In order to further promote the development of women-owned enterprises, Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization has made efforts to implement the Project (DA) "Growing my business". Through basic skills training activities on digital environment, business administration, financial management, etc., the DA contributes to improving the management capacity and competitiveness of small/micro enterprises owned by women.

Core staff training program of the project "Growing My Business" organized by The Asia Foundation (TAF) and the Center for Women and Development (CWD) in early March 2024. Photo: Hoang Linh

In early 2024, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Planning and Investment coordinated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to organize a workshop to announce the first study on women-owned small and medium enterprises in Vietnam - "Promoting business growth by removing barriers: White Book on women-owned small and medium enterprises in Vietnam". Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong said: In Vietnam, 98% of the total number of enterprises are small and medium-sized, of which 20% of small and medium-sized enterprises are owned by women. This force plays an important role in creating jobs, improving income for workers, actively contributing to poverty reduction and promoting economic growth. From a social development perspective, these enterprises contribute to improving the position of women, increasing investment in health care and education of children, especially girls, increasing social benefits, towards sustainable development goals.

Reality proves that women play an increasingly important role in economic development. With their courage, intelligence, and creativity, women confidently become the “leaders” of enterprises, masters of production and business establishments, cooperatives, etc. The women’s start-up movement is increasingly spreading, increasing in quantity and improving in quality. However, small and medium-sized enterprises, micro-enterprises owned by women always face many financial and non-financial difficulties and obstacles.

With the goal of serving the community, for the advancement of women and poverty reduction, Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization has made many efforts and contributions in promoting the movement of women starting businesses, rising up to master their lives, and developing the economy through practical and meaningful activities. In addition to providing friendly and effective financial services and products, Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization regularly organizes programs and courses to improve knowledge, skills, and management experience in the fields of business and finance.

Currently, Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization has connected with international partners and sponsors to implement the project "Grow my business" to provide free training, provide basic knowledge and management skills in the field of business and finance, and provide 1-1 consulting support for female students who are owners of small/micro enterprises. This project is organized by The Asia Foundation (TAF), Center for Women and Development (CWD); Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization is the local partner, bringing the project to women in Thanh Hoa. This project is not only an opportunity for students to improve their management capacity but also a playground for them to learn and apply the latest digital technologies to their business activities.

The “Grow My Business” project is divided into three groups with training levels: “Preparing to start a business”; “Starting a business”; “Growing and expanding a business model”. Each level is designed with in-depth content that can be applied immediately in practice, such as: Business administration; developing business ideas; using digital tools for marketing and sales; operations management, business registration; customer relationship management: online business; market expansion; financial management, financial reporting. In particular, DA also provides 1-1 consulting services, helping female entrepreneurs and small traders have the opportunity to discuss and solve specific challenges in their business process.

To participate in the project, students only need to register their information directly with credit officers or other contact channels of Thanh Hoa Microfinance Institution: Fanpage (Thanh Hoa Microfinance Institution - Thanh Hoa MFI - Thanh Hoa Microfinance Fund); Website (https://thanhhoamfi.org.vn/) or hotline number 02373 721 300.

It is expected that about 10,000 female entrepreneurs and small traders in Thanh Hoa will benefit from the project, of which at least 1,000 will participate in 1-1 in-depth consultation with experts. The knowledge and useful advice from financial experts will help small/micro enterprises owned by women improve their capacity, gradually overcome difficulties, and move towards sustainable development. Carrying out the mission of promoting economic development and enhancing the position of women in enterprises, the project "Growing my business" promises to bring new opportunities and success to the community of enterprises owned by women in Thanh Hoa.

Hoang Linh