Finance: The Women’s Seed Fund

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Mekong Delta

The Women’s Seed Fund (WSF) is a cornerstone initiative of the Mekong Products ecosystem. It strengthens the Demonstration Farm & Farmer Support Model by providing women in the Mekong Delta with the financial resources, training, and mentorship needed to build climate-smart, sustainable businesses. The Fund operates under a cooperation agreement between the Mekong Products Agricultural Service and Development Cooperative (HTX) and the Women’s Union of Hung Hoa Commune.

Rooted in Mekong Products’ mission to uplift smallholders and preserve regional heritage, the WSF ensures that women—often the backbone of local agriculture—gain equitable access to market opportunities and long-term economic resilience.

Nature and Purpose of the Fund

The Women’s Seed Fund is a community-based, non-profit socio-economic development fund, operating inside the Mekong Products Program.

  • Not a credit institution: The WSF does not conduct commercial lending activities and is fully compliant with Vietnamese law.

  • Purpose: To provide targeted financial support and hands-on training for women-led or women-organized initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, food processing, community tourism, and other sustainable livelihood models.

This structure mirrors the Mekong Products philosophy: financial inclusion paired with mentorship and market access for lasting impact.

Financial Support Model: 50/50 for Sustainability

Each selected woman entrepreneur can receive up to 150,000,000 VND, using a balanced 50/50 model designed to encourage responsibility, ownership, and reinvestment.

  • 50% Non-refundable Grant

  • 50% Interest-free Loan

Loan Terms

  • Repayment period: 3 years

  • Grace period: First 2 quarters after disbursement

  • Repayment schedule: Quarterly installments, each equal to 10% of the original loan amount

All repayments flow back into the Fund to support future women-led projects—creating a circular, community-driven financial cycle that amplifies impact over time.

Financial Management and Transparency

The Fund is managed with strict accountability, aligning with Mekong Products’ commitment to transparency and trust.

Mekong Products Coop

  • Provides and disburses funding

  • Manages financial oversight through the Cooperative’s monitoring system

  • Ensures funds are used for approved purposes

Women’s Union of Hùng Hòa

  • Coordinates local implementation

  • Participates in beneficiary selection

  • Assists in monitoring and community engagement