Over 100 startups join business expansion seminar

Titled “Startup Expansion – Canada Startup Visa & USA EB2 NIW Startup R&D Programmes”, the event explored opportunities for startups to expand into North America.

Participants gained insights from seasoned professionals in immigration law, business consulting, and government policy. The seminar also served as a platform for networking, fostering collaboration between Vietnamese entrepreneurs and North American stakeholders.

The expert panel featured Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups; Chris Lennon, president and chief advisor; Jasmin Wahhab, senior trade commissioner and consulate general of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City; and representatives from the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Startup R&D programme and the Canada Start-up Visa programme.

Networking and knowledge sharing at the "Startup Expansion – Canada Startup Visa & USA EB2 NIW Startup R&D Programmes" seminar. Photo: Empowered Startups

Businesses interested in entering the US or Canadian markets had the opportunity to engage directly with Empowered Startups representatives, government officials, and startup consulting organisations. The event addressed questions about investment policies and startup support in these markets. One-on-one consultations with Empowered Startups experts provided tailored roadmaps for attendees.

Paul Girodo expressed optimism about 2024 and 2025. “With the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States, and the strong relationship between Vietnam and Canada, more Vietnamese businesses are seeking to expand internationally with creative business ideas. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Vietnamese business community to promote innovative startups and foster a sustainable ecosystem between Vietnam and global markets,” he said.

Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups at the event. Photo: Empowered Startups

Shawn Olson, vice president of business development at Empowered Startups said, “The EB-2 National Interest Waiver R&D programme not only has a higher approval rate but also shorter processing times. This underscores the US commitment to enabling startups to contribute to economic development. Many Vietnamese entrepreneurs have shown growing interest in this opportunity.”

Experts highlighted recent positive changes in immigration policies, making the EB-2 NIW an increasingly attractive option for Vietnamese entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth in the US. The rising interest reflects the Vietnamese business community’s shift towards exploring flexible and long-term investment opportunities in international markets.

Beyond legal and market insights, the seminar created an open forum for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to share experiences in establishing businesses overseas.

Empowered Startups, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with offices in the US and Portugal, focuses on transnational innovation and entrepreneurship. The incubator provides training and advisory services to help entrepreneurs successfully launch innovative projects in diverse markets, contributing to sustainable local economic development.

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