Community-based Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Social Impact
Amid growing global interest in sustainability and circular economy solutions, a quiet yet impactful initiative has emerged from a disadvantaged community in Hanoi. Led by the Hoan Kiem District Association of Persons with Disabilities, the project transforms leftover fabric into handcrafted textile flowers—combining environmental consciousness, artistic craftsmanship, and social inclusion.
From scraps once destined for waste, people with disabilities delicately craft vibrant, lifelike flowers that symbolize resilience and hope. These are not merely decorative items—they represent a human-centered economic model, where each product creates jobs and spreads empathy.
Highlights of the model:
- Environmental protection: Reusing textile waste helps reduce pollution from the fashion and garment industries—one of today’s major environmental concerns.
- Uniquely handcrafted: Each flower is a one-of-a-kind creation, blending traditional techniques with creative expression.
- Sustainable livelihoods: Provides stable income and employment opportunities for marginalized groups, fostering social equity.
- Highly versatile: Suitable as gifts, home or office decor, event accessories, and souvenirs.
- Ready for local and global markets: Custom designs available with professional packaging and flexible delivery options.
From a simple craft to a scalable impact model
With low production costs, proven social benefits, and easy replication potential, the recycled fabric flower project is a strong example of inclusive entrepreneurship that drives both economic and social value. It offers a practical approach for communities seeking sustainable, community-powered development.
The project will also be featured at the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) exhibition, alongside other pioneering global initiatives. This international showcase highlights not only the product’s appeal, but also the broader potential of Vietnamese community startups to deliver scalable, meaningful impact worldwide.
The Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit was established in 2017 based on an initiative by the Government of Denmark, evolving from its predecessor—the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF). To date, the P4G platform comprises 12 core member countries: Denmark, Chile, Mexico, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Africa. In addition, it enjoys participation from over 90 countries, international organizations, and private sector entities. Vietnam is one of the seven founding members, a formal partner of P4G, and will proudly host the 4th P4G Summit in 2025.
Recognized as a leading global platform for advancing public–private partnerships, P4G connects governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to jointly propose breakthrough solutions for green growth. These efforts contribute meaningfully to the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). P4G support to its partner countries primarily takes the form of public–private cooperation, offering both financial and technical assistance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises implementing climate action initiatives.
As part of the P4G Summit 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology will host the Policy Dialogue Forum on Encouraging investment, business and promoting entrepreneurship in the field of green transition and sustainable development. The event, coordinated by the National Startup Support Center, will bring together leading experts, policymakers, businesses, investment funds and startups from Vietnam and around the world to share experiences, propose solutions for fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Date & Time: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, April 16, 2025
- Venue: Room 339, National Convention Center, Hanoi
- Key topics:
- Legal frameworks and policy mechanisms to support green startups and sustainable business practices.
- International experiences in developing sustainable startup ecosystems, including successful models and best practices applicable to Vietnam.
- Future outlook: Trends, opportunities, and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of innovative startups in the global green transition.
