Accompanying women to confidently start a business - Cao Bang Electronic Newspaper

With the support of the Provincial Women's Union, many women have been steadfast on their entrepreneurial journey. From the initial small ideas, with determination, creativity and the spirit of daring to think and dare to do, they have gradually affirmed the role of women in economic development, contributing to creating a new face for their homeland. The support of the Union is not only a source of support, but also a spiritual support to help women confidently turn their dreams into reality, affirming their mettle in today's life.

Preserving traditional occupations, creating business opportunities for women

Dao Phuc Sen Ha Khiem is one of the typical cooperatives in Quang Uyen commune, famous for the traditional knife forging craft of the Nung An people. Previously, many families only forged knives to serve the needs of the village or retail at the local market, the products were little known, and income was unstable. Since joining the cooperative, the women have been instructed in management, packaging, marketing and connecting with markets outside the province. Thanks to that, the knife forging craft has not only been preserved but also become a business opportunity, helping women increase their income and become more confident in the family economy .

Ms. Nong Thi Hoa, Phuc Sen Ha Khiem Knife Cooperative, performs the traditional knife forging process.

Ms. Nong Thi Hoa, a member of the Phuc Sen Ha Khiem Knife Cooperative, shared: In the past, each family forged knives based on their own experiences, the products were little known and sales were difficult. When we joined the Cooperative, we were trained in management, online sales and how to connect with customers. Now, women in the Cooperative are more confident in economic development, have a stable income and are able to take care of their families.

The cooperative, headed by Mr. Luong Ha Khiem, currently employs 20 workers, including 15 female workers. Each year, it produces and supplies thousands of knife products, meeting the diverse needs of people and tourists. The cooperative's products are not only popular in Cao Bang but are also ordered by customers in many provinces and cities such as Lang Son, Hanoi, Lao Cai, Da Nang, Quang Binh , and Ho Chi Minh City.

In particular, the Cooperative has taken advantage of online sales channels such as Facebook and TikTok to promote products, reach customers and sell online, helping the traditional knife forging profession become widely known and increase revenue. The Cooperative regularly provides guidance on product marketing and online sales skills, helping women expand their markets and build their own brands. Thanks to that, the job is not only a traditional profession but also a stable source of income.

Duck eggs released into the stream for sustainable startups

In hamlet 3 Chu Trinh, Tan Giang ward, Ms. Hoang Thi Noi is a pioneer with the model of raising super-egg ducks in streams, a sustainable clean agricultural startup direction based on natural strengths.

Starting in 2019, Ms. Noi boldly invested in more than 100 super egg ducks, taking advantage of the stream in front of her house for the ducks to find their own food, supplemented with vegetables, corn, bananas and rice bran. Thanks to the natural farming method, the duck eggs are delicious, the yolks are dark, the whites are chewy, and there is no fishy smell. Ms. Noi shared: At first, the biggest difficulty was the technique. Thanks to programs to support women starting a business, I participated in training on livestock farming techniques; at the same time, the Women's Union advised me to register for OCOP certification for the product. Thanks to that, the model gradually stabilized and developed.

Currently, Ms. Noi is raising more than 300 ducks, each day collecting 200-300 eggs, supplying to supermarkets and clean food stores in the province. Her family's products have been certified with 3-star OCOP, affirming the quality and reputation of local agricultural brands. Ms. Hoang Thi Noi's model of raising super-egg ducks in streams is a testament to the spirit of sustainable entrepreneurship, bringing in stable income, inspiring many other women.

For women to start a business that is “Sustainable and community-engaged”

During the period of 2017 - 2025, the whole province had 99 startup ideas granted certificates, 3 billion VND of preferential loans were awarded to members; 16 projects participated in provincial and central competitions, of which 6 projects entered the regional preliminary round; 294 propaganda sessions with more than 16,400 officials, members and people participating contributed to spreading the startup spirit in the community, 5 forums and Women's Startup Festival were organized, introducing more than 250 typical products of women to consumers and tourists. Events such as the Forum "Building a local innovative startup ecosystem" and Techfest Cao Bang 2024 attracted hundreds of delegates, connecting businesses, cooperatives and individual startups, expanding opportunities for cooperation and development.

Students receive certificates after the training course on Skills to propose startup ideas and start a business.

Along with the activities of the Union, the Department of Agriculture and Environment supported 171 OCOP products, many of which are owned by women, contributing to affirming the role of women in rural economic development. The Provincial Women's Union also entrusted loans through the Social Policy Bank, Agribank and the Women's Support Fund with a total outstanding debt of nearly 1,600 billion VND.

Comrade Doan Thi Le An, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, Chairwoman of the Provincial Women's Union, said: Supporting women in starting a business and developing the economy is one of the key tasks, contributing to improving the status and life of women and realizing the goal of gender equality. Recently, the Union has promoted the implementation of the Project "Supporting Women in Starting a Business" for the period 2017 - 2025, creating a strong influence among women of all classes.

The Union at all levels organized 123 training courses, fostering skills in business planning, financial management, application of science and technology, and enhancing economic empowerment for 6,732 members, ethnic minority women. Currently, the whole province maintains and improves the quality of 485 cooperative models, 9 cooperatives owned by women, along with many effective models of cultivation, livestock breeding, and service business. The Union also encouraged members to actively participate in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program, promote products through fairs, forums, and e-commerce platforms, helping Cao Bang women's products reach further in the market.

Thien Huong

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/dong-hanh-de-phu-nu-tu-tin-khoi-nghiep-3181395.html