VSV Foundation's commitment to supporting startups is aligned with the sustainability goals of Vietnam. By investing in startups that create jobs and promote economic growth, VSV Foundation is playing an important role in supporting the goals of the National Plan of Vietnam 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Impact investing and social entrepreneurship are effective ways to achieve these goals while also generating financial returns. With the right support and resources, social entrepreneurs can create innovative solutions that benefit society and the economy as a whole.

Through its focus on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, VSV Foundation is helping to build a more dynamic and robust economy in Vietnam, which include: promoting sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, improving access to education and gender equality.

Economic Growth

Almost 90 percent of startups in Vietnam are located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which represents only a small portion of the country's total population. Entrepreneurs from other regions who may have innovative ideas and local solutions but lack the resources and support to turn those ideas into successful businesses. VSV Foundation is encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting startup ecosystems in local provinces to address these challenges and create more equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout Vietnam.

To achieve this, VSV Foundation is implementing a range of initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and support startups in local provinces. This includes providing access to funding, mentorship, and training programs, as well as creating networking opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with investors and industry experts. By supporting local startups, the foundation is not only creating economic opportunities for entrepreneurs but also contributing to the development of local economies and communities. This approach ensures that innovative solutions are developed to address local problems and challenges.

Nghe An Province Startup Bootcamp

Can Tho Province Startup Bootcamp

Gender Equality

One of the main endeavors of the VSV Foundation is achieving gender equality and reducing poverty among Vietnamese women. Women in Vietnam have great potential but are often hindered by social and economic barriers. Despite significant progress in reducing poverty in Vietnam, women in the country continue to face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

By providing resources and opportunities for women-led startups, the foundation is helping to address the social and economic barriers that have traditionally held women back from realizing their full potential in Vietnam. This is an important step in creating a more inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem in the country (where 70% of startup founders are male).

Our program ensures women's full and effective participation in leadership opportunities thus moving towards ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

Our programs educate women on the intricacies of running a business, including marketing, finance, and operations. In addition, VSV Foundation provides them with the necessary tools and resources, such as sewing machines and fabric, to develop their products. With VSV's support, the women were able to refine their designs and produce high-quality patchwork products that appeals to a wider market.

As the businesses began to take off, with orders pouring in from all over Vietnam, they were able to hire additional staff and expand their product lines to include other handmade arts & crafts. The VSV Foundation continued to support them by connecting them with new customers from all over the world.

Thanks to the foundation's help, these women were able to turn their passion into profitable businesses, providing them with a sustainable source of income and a greater sense of purpose.

Agriculture

Around 57% of Vietnamese are working in the Agriculture sector where this sector generates 70% of the income for the entire population in Vietnam. Although it only contributes 19% of the country's total GDP.

This is partly due to the fact that agriculture in Vietnam is largely composed of small-scale farmers who may not have access to the resources or technologies needed to increase productivity and profitability.

To address these challenges and create impact, VSV Foundation is working to increase the rate of productivity amongst the labour force employed in this sector through the adoption of technology.

Through working with our partners, VSV Foundation has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting agricultural development and modernization. These include investments in infrastructure, research, and development, as well training and education programs for farmers.

Additionally, VSV Foundation has been focusing on developing value chains and increasing the competitiveness of agricultural products in both domestic and international markets. This includes initiatives to promote organic and sustainable agriculture, as well as efforts to improve the quality and safety of food products. This can help to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their products and that consumers have access to high-quality and safe food products. By promoting organic and sustainable agriculture, VSV Foundation can also help to protect the environment and promote long-term sustainability in the agriculture sector.