increase sale for business in Vietnam

In the previous session, we introduced the DAP and some of the achievements in 2021. In this part, KisStartup introduces how we did it and the lesson-learned to create positive results together.

Applying the theory of Design Thinking and combining it with Lean Startup, KisStartup designed a model of a digital acceleration program which started from the step of empathizing with customers (enterprises/cooperatives) and then identified and stated the problem(s) they were having. Then, we came up with ideas, conducted testing and provided appropriate Training, Coaching, or Mentoring support. And by empathizing with and understanding the problems and pain points of cooperatives and enterprises, KisStartup knew the whole picture of each enterprise/cooperative (their weakness and what resources are needed for external support).

 

 

To achieve the above results, at the event, KisStartup summarised the factors that made up the success of the Digital Acceleration Program after 03 batches in partnership with GREAT in 2021:

1. Business owner's mindset

• Be Open and Committed

• Willing to change with high determination

2. Direct support 

• Close cooperation with the parties

• Training, Intensive Coaching, Supporting and daily Monitoring

• Monitor and Measure change by data

3. Continuous adjustment

• Adjust the program continuously as needed

• Add new contents flexibly: Intellectual property, corporate finance

• Do the Training and Consulting

4. Interaction with leaders of enterprises/cooperatives, Project Management Units (MBs), Sponsors

• Close participation of Management Board & Sponsors, regularly updated

• Commitment and active participation of leaders & middle management
 

​In 2022, the Digital Business Accelerator Program is expected to take place under the following 04 models: 1:1 model between KisStartup and enterprises/cooperatives The sponsor fully pays for enterprises/cooperatives model Model of reciprocal combination of enterprises/cooperatives & sponsors Sponsor & KisStartup reciprocal matching model

 

In all these four models, the program is aimed at 03 personas:

(1) who are enterprises OVER 3 YEARS old

(2) who have products and are in need of innovating business models, finding innovative directions for distribution channels or wishing to take advantage of digital platforms to promote online business

(3)  who HAVE/ ARE AND WILL BE wishing to shift their business model from traditional to a combination of both traditional and online, ORGANISATIONS who are in need of BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION and intelligently leverage and harness their available data to start diving deeper into the digital transformation and innovation story.

 

After the lessons learned in 2021, in the 2022 program, in addition to the initial goals, KisStartup will integrate lessons related to CYBERSECURITY, increase close cooperation with universities to bring quality resources to enterprises/cooperatives, further integrate lessons on impact measurement factors which help enterprises/cooperatives have a comprehensive view and balance between business story and impact creation.

 

With the hope of knowledge and experience to be shared, KisStartup wishes to accompany businesses, sponsors and supporting organizations to successfully do digital transformation and sustainably innovate for small and medium enterprises, which account for 97% of enterprises in Vietnam.
 

 
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Information about KisStartup and the Program:

KisStartup in partnership with the GREAT Project funded by the Australian government to implement the Digital Acceleration Program - supported 20 businesses and cooperatives in Lao Cai and Son La. The program included online training courses on how to use and manage an online business model, sell on e-commerce, or access capital. Besides training sessions, DAP provided 1on1 coaching sessions. The 3-month program with high pressure promoted businesses and cooperatives to speed up efficiency and see the change in sales from week to week.

The Digital Acceleration Program  - PROMOTING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & INNOVATION sums up the journey in 2021 KisStartup implemented the Digital Acceleration Program with the aim of sharing the lessons learned in the context of digital transformation and business model innovation.
 

RECAP EVENT: PROMOTING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION

The event Digital Acceleration Program - PROMOTE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & INNOVATION was organized by KisStartup on January 18, 2022, with the participation of:

• Ms. Majdie Hordern - First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam
• Ms. Vu Quynh Anh - Deputy Team Leader of GREAT Project
• Mr. Dinh Xuan Huong - Co-founder of VINNO Software Company.
• Ms. Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh - CEO at KisStartup
• Ms. Vu Kim Dung - Middle Manager at VietRap
• Ms. Bui Phuong Thanh - Director of Noong Pieu Cooperative
• Ms. Sung Thi Lan - Director of Muong Hoa Cooperative
• Ms. Ha Thi Khuyen - Owner of Ha Khuyen homestay
• Mr. An Van Tuan - Director of The Tuan Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative

The event is a time for KisStartup to gather lesson-learned, difficulties, and solutions to overcome difficulties with small and medium-sized enterprises to micro-enterprises, business households, as well as cooperatives in business model innovation progress, drive sale-growth, and leverage online resources to take the smallest step in the digital transformation story.

During the event, Ms. Vu Quynh Anh - Deputy Team Leader of GREAT Project
shared:

“Through 3 seasons of implementing the DAP with KisStartup, we have seen the positive aspects and the suitability of the program with enterprises/cooperatives with the participation of ethnic minority women as follows:

• Witness many business models innovation. For example, in Bac Ha, tourism companies have been known to combine agriculture to overcome the period of COVID-19 that has halted tourism, to innovate their products to expand the online market, etc.
• Transformation to digital business is barrier-free, requiring only internet, smartphone, and commitment from participants
• Digital transformation has proved that ethnic minority women have enhanced their entrepreneurial capabilities, increased autonomy and decision-making abilities, and improved their leadership. Since then, they received much support from the family.

Besides, we appreciate the professionalism and dedication of KisStartup's team. This is an intensive program not only in terms of digital transformation but also equipping knowledge about intellectual property, human resources, and personal financial management. In the future, GREAT hopes to continue to cooperate with experienced partners, looking forward to bringing this program to many mountainous women for mutual development.``

During 2021 working with GREAT, DAP contacted and interviewed more than 60 enterprises, cooperatives, and business individuals, of which 20 cooperatives and enterprises continued to be selected to go further into intensive training and coaching programs with 03 objectives: Innovating the business model - Increasing the quantity and quality of personnel - Increasing revenue through online channels (in combination with the traditional model). The Digital Acceleration Program in 2021 took place at two levels: The Basic level (with the participation of 20 enterprises and cooperatives), The Advanced level (with the participation of 04 enterprises and cooperatives).

At the end of the program: 100% of businesses changed their business models, and 100% of businesses increased their revenue - OVER 4.3 BILLION is TOTAL REVENUE THROUGH ONLINE CHANNELs of 20 enterprises and cooperatives participating in DAP  in 10 weeks. It is estimated that each enterprise/cooperative has an increase of 300-500% in revenue compared to before participating in the program. More importantly, at the end of the DAP, 20 businesses and cooperatives are not (or) less dependent on 3rd parties but can completely develop their own strategies, and content and confidently have a stable revenue when selling on online channels. Some enterprises have advanced to internal management with software applications and expanded their global market with exportation.

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In part 2 of the article, we will share about the factors that make up the success of the Digital Acceleration Program 2021.