Founded in 2005, the Business Studies & Assistance Center (BSA)—formerly known as Business Support Application Service Company Limited—is a pioneering non-profit organization in Vietnam committed to the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and cooperatives. With its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City, BSA acts as a catalyst for capacity building, digital transformation, trade facilitation, and innovation among Vietnamese businesses, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions.
Core Business Activities
BSA operates across several strategic pillars that enable a holistic support system for businesses:
- Scientific Research and Business Consulting: Offers advisory services grounded in evidence-based research on entrepreneurship, enterprise management, and market access strategies.
- Science and Technology Services: Facilitates the transfer and application of scientific research into commercial practice through specialized training, workshops, and publications.
- Trade Promotion Programs: Organizes exhibitions, international business matching events, and trade fairs that link domestic enterprises with global buyers.
- Skill Development & Training: Conducts targeted training in areas such as e-commerce, green production practices, digital marketing, and sustainable sourcing.
Specialisation and Core USP
BSA is uniquely positioned as a national facilitator of business modernization, especially for grassroots producers and cooperatives in agriculture and handicrafts. The organization’s core strengths include:
- Deep-rooted partnerships with Vietnamese ministries, such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and local government departments.
- On-the-ground expertise in transforming community-level enterprises into market-ready, brand-recognized businesses.
- A successful track record in bridging policy implementation with practical training, especially for rural SMEs and female-led cooperatives.
Financial Insights
As a non-profit organization, BSA does not operate on a commercial revenue model. However, it receives grants, donor funding, and program-based support from:
- Vietnamese Government ministries
- International organizations such as GIZ (Germany), USAID, and UNDP
- Private sector sponsors such as Vinamilk, Saigon Co.op, and Masan Group for collaborative outreach programs
In 2022 alone, BSA implemented over 40 funded projects with a combined operational value exceeding ₫60 billion VND (approx. $2.5 million USD).
International Engagement and Trade Facilitation
BSA has played an instrumental role in launching and supporting initiatives that boost Vietnam’s export capabilities:
- Coordinated Vietnamese Product Weeks in international markets such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.
- Supported 1,200+ businesses in accessing new markets through matchmaking and e-commerce readiness programs.
- Facilitated exports worth over $20 million USD cumulatively from cooperatives and SMEs between 2020 and 2023.
Target Market
- Vietnamese SMEs and cooperatives, especially in agro-processing, food production, crafts, and household goods
- Young entrepreneurs and startups seeking business training and incubation
- International trade organizations and buyers looking to source sustainable, traceable Vietnamese goods
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Operates nationwide training and exhibition networks, including mobile learning platforms and rural outreach programs.
- Runs BSA Channel, a digital video platform featuring educational content, business stories, and product showcases.
- Hosts numerous trade fairs annually, such as the “Green-Nice Products” fair in Ho Chi Minh City, with participation from over 150 producers each time.
- Provides on-site mentoring and auditing to certify production hygiene and environmental compliance for grassroots producers.
Certifications and Compliance
- Recognized by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA)
- Works in coordination with the Vietnam Institute for Trade Research, aligning activities with national trade policy
- Accredited partner in several UN and EU-backed programs on sustainable agriculture and circular economy
Customer Testimonials and Social Impact
According to internal BSA evaluations and external studies:
- 94% of trainees reported improved knowledge of market practices post-training
- Over 4,500 cooperatives and local enterprises have been trained or supported since inception
- Notable impact includes:
- “Our chili export volumes doubled after BSA connected us with Thai retailers and trained us on digital packaging standards.” — Representative, Mekong Delta Cooperative
- “We transitioned to eco-friendly rice packaging through BSA’s Green Transition initiative, helping us win more contracts.” — Founder, Lotus Rice Vietnam
Major Achievements
- Named as the Top Supporting Organization for Rural Enterprises by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in 2021
- Curated and launched the Vietnamese Green-Nice Product Label, now carried by over 300 certified producers
- Developed an export-readiness assessment tool, now adopted by provincial government departments for training programs
- Featured in over 70 press articles and media pieces related to sustainable trade and SME empowerment
BSA continues to stand out as a transformative entity that not only educates but actively enables Vietnamese SMEs and cooperatives to become competitive, responsible, and globally connected.
