Turning a startup project into a real business, a final year student of Dai Nam University became a Founder at the age of 21

Although the school is committed to supporting 100% of graduates to find jobs, not everyone dares to develop themselves through the path of entrepreneurship. However, right from the 3rd year, Nguyen Huu Quan - a student of the Faculty of Business Administration at Dai Nam University (DNU) has cherished the idea of turning his startup project into a real business. And it is a great pride that in the 4th year, Quan officially became a founder at the age of 21. This success not only demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial spirit but also affirms that Dai Nam University students dare to overcome the safety zone to turn their dreams into reality.

Nguyen Huu Quan, a face that inspires startups, is very familiar to students of Dai Nam University.

Journey to make dreams come true

Nguyen Huu Quan was born and raised in Ha Giang in a poor family; from a young age he was accustomed to hardship and difficulties. This formed in Quan the desire to change his life, not only for himself and his family but also for his distant homeland.

10X always nurtured the idea of bringing Shan Tuyet tea - a famous specialty of the limestone mountains of Ha Giang to conquer large markets. Quan's goal is not only to affirm the value of his hometown products but also to create a stable source of income for local people, promoting sustainable economic development.

That aspiration burned even stronger when Quan participated in the Social Innovation Launch 2023 (SIL) competition organized by Dai Nam University in collaboration with JCI Thang Long and Youth Plus. Here, the startup project "Border Dream" with the main product being Shan Tuyet tea and the form of volunteer tourism combining ethnic culture and trade of highland specialty products was officially formed.

With relentless efforts and never giving up, Nguyen Huu Quan's "Border Dream" project has achieved many impressive achievements: Top 10 SIL 2023; Top 5 Digital Business Breakthrough Contest 2024; successfully organized 02 border journey programs with more than 200 registrations, more than 2,000 messages sent, nearly 200,000 views of the opening post; more than 3,000 followers on fanpage, more than 2,000 followers on Tiktok; the program "Border Journey 1" was reported by VTC Television; "joined hands" with 02 strategic partners to develop Shan Tuyet Ha Giang tea products.

The project "Border Dream" won the Top 5 of the 2024 Digital Business Breakthrough contest.

In July 2024, “Border Dream” Social Enterprise Joint Stock Company was officially established, marking a major turning point in Nguyen Huu Quan's entrepreneurial journey.

Teachers accompany, School creates launching pad

Huu Quan said: DNU plays a key role in creating a solid launching pad for students to start their own businesses. The school not only provides professional knowledge but also focuses on practical training, helping students develop ideas and realize their own projects.

In addition, DNU also creates favorable conditions for students to participate in startup competitions; exchange and learn from leading experts in many fields.

Ms. Cao Thi Hoa - Vice President of the Council awarded the decision of Chairman of DNU Startup and Innovation Club to Nguyen Huu Quan.

The team of lecturers and academic advisors always support and accompany students throughout the learning and starting a business process. The Student Career and Entrepreneurship Center provides orientation advice, supports business connections, job introductions; creates all conditions for students to expand capital calling opportunities and develop projects sustainably.

“The dedicated support of the School and the Student Career and Entrepreneurship Center not only helped me have clear directions but also created conditions to connect resources. Thanks to that, I was able to develop and turn my startup project into a real business,” 10X shared.

When you dare to try the chance is greater than 0%

In the near future, Huu Quan plans to export highland products, expand the volunteer tourism model combined with ethnic cultural experiences for international visitors. At the same time, organize the "Volunteer and Culture Festival" in December 2024 with the participation of more than 100 clubs and nearly 1,000 students.

10X said that starting and running a company while still in school is not an easy thing. However, just remembering the goal of escaping poverty, beautifying the homeland and bringing a better life to the people, Quan is motivated to overcome all challenges and persevere on the path to realizing his dream.

Sending a message to Gen Z who are nurturing startup ideas, Quan shared: “When you dare to try, the opportunity will always be greater than 0%; but if you don’t dare to try, the opportunity will always be a round zero. Therefore, be bold in pursuing your dreams and looking for good partners in each field to build and develop together, turn ideas into actions, turn projects into companies.”

Wishing young man Nguyen Huu Quan always maintain his passion and reap many successes on his entrepreneurial journey!

BTT