More than 30 female entrepreneurs were mentored “Ready to do online business” – IDEAS Project
On the evening of July 31 and August 1, 2024 – Within the framework of the project “Enhancing the capacity of women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises in ASEAN to participate in the digital economy – IDEAS, ” SEACO successfully organized a Mentoring program called “ READY TO DO BUSINESS ONLINE .” This program attracted the participation of more than 30 female entrepreneurs who are running small and medium-sized enterprises in many different fields such as agricultural products, handicrafts, fashion, and many other industries.
The goal of the Mentoring program is to assess the level of readiness and support female entrepreneurs to be more ready to participate in the online business environment, a trend that is growing strongly in the context of the digital economy. The program does not only stop at providing knowledge but also focuses on solving specific problems that businesses are facing, thereby equipping them with the necessary skills to operate effectively in the digital business environment.
Strengthening capacity to participate in the digital economy
The Mentoring Program focuses specifically on assessing the readiness level and building an action plan for female entrepreneurs when participating in online business. Under the coordination of Dr. Duong Thi Kim Lien, Local Consultant of IDEAS project in Vietnam, female entrepreneurs were trained and better understood the important role of information and communication technology in the field of e-Business & Digital Skills.
According to Dr. Duong Thi Kim Lien, “Applying information technology to business is not only a trend but also an urgent need in the current context. Through this Mentoring program, we hope that female entrepreneurs will not only grasp the necessary tools and skills but also be more confident when participating in the digital economy.”
Share difficulties and set goals
One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity for female entrepreneurs to share the practical difficulties they are facing in their businesses. This is an important part to help mentors better understand the specific situation of each business, thereby providing appropriate advice and direction.
Businesses participating in the e-commerce sector all have clear goals when entering the e-commerce sector. For many businesses, this is an opportunity to expand the market, reach more customers and increase sales. However, they also face many challenges such as lack of e-commerce knowledge, skills in using digital tools, and effective market access.
Ms. Quach Thi Huyen – Director of Green House Cooperative, a businesswoman participating in the program, shared: “We see great potential from the online market, but also face many difficulties in implementation. This Mentoring Program has helped me better understand the necessary steps to bring my business to the digital platform, from setting up an online booth to how to market and promote products.”
The “Ready to Go Online” program is not only an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to improve their knowledge but also an opportunity for them to connect with each other, share experiences and learn from each other. This collaboration will help build a strong community of women entrepreneurs, supporting each other in their journey to participate in the digital economy.
With the knowledge and skills equipped, female entrepreneurs participating in the program will be more confident in implementing online business strategies, thereby contributing to improving business performance and achieving long-term business goals.
The Mentoring Program “Getting Online Business Ready” is part of the IDEAS project. The project highlights the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the ASEAN economy, especially with the great contribution from Women Business Leaders. With an estimated 61.3 million women business owners in the region, Women-led SMEs play a vital role in the prosperity of the ASEAN economy.
SEACO is honored to be a project partner in Vietnam with the following activities: managing the teaching staff, developing training content, selecting students, organizing training and consulting for women-owned SMEs. With professionalism and many years of experience, we are committed to providing quality training experiences and effective, reliable support to accompany the Women Entrepreneurs community in Vietnam.