Vietnam has announced a new national scheme to support women-led businesses, marking the next stage in the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen female entrepreneurship.
Officials in Hanoi gathered for a nationwide conference evaluating the results of Project 939 and formally launching its successor, Project 2415. Project 939 was the programme dedicated to nurturing women-led startups between 2017 and 2025, and Project 2415 is its successor which will run from 2026 to 2035. The event was linked virtually with 34 locations across the country and included a ceremony celebrating standout women-led cooperatives for 2025.
Project 939, which has been in operation for eight years, was reported to have achieved all its stated objectives, with some surpassing expectations. Nearly $16.8 million was mobilised from the state budget, with just under $3 million sourced at the central level and roughly $13.8 million from provincial and municipal budgets. The government funding was complemented by $8 million in socialised contributions, including close to $1.4 million centrally and more than $6.3 million from local partners.
Speaking at the conference, Nguyen Thi Tuyen, president of the Vietnam Women’s Union, said the programme had been instrumental in advancing women’s participation in business. “The scheme has raised women’s awareness and ignited their aspirations, thereby sparking the growing female entrepreneurial movement. It has provided practical support in capital, knowledge, and skills, facilitating hundreds of thousands of women confidently starting up their businesses,” she said.
Representatives from international organisations also attended, including UN Women. Caroline T. Nyamayemombe, the organisation’s country representative in Vietnam, highlighted the progress made in partnership with local institutions. “UN Women is proud to work alongside the Vietnam Women’s Union, providing technical support, advocacy tools, gender-responsive budgeting, and global knowledge sharing. We have witnessed Vietnamese women turning ideas into businesses, villages into thriving cooperatives, and challenges into opportunities,” she said.
Vietnam’s private sector leaders also emphasised the realities that many women face when stepping into entrepreneurship. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, chairwoman of Sovico Group, noted that business ownership remains demanding for many, particularly those balancing multiple responsibilities. She said, “Many women still have to juggle work and family, social expectations, and the pressure to make a living, especially disadvantaged women, ethnic minority women, and women in remote areas.”
Thao added that several major enterprises would continue working with national organisations to help women access resources and build sustainable companies. “Enterprises such as Sovico, Vietjet, HDBank, and Vikki Digital Bank are committed to supporting the Vietnam Women’s Union – to increase women’s access to capital, enhance digital capabilities, build startup ecosystems, and offer training, networking, and leadership programmes for women in business across the country,” she said.
She also highlighted the resilience of women who have launched ventures across the country, often under challenging conditions. “We have seen women starting businesses from small home kitchens, women selling goods on digital platforms from remote villages, and mothers caring for children while building business models. Women are truly the ‘silent warriors’ of the private economy–quiet yet resilient contributors to growth, innovation, and national prosperity. And society’s mission today is to give women the opportunity to shine,” she said. Thao added: “Project 939 has been a source of motivation for Vietnamese women. When women rise, families thrive, communities grow stronger, and the nation becomes more prosperous.”
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh used the conference to signal the government’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunities for women in enterprise. “This event is significant in celebrating effective models and honouring outstanding women. At the same time, it sets out the direction, tasks, and solutions for implementing Project 2415 in the period ahead, with a progressive spirit and long-term strategic vision. The goal is to meet new demands and build a dynamic, connected, and sustainable ecosystem to support women’s entrepreneurship,” he said.
The prime minister also congratulated prominent businesswomen, including Thao, and praised women-led organisations such as Vietjet and Vinamilk for growing beyond domestic markets and engaging in global supply chains.
“Women play a central role as an essential component of society,” he said. “Women are also a revolutionary force that has made a significant contribution to Vietnam’s glorious victories throughout its heroic history of nation-building and defence. No matter where they are, in any circumstances, or in any position, Vietnamese women always strive to overcome all adversities, prejudices, and obstacles, strongly promoting traditions and good qualities.”
