Sow responsibility, build community.
GROW Network Vietnam was founded in 2024 on a belief that the 97% of Vietnam's small and medium enterprises can transition to green together — given an ecosystem strong enough and a community that lasts.
In brief
GROW is a private network organisation that does not operate to maximise profit, connecting Vietnamese SMEs with experts, green capital and global markets. The founding team comes from IFC, BIDV, PwC, EY and pioneering SMEs.
How it began
In mid-2023, a group of ESG and green-finance advisers noticed a paradox: Vietnam's large corporations already had the tools, partners and advice for a sustainability journey. But SMEs — 97% of all businesses, and the source of most jobs — were left out, priced too high and served by fragmented information.
From a small meeting at a café in District 3 to a first gathering with 38 business owners in Hanoi, GROW Network Vietnam gradually took shape. Officially launched in March 2024, the network today counts 500+ member businesses, 120 expert advisers and 50 strategic partners.
Mission
To make green transition and sustainable development a practical, feasible and profitable path for every small and medium enterprise in Vietnam — starting from the smallest steps.
Vision 2035
To become Southeast Asia's leading green-SME ecosystem, helping at least 5,000 Vietnamese businesses reach international ESG standards and cutting the network's average emissions intensity by 40%.
Core values
- Substance over appearance — We do not produce pretty reports for their own sake. Every data point must lead to action.
- Community before the individual — A successful SME owes it to the network around it. We invest in connections, not in single clients.
- Sustainability is long-term — A 10-, 20-, 30-year roadmap matters more than winning a single quarter.
- Radical transparency — We publish our methods, fees and partners. No hidden commissions.
- Hands-on, never outsourced — The GROW team is on the factory floor, not just in the meeting room.
Leadership team
Lê Minh Quân
15 years growing SMEs; former programme director at IFC Vietnam.
Founder & CEOTrần Phương Anh
ESG expert & GRI-certified; built reporting systems for over 80 companies across ASEAN.
Head of SustainabilityPhạm Hồng Đức
Former Green Credit lead at BIDV; structured over USD 600 million in green lending.
Head of Green FinanceNguyễn Thảo Linh
Built SME communities across 20 provinces, coordinating 120+ events a year.
Head of CommunityĐỗ Quang Huy
Software engineer and digital-transformation specialist for mid-sized manufacturers.
Head of TechnologyVõ Diệu Hương
PhD in education; designs executive programmes at Vietnam's leading business schools.
Head of TrainingTraining & capability building
GROW Network Vietnam designs and runs its own training programmes for SMEs — from short workshops and thematic courses for business owners to long-term coaching tracks on ESG, green finance and digital transformation. GROW builds the content, handles admissions, runs the courses and grows the learner community.
Every course GROW runs is grounded in real business — knowledge designed to be applied immediately and connected to the SME network so value spreads. Learners receive practical content, and companies sending staff can be confident in the professional quality.
Strategic partners
GROW works with domestic financial institutions (BIDV, Vietcombank, VietinBank, HDBank, VPBank, TPBank, Agribank), international organisations (IFC, ADB, GCF, Proparco, FMO, JICA, GIZ, KOICA), and Vietnam's leading universities in sustainability research and training.