Empowering Entrepreneurs in Vietnam
The end of November opened a new chapter in the evolving story of Empowered Startups’ robust relationship with…
The end of November opened a new chapter in the evolving story of Empowered Startups’ robust relationship with Vietnam. The internationally recognized business incubator held its inaugural in-person conference in Ho Chi Minh City where key members of Empowered’s leadership team joined government officials, legal experts, and program graduates for an informative and invigorating session with interested entrepreneurs and global mobility professionals.
Canadian Connections
A lobby brimming with enthusiasm quickly became a ballroom packed with attentive and curious guests eager to learn about the premier pathways to launching a startup in North America. Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups, greeted the audience with a warm introduction that included a brief recap of the 50-year diplomatic relationship between Canada and Vietnam before he welcomed Jasmine Wahhab, Senior Trade Commissioner for Canada in Ho Chi Minh City, to the stage.
Wahhab endorsed Empowered Startups’ initiatives with the Vietnamese entrepreneurial community and provided further insight on the economic opportunities and supporting infrastructure that Canada has to offer across an array of industries.
“What you can bank on if you come to Canada is that you can choose a place that will most likely meet all the needs that you have in the industry that you’re interested in. Whether it’s digital technologies in British Columbia, agri-food protein innovation in central Canada, advanced manufacturing – Ontario has a large ecosystem that presents opportunities for quick integration in the economy,” Wahhab assured. “We have almost 300,000 Canadians of Vietnamese descent that are very well established in the Canadian business sector, which also promotes greater connectivity.”
Wahhab’s message was reinforced by Kyle Kirkegaard, Vice President of Programs, who then detailed the requirements of the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program, which Empowered Startups has been operating since 2014. Kirkegaard showcased the exceptional resources Empowered provides its entrepreneurs and further explained why Empowered is recognized as the country’s leading incubator for the Canada SUV program.
Endorsed Experience
With more than a decade of helping Vietnamese entrepreneurs launch startups in North America and beyond, Empowered Startups has guided nearly 150 Vietnamese entrepreneurs to the successful completion of its various programs. In doing so, the Canadian multi-national has established a reputation of excellence while forging a proud history with the South Asian country and its entrepreneurial community in the process.
One of those program graduates, Minh Hunyh, joined the conference in Ho Chi Minh City to share his experience with entrepreneurs who are in a similar position to the one he was in just a few years ago. Hunyh completed Empowered Startups’ Canada Start-up Visa Program and was so impressed with the guidance he received during his journey that he became a vocal advocate of Empowered’s services.
“This program is even more valuable because Empowered Startups has been operating for nearly 10 years, facilitating the Canada Start-up Visa, which provides numerous opportunities for participants,” opined Hunyh.
EB-2 is Number 1
“Compared to several years ago, there are additional options, such as the EB-2 NIW program. I would like to share my perspective on two major advantages of this program compared to others. Firstly, the EB-2 NIW program is not subject to quotas. This flexibility is a significant advantage of the EB-2 NIW program. Secondly, the fees for the EB-2 NIW program are much lower. In comparison, the costs for EB-5 are significantly higher, making the EB-2 NIW a more affordable option.”
Hunyh’s recommendations followed a comprehensive description of the EB-2 NIW Startup R&D Program by Shawn Olson, Empowered’s Vice President of Business Development, and US Immigration Attorney, Sarah Pelud. Olson walked the audience through the distinct advantages of the program and its process while Pelud elaborated on the requirements candidates must fulfill to qualify for the EB-2 NIW Startup R&D Program.
Inspired and Informed
Based on the spirited reaction from the assembled crowd, the presentation was equal parts inspiring and informative, and it created an energy that spilled over into one-on-one meetings between participants and members of Empowered Startups’ leadership team. Attendees departed having gained valuable knowledge on the premier pathways for entrepreneurial expansion into North America from the industry leader in business immigration programs, while Girodo and his team witnessed additional evidence of the innovative abilities and global aspirations that Vietnamese founders possess.
“With the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States, and the strong relationship between Vietnam and Canada, more Vietnamese businesses are seeking to expand internationally with creative business ideas,” remarked Girodo. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Vietnamese business community to promote innovative startups and foster a sustainable ecosystem between Vietnam and global markets.”
Paul Girodo
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