The 19th Give A Day aimed to consolidate the valuable insights garnered throughout the year from all the 2023 Give A Day events. Bringing together key figures in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it provided a forum for in-depth discussions on the critical lessons learned and knowledge acquired during the series. The overarching goal was to encourage collaboration and strengthen the support system for entrepreneurs in Cambodia.
The event also extended appreciation to the Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) community for their pivotal role in addressing core issues within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These organizations demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment, which played an integral part in the success of the Give A Day events.
Additionally, recognition was also bestowed upon the speakers who had generously shared their expertise throughout 2023. The speakers included Mr. Wong Keet Loong, CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), Mr. Vannarath Vicheth, the Investment Director at OBOR Capital, Sara Usinger, Ms. Sabine Joukes, Country Director and Chief of Party of WE Act, Pact, Lima Lim, the founder and CEO of LimLima Khmer Angkor Food Co., Ltd., Nhim Sorida, Co-founder and CEO at Boran Care Asia Co., Ltd., Helene Veal, co-founder of Enterprise Vision, Dominic Mellor, Principal Investment Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, and Tean Ly, Fund Manager at ADB Frontier. These experts contributed significantly to the entrepreneurial community, and their efforts were duly acknowledged and celebrated.
The consolidation of insights during Give A Day 19 aimed to establish a clear path forward, with successful organization of 8 Give a Day events in 2023, engaging 388 individuals from 169 institutions. According to the Give A Day survey, 94% of participants from Phnom Penh and 97% from Siem Reap reported establishing new connections through the program. These events also facilitated the identification of 17 key challenges, which will be discussed further at the upcoming CAMESCO23 event.
Addressing these challenges in Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital. This involves skill development, financial literacy, legal registration, and technical assistance for startups. Aligning support programs with startup needs, creating a robust support network for women entrepreneurs, and promoting an entrepreneurial culture are essential. Accessing funding and talent development are key hurdles. Entrepreneurs must invest in learning and innovation.
Lastly, the modality of Give A Day for 2024 has also been adapted. The events will be co-hosted, with content leadership taken by the ESOs willing to utilize the Give A Day platform. In provinces, a new format, based on the experiences of 2023 ESOs, will be more entrepreneur focused.
The event was covered by the following media: