[FAIE: Entrepreneurship] Enhancing Capacity for Women Leading Innovative Start-ups in 2024

On the morning of 21 October 2024, at Room A301, Campus 1, Lac Hong University, the training program entitled “Enhancing Capacity for Women Leading Innovative Start-ups in 2024,” organized by the Dong Nai Provincial Women’s Union, was successfully held. The program is part of Government Project 939 on “Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship for the 2017–2025 Period,” opening doors to knowledge and support to help women confidently step out of their comfort zones and turn ideas into reality.

Women can become resilient leaders and masters of their own future. However, when it comes to entrepreneurship, why do many women still hesitate? Is it fear of failure, family pressure, or social prejudice that considers entrepreneurship a domain for men?

Removing Barriers, Reaching Success

This training program helped participants gain a deeper understanding of both the challenges and opportunities involved in starting an entrepreneurial journey. PhD Nguyen Van Tan – advisor to the program – delivered a powerful message: “Entrepreneurship is not reserved for the young or the experienced; it is an opportunity for everyone, especially women, to redefine themselves and build a new future. Every creative idea is valuable, as long as there is confidence and a solid foundation of knowledge.”

Challenges in Women’s Entrepreneurship – Who Understands Them Better Than Themselves?

Women entrepreneurs not only have to seek capital but also face social prejudice and pressure from their families. When their time is divided between housework and childcare, can they stand up and successfully run a business? These questions are precisely why Project 939 and Decree 80/2021/ND-CP were introduced to support women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them access preferential capital, improve business knowledge, and define development orientations.

At the program, successful start-up stories of women who overcame prejudice served as powerful sources of inspiration. These stories were not only vivid proof of persistent effort but also ignited determination and the aspiration to realize entrepreneurial dreams among participants.

Entrepreneurship Is Not Distant – It Only Requires the Courage to Take the First Step

Many women believe that entrepreneurship is only for those who are “talented” or experienced. In reality, the Government and local authorities have established numerous supportive policies. The key question is whether women have the courage to step forward and begin their journey.

According to Resolution 35/NQ-CP on supporting and developing enterprises through 2025, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to build sustainable and environmentally friendly business models. This training program serves as a stepping stone for women in Dong Nai to learn and strengthen connections, transforming small ideas into promising start-up projects.

Entrepreneurship with Both Heart and Mind

Women pursue entrepreneurship not only for economic reasons but also to affirm their ability to take control of their lives and overcome traditional constraints. They aspire to create a better future for their children and contribute to social development. They do so with passionate hearts and creative minds.

PhD Nguyen Van Tan emphasized: “Every woman has her own potential; what matters is that she dares to step out of her comfort zone. The Government has created many opportunities, but only when women confidently seize them do these opportunities become reality.”

The Entrepreneurial Journey – Surpassing Limits, Conquering the Future

The training program was not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also ignited confidence and aspiration to conquer new heights within each participant. The women left with valuable insights, meaningful connections, and the belief that: “Nothing is impossible!”

Women’s entrepreneurship is no longer an unfamiliar concept. Every day, women continue to affirm their position in various fields, from business to technology. With the companionship of the Government and practical support programs, women’s entrepreneurial journeys will continue to expand, becoming symbols of resilience and creativity in the new era.

Let us join hands to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among women, so that each of their stories is not merely a personal journey but a source of pride for an equal, civilized, and hopeful society.

PhD Nguyen Van Tan and MB Ngo Thi Kim Anh