closed.**

The package includes: 

• Complimentary Klarna products for one year. Online or in-store, own the checkout with free use of Klarna products for one year.

• WeWork All Access Passes. Three all-access WeWork passes for three months

• Multi-channel media support. Advertising across Klarna's ecosystem including app, shop directory and social media.

• Training & trials. Support from Klarna’s retail partners in addition to the Accelerator Programme learning series.

The Small Business Support Package will provide 100 retail SMEs with access to much needed support across different elements of their business, from office space and customer acquisition to advertising support.

Specifically, the fund will provide SMEs with all-access to WeWork co-working spaces for three months, complimentary use of Klarna’s Pay later products for one year and £15,000 of Klarna media services. Together, the package equates to over £30,000 of support for each business.

The recipients will be decided by a hand-picked panel of judges including Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South and Co-Chair of the APPG on Future of Retail, Alex Marsh, head of UK for Klarna and Mathieu Proust, general manager, UK, Ireland & Emerging Markets at WeWork.

Support will be split across four categories:

• Retail Innovator: For the small businesses who have been breaking barriers and bringing innovation to the retail industry.

• Omnichannel Trailblazer: For those leading the way on omnichannel retail, and creating exceptional cross-channel experiences for their customers.

• Sustainability Champion: Celebrating the retailers who have made a commitment to our planet, and champion sustainable retail as part of their business.

• Pandemic Impact: For those who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic - from physical store closures to impact on demand.

Alongside the Small Business Support Package, Klarna has also launched a 10-part Accelerator Programme featuring a series of free training masterclasses with industry experts from partners including Shopify, WeWork, Global-e, dotdigital and more to provide SMEs with actionable insights to boost their business.