Daraz, the leading online marketplace in the country, has launched the Humqadam program to lessen the financial duress on small-and-medium enterprises during a period of economic instability caused by the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. With the Humqadam program, Daraz is offering a subsidy of PKR 4.5 crore to small-and-medium businesses and inviting them to establish their online ventures on the platform with the promise that they will not be charged a commission for the months of May and June.

As the restrictions imposed on businesses under lockdown are relaxed and they are permitted to operate online, the Daraz Humqadam program is a ready solution to brick-and-mortar establishments that want to shift towards e-commerce but do not have access to logistics or technological expertise. Through the program, sellers will also have access to free business consultation and education on e-commerce operations through Daraz University, an online platform.

Daraz is also offering an expedited sign-up process so that businesses can start retailing within 2 days and they will receive dedicated one-on-one support while they set up their Daraz shops. Furthermore, they will have access to free analytics tools to help them optimize their digital ventures as well as free marketing promotions to increase the number of visitors on their Daraz shops. Sellers will also be provided with discounted packaging material.