Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, boasting a dynamic and diverse business landscape. For aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, the city offers a wealth of resources designed to foster innovation, provide financial support, and facilitate market access. This article highlights some of the key programs and organizations dedicated to empowering the local entrepreneurial community.
Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City (SIHUB)
Operated by the Department of Science and Technology, SIHUB serves as a central platform connecting resources within the city’s startup ecosystem. It offers services such as technology transfer support, research and development assistance, and commercialization of scientific research results. SIHUB aims to create competitive advantages for the city in the regional and international startup innovation landscape. More information can be found on their official website.
Business Startup Support Centre (BSSC)
BSSC is a non-profit organization managed by the Vietnam Youth Federation in Ho Chi Minh City. It provides comprehensive support for early-stage startups, including training and mentoring, financial assistance, co-working spaces, recruitment support, and trade promotion. Notably, BSSC manages the Business Startup Support Fund (BSSF), which offers favorable loans and micro-loans to startups. Additionally, the SpeedUp program provides investments of up to VND 2 billion for innovative projects. Details about these programs are available on BSSC’s website.
Women’s Initiative for Startups and Entrepreneurship (WISE)
Established in 2017, WISE focuses on supporting women-led startups and businesses in Vietnam. The organization offers capacity building, business incubation and acceleration, mentoring, and improved access to finance and investment. WISE also engages in community building, research, and policy advocacy to promote gender equality in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More information can be found on their website.
Block71 Saigon
Launched in 2020 as a collaboration between NUS Enterprise and Becamex IDC, Block71 Saigon is a hub that connects the startup communities of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. It provides a platform for open innovation, comprehensive startup support, and access to a global network of resources and markets. Entrepreneurs can learn more about Block71 Saigon on their official page.
City Initiatives and Economic Outlook
The Ho Chi Minh City government has been proactive in implementing plans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2026, the city approved a plan aimed at providing maximum support to SMEs, encouraging household businesses to transform into enterprises, and contributing to socio-economic development.
Despite challenges such as order shortages and rising costs faced by some businesses, the city’s economy has shown resilience. In the first quarter of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City’s economy expanded by 8.27%, the highest growth rate for the same period in the past five years. The services sector remained the main growth driver, rising 8.91% and contributing 56% to the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth.
For entrepreneurs in Ho Chi Minh City, these resources and initiatives provide a robust foundation to start and grow their businesses. By leveraging the support available, local entrepreneurs can navigate challenges, innovate, and contribute to the city’s vibrant economic landscape.