From Capital to Digitization: Unlocking Solutions for Small Businesses in the New Era

When Bottlenecks Hold Back Businesses

On a typical Monday morning, Ms. Hanh, the owner of a small coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh City, is busy preparing to open her doors. Her shop enjoys a steady stream of customers, but expanding to a nearby location remains a distant dream. “I want to lease additional space, but the loan application process is drowning in paperwork. Banks demand proof of income and collateral, leaving me feeling trapped between opportunity and bureaucracy,” Ms. Hanh shares.

Ms. Hanh’s story isn’t unique. Many small businesses—from traditional market vendors to family-run eateries—face familiar bottlenecks: limited access to capital, tax pressures, electronic invoicing requirements, and a lack of robust cash flow management tools.

Currently, securing bank loans requires navigating complex procedures, particularly stringent income verification and financial reporting—a challenge for most small businesses due to their operational nature. Another hurdle lies in tax obligations and administrative processes. While transitioning to electronic invoices and online declarations enhances transparency, it overwhelms those accustomed to manual record-keeping. Juggling sales, capital turnover, and legal compliance often leads to burnout.

Ms. Hanh recalls a time when she urgently needed inventory but lacked immediate cash flow. “Business opportunities often arise within days. Without quick access to working capital, they’re lost forever,” she notes.

In Hai Phong, Mr. Tuan, owner of a household goods store chain, faces similar expansion challenges. “The market is favorable, and demand is steady, but scaling requires stable long-term financing. Short-term loans or self-funding won’t suffice,” he explains.

Can Banks Unlock These Bottlenecks?

This isn’t just Mr. Tuan or Ms. Hanh’s dilemma. Across cities, countless entrepreneurs face similar crossroads—opportunities are clear, yet access to capital, streamlined processes, and stability remain elusive.

Amid this, new policies spark hope but leave questions unanswered: Who will guide them past these obstacles?

This concern extends beyond businesses to banks eager to support sustainable growth in an increasingly professionalized market.

An upcoming talk show promises insights through candid conversations, addressing real challenges and potential solutions from policymakers, financial experts, and banks. What will emerge, and what paths will be revealed? Answers await in this dialogue.