Ignite in Vietnam

A group of Vietnamese women smile and stand together for a group photo.
Ignite Program

Supporting Peruvian entrepreneurs

Overview

In Vietnam, the Ignite program supported thousands of small business owners—especially women—in major urban and peri-urban centers to grow their businesses and improve their communities. The project was part of CARE’s global Ignite Program, in partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which also ran in Vietnam, Pakistan, and Peru. In each country, micro- and small businesses have huge potential, but often lack access to funding, tools, and support. In Vietnam, the Ignite program worked with local partners to connect entrepreneurs with finance, training, digital tools, and networks.

 

Who we reached

Over three years in Vietnam, Ignite:

  • Reached nearly 1 million entrepreneurs, over 70% of whom were women
  • Deeply supported around 50,000 businesses
  • Positively impacted 340,000 people, including employees, families, and community members
  • Focused on growth-oriented businesses that had been operating for at least two years and employed staff

Key Activities & Partners

VPBank

One of Vietnam’s leading commercial banks with a focus on supporting women-led businesses.

• Developed custom financial products and services for micro and small enterprises, including a digital portal with diagnostic tools, training videos, and consumer education.

WISE

A regional network and incubator supporting more than 11,000 women entrepreneurs across Vietnam and the Mekong region.

• Delivered business training, mentorship, digital tools, and access to peer networks to help women-led businesses thrive.

Canal Circle

A fintech company working through a network of 10 microfinance institutions to reach over 100,000 clients.

• Led outreach campaigns to promote digital solutions, deliver customized products for women, and challenge harmful social norms and institutional barriers.

The opportunity

Micro and small businesses are the backbone of Vietnam’s economy, creating jobs and and reinvesting in local communities. 27% of businesses in Vietnam are owned by women, and that number is growing.

These women are ready to lead. With the right tools and support, they can build a more inclusive, resilient economy.

Meet Hien

Name: Nguyen Thi Hien

Location: Phu Tho province & Hanoi

Business: Food products, specializing in fermented pork

Monthly income: US $3,500

Employees: 15

Trading: Since 2015

Aspiration: To bring her products to an export  market

Needs: Financial capital to grow the business; training in digital skills and e-commerce to reach international markets

References:

  1. Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2019
  2. “Women-owned enterprises in Vietnam,” IFC, 2017
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