BASE, Inc. announce that it has formed business alliance with The Bank of Iwate, Ltd. mainly for supporting the Internet business of customers of the Bank. The main purpose of the alliance is to revitalize businesses of companies in Iwate Prefecture by utilizing the Internet. It will build business sales channels for customers throughout Japan to promote e-commerce businesses, by combining the regional network and information held by Bank of Iwate with Internet technology, which is one of advantage, and know-how of e-commerce businesses using online shop opening service "BASE." Affected by the widespread COVID-19 infection, an increasing number of new online shops have opened in BASE since the end of March 2020.

Many shop owners are starting to realize the potential of e-commerce as a new sales channel to supplement their traditional sales activities and customer attraction. BASE and Bank of Iwate will expand business possibilities for companies in Iwate Prefecture by making "BASE" available for the Bank's customers, allowing anyone to easily create and operate online shops using the Internet.