The Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme supports organisations by providing them with the tools and skills needed to assist in the development of micro and small enterprises.

>>  Learn more about the history of the SIYB Programme <<

Through a combination of adapting the ILO's international materials and using existing high quality local products, the project has developed Vietnamese versions of the:

These programmes are designed to serve the needs of the small business sector. The programmes are supported by a range of other support materials. All of which are distributed to partner organisations.

Key features of the programme materials include:

  • their simple and systematic structure,

  • the inclusion of numerous and relevant illustrations, case studies and exercises,

  • easy readability,

  • compliance with government business regulations and

  • integration with ILO technical concerns of quality job creation.

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SYB programme

The broad goal of the SYB programme is for participants to start profitable and sustainable small businesses. The programme is suited to men and women who are thinking of starting a business. There is also a focus towards people who have already started a business but do not know the basics of running a business. The programme is a combination of training, field work and after-training support activities.

The SYB programme materials consist of two sub-programmes; namely

  1. SYB Business Awareness - This component takes participants through a step-by-step programme that helps participants assess (a) their readiness to start a business, (b) the amount of money they have to start a business and finally (c) to choose a business idea. This programme has also been adapted and used with ethnic minority groups in northern Viet Nam.

  2. SYB Business Planning - This component of the programme teaches participants how to (a) prepare a business plan (marketing, business organization, legal responsibilities, work conditions and productivity improvements, and business finance), (b) assess the viability of the business plan, and (c) prepare an action plan for starting the business.

>>  Click here to see content of the SYB programme <<

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IYB programme

The IYB programme is designed to support owners of small enterprises that wish to expand or improve the efficiency of their operations. The topics covered are similar to those taught in the SYB programme but they are taught as separate modules and in more detail. Modules include:

  • Buying
  • Stock control
  • Marketing
  • Costing
  • Record keeping
  • Managing People

>>  Click here to see content of the IYB programme <<

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Programme support materials

The supporting tools are mainly composed of:

1. Programme Implementation Manuals

Different manuals are available for SYB and IYB. These manuals contain information and practical tools and suggestions on how to:

  • select participants;

  • organize a seminar;

  • conduct a training session;

  • provide after-training support; and

  • monitor, evaluate and report on performance.

2. Directory of Advice and Assistance

The Directory of Advice and Assistance (DAA) is intended for entrepreneurs and SIYB Facilitators. It provides contact information about sources of advice, and key information on topics such as:

  • Business registration

  • Consulting services

  • Labour law

  • Taxation

  • Marketing

  • Technical training

  • Management training

  • Financial services

  • Technology transfer

3. SIYB Business Game

The Business Game is used in both Start Your Business and Improve Your Business workshops.

The Game is an excellent dynamic tool for creating a simulated environment where participants can experience the consequences of their business decisions. It comes with a comprehensive trainers guide.

4. Master Trainer’s Guide

This guide supports Master Trainers step-by-step to train SYB and IYB Facilitators from marketing, training needs analysis, trainer selection, session preparation, workshop delivery, after-training-support and subsequent quality control.

5. A module on "Applying for a small business loan"

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