Building a team of advisors for startups

Building and developing an innovative startup ecosystem is an activity that Dong Nai has been promoting in recent years. Many support policies are prioritized by the province for startup enterprises to build a new business community, exploiting local potential and advantages for development.

Trainees participated in the training course for source lecturers and in-depth consultants on innovative startups organized by Business Forum Magazine in collaboration with VSMA; Lac Hong University and the Department of Science and Technology of Dong Nai province.

One of the tasks to build the Dong Nai startup ecosystem is to gather, connect, and train lecturers and local startup consulting teams.

The person who inspires entrepreneurial activities

Vice Chairman of the National Advisory Council for Innovative Startups (VMSA) Nguyen Tien Trung said: In recent years, the concept and role of startup advisors have only begun to be introduced into the startup ecosystem. In fact, startups have not yet fully appreciated the role of startup advisors. Therefore, they have not proactively sought out a supportive advisor. On the other hand, there are many entrepreneurs who are willing to act as advisors and are themselves professional advisors, but they have not yet fully understood the meaning of an advisor. There is confusion between consulting and advising. The most ideal startup advisor is an experienced entrepreneur with a business record. Entrepreneurs and experts at universities act as coaches to share experiences, inspire and position the right vision for the next startup ideas.

“VSMA is ready to support Dong Nai as well as other localities in training, coaching and connecting innovation resources, aiming to build a national standard consulting team, contributing to improving innovation capacity and competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises in the integration period” - Mr. Trung shared.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Tan, Chairman of the Dong Nai Province Innovation Startup Advisory Council, Head of the Faculty of International Business Administration, Lac Hong University, in the province's innovation startup ecosystem, source lecturers and specialized consultants are the "seed sowers" for innovation startups.

It is the startup advisors who will inspire, guide and accompany young ideas - helping them mature, be tested and enter "real combat" in the market.

Dr. NGUYEN VAN TAN, Chairman of the Dong Nai Province Innovation Startup Advisory Council

For sustainable development of start-up activities, forming a dynamic and creative environment, Dong Nai needs more connecting activities, creating more forums and bridges for start-ups. According to experts, the important thing is to create conditions to nurture and incubate creative start-up ideas, especially in the province's strong areas.

Connecting many training activities in the startup ecosystem

Over the past years, Dong Nai has made continuous efforts to build a creative startup ecosystem. The province has organized training programs, seminars, Techfest and many activities to support businesses, cooperatives, and OCOP entities in applying technology, building brands, and registering intellectual property.

With the vibrant startup activities in recent years, especially in 2023, Dong Nai (old) was awarded a certificate by the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry as a typical locality in building a startup ecosystem along with Da Nang and Bac Giang (old).

The Department of Science and Technology is the unit assigned with the permanent task of implementing the innovation startup program in the area. One of the important tasks is to build a team and connect members in the province's startup advisory council.

Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology Vo Hoang Khai emphasized: Resource lecturers and in-depth consultants play an important role for the province's innovative startups. Over the years, Dong Nai has always strived to build an innovative startup ecosystem, including organizing training programs, seminars and many activities to support businesses and cooperatives in applying technology, building brands, registering intellectual property, etc.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Lam Thanh Hien, Principal of Lac Hong University, shared: Over the years, Lac Hong University has always been a pioneer in promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students. The school strives to build a comprehensive startup ecosystem, closely linking training, research and businesses; at the same time, organizing many competitions, training courses and idea incubation programs, contributing to the formation of a team of dynamic, creative students who are ready to conquer startup opportunities in the digital age.

On the business side, Mr. Nguyen Duy Khuong, Vice President of Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association, affirmed that the association is always ready to accompany local startup programs; especially with activities from departments, branches, and universities to incubate and develop startup projects in the province. The accompaniment can be implemented through consulting activities, connecting businesses, building a mechanism to "order" ideas as well as supporting the realization of potential projects. Connecting a team of consultants who are successful business owners with projects and startup businesses is also a long-term solution to promote the strength of the young entrepreneur community in nurturing creative, high-quality human resources for the locality.

Wang Shi

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202511/xay-dung-doi-ngu-co-van-cho-hoat-dong-khoi-nghiep-9050c5a/