The National Startup Program (originally managed by Business Forum Newspaper, now under Business Forum Magazine, official website: www.khoinghiep.org.vn) has solidified its pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship and nurturing the startup ecosystem in Vietnam. Over the years, it has become a driving force in mobilizing communities, institutions, and individuals across the country to embrace innovation and launch new ventures.
Nationwide Reach and Engagement
Since its inception, the Program has successfully built a dynamic and expansive startup community network, actively engaging with over 150 universities and colleges across Vietnam through training, competitions, networking events, mentorship, and investment support. It has also collaborated with 35 provinces and cities—from mountainous regions like Son La, Hoa Binh, and Bac Giang to coastal and urban centers including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho.
The Program is open to a wide audience: urban and rural youth, university students, returning military personnel, and overseas Vietnamese students. This inclusive approach has enabled diverse groups to participate in and benefit from Vietnam’s entrepreneurial movement.
Building a Holistic Startup Ecosystem
Over time, the National Startup Program has developed a comprehensive startup ecosystem encompassing:
- Startup communities and project teams
- A robust network of startup advisors and mentors
- Entrepreneurship trainers and facilitators
- Incubators and accelerator programs
- Angel investors and investment networks
By 2017, marking its 15th year, the Program had attracted tens of thousands of young people and helped shape around 4,000 practical startup projects, many of which have been implemented successfully. Several young entrepreneurs have gone on to found and run thriving businesses, some with notable innovation-driven solutions.
The Program has ignited the entrepreneurial spirit among youth, providing a platform to cultivate creativity, independence, and business acumen. A number of these ventures have secured investment and continue to perform successfully.
A Strategic Shift Towards Innovation (2018–2020)
From 2018 to 2020, the National Startup Program entered a new development phase, emphasizing innovation and digital transformation. Activities were revamped to align with the vision of a “Startup Nation,” with a focus on guiding traditional SMEs to adopt technology and pursue innovation-based business models.
Key initiatives included:
- Establishing a startup ecosystem featuring incubators, mentors, and universities
- Launching training programs for innovation-driven startup mentors in provinces like Son La, Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Nghe An
- Hosting forums and conferences that connected mentors with startup founders
- Supporting local governments in developing their own startup ecosystems
These efforts led to the establishment of local advisor networks, continuing to collaborate closely with the National Startup Program today.
Embracing Integrity and Global Partnerships (2020)
In 2020, amidst a vibrant national startup climate, the Program introduced new content to align with emerging trends. Core activities focused on training, mentoring, and knowledge exchange. Key highlights included:
- “Train-the-Trainer” (TOT) programs on innovation and entrepreneurship
- Networking between business leaders and startup advisors
That year also marked a significant milestone in international cooperation. The Program partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the UK Prosperity Fund, to launch the project “Promoting a Fair Business Environment for New Enterprises in Vietnam.” This pioneering project introduced business integrity as a core value for startups, with activities including:
- Training on entrepreneurship and integrity for educators and startup founders
- Developing a Business Integrity Toolkit for investors and startups
- Launching a chatbot for startup and business ethics guidance
This initiative positioned the Program as a national leader in integrating ethics and transparency into entrepreneurship education, helping startups and investors overcome corruption risks and build a healthier business environment in Vietnam.
Strengthening the Ecosystem with Strategic Partnerships
The Program continued to expand its network by partnering with organizations such as the Francophone Institute for International Relations (IFI) and the Global Vietnamese Knowledge Network. These partnerships enhanced mentor engagement and facilitated collaboration with Vietnamese communities abroad and the broader Francophone startup ecosystem.
In the same year, the Program submitted a proposal to the Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to establish the National Council of Innovation-Driven Startup Advisors, comprising 16 core members. The Council now plays a vital role in:
- Training high-level startup mentors and angel investors
- Delivering online support and mentorship for startups
- Advising schools and local governments on ecosystem development
- Building a cross-border advisor network across ASEAN
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact (2022)
In 2022, Business Forum Magazine organized the 20th edition of the National Startup Development Program (formerly known as the National Startup Competition). The Program expanded to support all operational startups, regardless of stage, and launched the National Startup Forum to:
- Explore opportunities and challenges in the startup space
- Propose new policies for innovation and entrepreneurship
- Diversify funding sources through local and international funds
Leveraging its media strengths, the Program helped startups gain visibility and connect with business partners and investors. It also promoted online training and advisory services, including the use of chatbots for startup support.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Foundation for the Future
Today, the National Startup Program boasts a vibrant and collaborative ecosystem, featuring:
- Two national-level startup advisory councils
- Incubators and startup training organizations
- A network across 30+ provinces and 150+ higher education institutions
After two decades of continuous effort, the Program has inspired entrepreneurial ambition in thousands of young Vietnamese. It has equipped them with vital knowledge and resources to bring their business ideas to life. To date, over 5,500 startup projects have participated in the Program, with many founders going on to successfully run their own businesses.
The National Startup Program continues to serve as a springboard for Vietnam’s youth to pursue their dreams, turning ideas into action and innovation into impact.
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