BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION

 

Full PDF file of Landing page: BMI_Landing page_GC_R 2

Presentation: Greencat Pitch Round 2

Social Mantra:

“Be inspired of natural materials, we created eco friendly bags 

to preserve minority traditional textiles”

Introduction:

Green Cat was established in 2019 with the priority goal being to preserve traditional textiles from minority people, specifically fashion accessory products such as handbags and hats designed from hand-woven fabrics from H’mong ethnic women and hand-woven fabrics from Muong ethnic women. At this time, Green Cat operates with only Hanna (Founder).

 

Business Description:

In 2018, from field trips to the North of Viet Nam to searching for an idea to design our product. Green Cat has witnessed many scenes of children and women competing on the  streets to wait for tourists to come and sell their handmade products, sometimes they have to stand in the middle of harsh weather  to follow along with tourists  causing discomfort and confusion among newly arrived visitors from abroad. 

The solicitation of customers reduces the motivation to buy and reduces the image of local people in the eyes of tourists, leading to local authorities intervening in measures to prevent street vending, leading to the loss of income and they struggle to earn income in other ways. These women & children deserve better. 

Reference: https://vietnamnet.vn/en/tourist-cooperation-needed-to-eliminate-begging-hawkers-in-sa-pa-2154921.html

In other scenarios, Green Cat also participates in many exhibition events related to the handmade fashion products industry and realizes that in developed countries like Europe people have a good awareness of the environment and sustainability, all of which support traditional and natural product lines. 

In Vietnam, we also have the opportunity to visit and approach diverse production models from international brands with factories in Vietnam and domestic factories. We witnessed excessive waste discharge from factories into the environment and there were many problems that might cause worker’s health.

Nguồn: cac-loai-chat-thai-cong-nghiep-phat-sinh-pho-bien-tai-doanh-nghiep-hien-nay

Nowaday, in Vietnam there still exist a few large factories producing typical hemp products, but this industry has almost disappeared. Outdated production methods and traditional products are no longer attractive to farmers, who are no longer interested in hemp and organic-cotton cultivation. The remanufacturing and use of hemp products or restoring organic cotton growing in Hoa Binh province awaits the development of international technology, processing and production, as well as a strong international market for the products to come from traditional fabrics.

Article source: Case of hemp. History & Present

 

 

Photo Credit: Green Cat

However, in Vietnam, there is a sad truth that consumers still do not have much information about local products as well as products of natural origin. From the big picture with a wider view of the world, we wonder about Vietnam, what will develop in 30 years and what will be lost… 

With the awareness of promoting minority fabrics to a new level, we strive every day to create fashionable bags that are both highly applicable and easy to use in many situations to get closer to consumers. Our main vision still harbored a big dream of a suitable time to join with ethnic minorities to develop the cultivation of natural fiber crops such as hemp fabric, and special attention to cotton plants.

In fact, we understand that the initial difficulties of starting a business will attract few companions. We take slow but steady steps to avoid mistakes that might cause failure and affect our stakeholders. 

By purchasing their traditional fabrics and spreading our mission to urban consumers we contribute to the stable income for the women who have been accompanying us to reduce the economic burden in the family. Thus, the ambition of restoring organic cotton growing in Hoa Binh province in addition to the dream of Vietnam having sustainable domestic agricultural sourcing has greatly motivated us to continue down this path.

Unique Innovation:

    • We empower women in the workplace to accompany them to upskill and provide stable income. Our HR policy focuses on 100% women, especially the vulnerable women (single mom, middle aged..) & sourcing fabrics with minority women.
  • Our materials are from natural & 90% biodegradable, especially we blend handwoven hemp & bio – cotton with our outstanding cork fabric in all of our designs.
  • We take advantage of upcycling resource recycled polyester and washable paper to create products with high aesthetic value. Only zippers are non-biodegradable.

Photo credit: internet

Product Prototype:

  • We listen to customer feedback to design our product features advantage
  • Natural materials is preferable
  • High functional is a must
  • Durable & easy access to daily use or on the go lifestyle
  • Our core feature in our products in the Vietnamese market is the delicate combination of cork fabric, we are the pioneer company for this unique combination.

Product Validation:

FROM OVERSEAS VIEWS

We released our very first design in the France Exhibition coordinated with our partner, which is also France’s local brand and did some customer insight feedback. We received feedback that they will be delighted to buy and support local brands but they also need a product that could be useful for daily use and must be functional or practical.

TO DOMESTIC INSIGHTS

In 2019, Green Cat returned to Vietnam and began releasing our first bag collection. We have been welcomed at Gift Shop stores in central locations in District 1 as well as Da Nang airport interested in choosing our products to display in the international flight area.

District 1, Hochiminh City

Nulla – Eco lifestyle shop

Nulla closing announcement in 2020: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ecZSdbWMh41AZd71/

Saigon Eco Craft – Souvenir Shop

Danang

Taseco Danang – International

After the 2020 – 2021 epidemic period, there have been many changes in the general tourism situation and affected the economic activities of the parties we have cooperated with, so one of the partners has closed while Others change their business strategies to suit the times. Therefore, Green Cat only maintains cooperation with Saigon Eco Craft store until now.

Evidence: Email Taseco & Greencat

From 2020 – 2023 is the time we test the market and make continuous efforts to research and develop our products. We have expanded our sales network to 20 retail stores located in major cities and tourist cities.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

District 1

​Saigon Eco-Craft (2 branches): Gmail – Sài Gòn Eco nhập hàng tháng 5_2024

 

Vesta bookstore and Lifestyle: 05.05.2024.VESTA.HD09

Coi Gift Shop: 

BONET

15 Minutes Coffee: New partner in 2024 from For Good Network

Grandma Lu: New partner in 2024 from For Good Network

 

Other district

HIMITSU NO KICHI, D10

FV souvenir shop in FV Hospital, D7FV Proof

Mur Mur Coffee, D3: New partner in 2024 from For Good Network

 

Hanoi, Vietnam

An Handmade, Ha Noi

Flower of Hand, Ha Noi

 

Da Nang City, Vietnam

YMA studio

Table Products Hoi An, Vietnam

Refillable Hoian

Hart Up-cycled Hoian

Nam Trân Art Craft, Hoian

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/rHUhcxTwpCAuUsMQ/

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Sống Concept, Ha Noi

 

Can Tho City, Vietnam

Victoria Resort, Can Tho: New partner in 2024 from VCCI network

Phuong Nam restaurant, Can Tho: New partner in 2024 from VCCI network

 

Online store, Vietnam:

Website: https://www.greencatcompany.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greencatcompany

Shopee: https://shopee.vn/hannagreencat/

Lazada: https://www.lazada.vn/shop/greencat-by-hanna/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greencat.social

 

Green Cat by Hanna, France​​

Online pop up store:

https://greencatbyhanna.etsy.com

https://meanwhile.boutique/collections/green-cat

 

After 5 years of market testing, Green Cat has clearly positioned its customer segment. At the same time, we have also researched potential customers and updated new trends among young people. Starting from 2024, our Customer Channel Marketing Strategy has been supplemented as following:

Competitive landscape: 

Our competitors are other Hemp product companies. These companies have many years of experience in the market with wide distribution networks, connecting with customers and building close relationships. They also have financial potential, which can support sales and marketing operations.

Greencat  advantages

The most important advantage of Green Cat products is that we apply a combination of hemp fabric and hand-woven cotton fabric combined with innovative fabrics such as cork fabric. Until now, cork fabric is our exclusive material source in Vietnam. I.e To buy cork fabric, you need to order a minimum quantity of 500 yards equivalent 500 meter- reference Alibaba. 

Thanks to the professional advantage of Founder – Hanna, over 10 years in the field of sourcing garment materials for large corporations, we are able to purchase cork fabric in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices. 

We are also planning to register legal intellectual property rights for our key products made from hemp fabrics & cork fabrics to avoid the risk of copyrights in future.

Revenue Growth:

During our market testing from 2019 – 2023, we have clearly defined the customer base as well as suitable store development locations.

Therefore, our sales strategy for the B2C market includes:

The foreign tourist segment is generally the main customer group and is concentrated in the central areas of District 1 or districts where foreigners live such as District 2, in Ho Chi Minh City. 

We are targeting 5-star hotels and resorts to increase accessibility to this main customer group. It is expected that in 2024, we will expand cooperation to 5 more retail locations that are suitable for this customer group.

The domestic customer segment, especially the female customer group 25 – 40, is currently slowing down from March to June 2024. Therefore, our strategy to reach the Gen Z customer group is a booming factor in the market. In the future, we will create a funnel product line at an appropriate price to attract Gen Z, combined with participating in events and competitions for students, thereby gradually converting this group of customers into a key customer group. focus in the near future. We also aim to expand cooperation with 5 retail locations in neighboring districts near the university and dining areas focusing on this customer group.

Business grown goal in 2024: 

  • Retails store: increase from 20 to 30 stores
  • Revenue growth: x 2 according to revenue data in 2023

B2B Strategy:

The Vietnam Gift Retailing Market has witnessed substantial growth, driven by the country’s rising middle-class population and increasing consumer spending on gifts and souvenirs. Key players in the industry offer a diverse range of gift items, including home decor, fashion accessories, personalized gifts, and handicrafts, catering to various occasions and celebrations. The market’s growth is also supported by the thriving tourism industry, as tourists often purchase gifts and mementos during their visits to Vietnam. Additionally, the popularity of e-commerce platforms has facilitated gift shopping, enabling customers to explore a wide array of options conveniently. The COVID-19 pandemic initially affected the retail sector, but key players in the gift retailing market swiftly adapted by enhancing their online presence and offering contactless delivery options, leading to a gradual recovery in sales. As consumer sentiment improves, the demand for thoughtful and unique gifts is expected to continue driving market growth.

Reference: Vietnam gift retailing market

Customers’ awareness of environmental pollution and sustainable products

Recently, Vietnamese customers have become more aware of environmental pollution and sustainable products. According to a survey by PwC, more than 90 percent of respondents are willing to pay more for products with verified origin and products using sustainable materials. This awareness has led to significant demand for sustainable options. Companies are adapting their strategies to meet these changing preferences, emphasizing transparency, eco-labeling, and sustainable practices to appeal to conscious consumers in Vietnam. 

  • In Vietnam, the revenue generated in the Luggage & Bags market is projected to reach US$2.03bn in 2024.
  • This market is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 5.55% (CAGR 2024-2028).
  • When compared to the global market, the United States leads in revenue generation with US$29,570m in 2024.
  • Taking into account the total population, per person revenues of US$20.36 are estimated for 2024.
  • Furthermore, it is predicted that by 2024, 80% of the sales in the Luggage & Bags market will be attributed to Non-Luxury.
  • Vietnamese consumers are increasingly opting for eco-friendly and sustainable luggage and bags, reflecting their growing awareness of environmental issues.

Article source: statistic handbag product revenue in VN

 

After 5 years of market testing, Green Cat has clearly positioned its customer segment. At the same time, we have also researched and received message order requirements from potential customers as HR Departments, small souvenir distribution. We figure out another potential market for business development when we delve deeply into the market through startup competitions, seminars and research reports as follows:

Email Evidence with potential b2B segment:

Gmail – Greencat – Saigon Children Charity Potential B2B Martket

Gmail – Green Cat – SIS Can Tho_ CSR collaboration Gmail – Melia_Green Cat _ Potential for B2B market Gmail – Potential B2B Market_ Green Cat – 4PS HEMP CUSHION SOFA

We are planning to Customer Channel Marketing Strategy has been supplemented with the following:

 

Market Products Potential B2B Clients Price Channel Economic  Social
Business Gift/

OEM

bags, notebooks, laptop bags, name card wallets, keyboard pads… * Saigon Children

* Nexus

* HR Department in corporate

* Overseas SMEs

* 5 star hotels

$20  Web

Facebook

Email

Linkedin

Seminar

Expo Exhibition

Sponsoring

Press

Affordable price

Unique 

High- end gift

Eco – Friendly

Corporate Social

Responsibility 

Culture

Preservation

Retails 

raw materials

Hemp, Handwoven Cotton, Cork, Washable paper * Young designer

* Overseas company

$5 – 10 Affordable price

Unique 

High- end 

Eco – Friendly

Culture

Preservation

Supply raw cotton fibers

(in Research)

Pillow, bed sheets,tablecloths, bath towels, face towels, bathrobes (i.e for baby) *Manufactory Competitive price with imported from China

Quality fiber with certificate

Eco – Friendly

Corporate Social

Responsibility 

Life on land

 

Reference cotton fiber price in global market: Cotton fiber pricing

Cost structure:

Cost structure demonstrate in 2019 – 2023

Revenue Goal in 2025 – 2027 estimated in total:

  • 2025: We plan to increase revenue by adding materials retailers in our lines & focus to promote the B2B segment. Our priority will be focus on R&D for cotton fiber to be ability go to the market in 2026
  • 2026: We add cotton fiber in our product line and will focus on Marketing/ Branding to to approach to local manufacturer in 2026 – 2027
  • 2027: We will evaluate the market and hope to increase profit to 50%.

We estimated cost & profit in 2025 – 2027 as follows:

Years Category Production cost Materials cost R&D/

MKT

Profit
2025 Bags

Raw materials

B2B segment

15 % 15% 30% 40%
2026 Bags

Raw materials

B2B segment

Cotton Fibers

20% 20% 20% 40%
2027 Bags

Raw materials

B2B segment

Cotton Fibers

15% 15% 20% 50%

CROWDFUNDING/ CROWDSOURCING CAMPAIGN

To achieve long term goals from 2024 – 2027, we have made continuous efforts in learning and connecting to other crowdsourcing networks. So that we can accelerate our business in the future and multiply the value of impact to society to reach a wider consumers.

Currently we have received help from the following sources:

Link reference:

  1. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/KzVfgUkzQ5Gwc5Sn/
  2. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UB5vpwuznV5xoGs2/
  • Circo Track organized by GIZ: provide knowledge base and methods about “how to apply & practicing Circular Economics”. Through this course we have extend network to potential company that desired to support us in many ways (introduce Green Cat product to HR Department, share relevant information about market)

  • Academy for Women Entrepreneurship (AWE) organized by Forgood Vietnam: provide knowledge base & skill to generate business models. Through this course we improve by learning and  also helps us by allowing us to display booths at events as well as open successfully with 2 retail stores located in District 1.

Plus, Green Cat is honored to become alumni of AWE program sponsoring under the US Consulate that could bring us near to other opportunities for company growth.

Gmail – [AWE 2023] THÔNG BÁO TRÚNG TUYỂN THAM GIA CHƯƠNG TRÌNH BOOTCAMP

Gmail – THÔNG BÁO BỔ SUNG THÔNG TIN DANH SÁCH CỰU SINH CỦA BỘ NGOẠI GIAO HOA KỲ

  • Mur Mur Working space cafe

 

 

  • 15 Minutes Cafe
  • For Good VN: provide academy course and empower women events. Green Cat represent as a board member in WECV community under For Good VN, that helped us to express our message close to consumer and in return we receive interesting insight in both Local women group and Gen Z group.
  • Link reference: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mKoKVHTt8kPGHpkS/
  • GreenCat – Nhóm 1 Greencat- Nhóm 2
  • She Future Event:
  • Social Business Innovation (SBC) organized by Hec Montreal: provide knowledge about ESG practice and sustainability. During the course we connected with incredible people that supported us in the competition and sharpen our skill, vision.

We plan to access more resources to help us achieve our vision  of restoring cotton plants  in Hoa Binh so that it can be expanded to include ethnic minority groups in the region. Once the model in Hoa Binh achieves its good economic potential, it will create a pervasive influence on other minority community groups. The resources we target include:

 

  • Hoa Binh Provincial Committee
  • Innovation Hub in the Northern region
  • Provincial Women’s Association
  • Crowdfunding: 
  • From manufacturer
  • From community

B2.3. Desirability for beneficiaries

  1. The most important group of beneficiaries from our project is the women minority group as Hmong and Muong group who are sourcing natural fabric to Green Cat.

Their profiles: We target the people who live in the ethnic minorities groups. They are middle aged – Minority women who live in North Viet Nam. The traditional profession of weaving and dyeing fabric is the way they preserve their ancient culture and is also a source of income that helps them become economically independent in a large household.

Problems:  

Gender disparity within and between ethnic minority groups and the Kinh people persists in almost all socio-economic domains. In the ethnic minority community, women and girls are often the most disadvantaged with regard to their access to opportunities and resources because social norms assign them an inferior status, which is primarily confined to childbirth and unpaid household activities and duties. Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender and ethnicity have exerted the most influence. 

Source: ETHNIC MINORITY WOMEN & MEN IN VIET NAM 

Photo Credit: Mrs. Bin (Muong lady) on the left & Mrs. May (H’Mong lady on the right)

1. The most important group of beneficiaries from our project is the women minority group as Hmong and Muong group who are sourcing natural fabric to Green Cat.

Their profiles: We target the people who live in the ethnic minorities groups. They are middle aged – Minority women who live in North Viet Nam. The traditional profession of weaving and dyeing fabric is the way they preserve their ancient culture and is also a source of income that helps them become economically independent in a large household.

Problems:  

Gender disparity within and between ethnic minority groups and the Kinh people persists in almost all socio-economic domains. In the ethnic minority community, women and girls are often the most disadvantaged with regard to their access to opportunities and resources because social norms assign them an inferior status, which is primarily confined to childbirth and unpaid household activities and duties. Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender and ethnicity have exerted the most influence. 

Source: ETHNIC MINORITY WOMEN & MEN IN VIET NAM 

In recent years, the H’mong people have faced challenges in continuing their traditional practices of making hemp fabric. The use of synthetic fabrics has become more common, and younger generations are less interested in learning the skills and techniques needed to make hemp fabric. Additionally, the government has restricted the cultivation of hemp plants in some areas, which has made it harder for the H’mong to access the raw materials they needThis can be considered the same problem with the Muong people. Cotton growing is completely dependent on nature. Farmers rely on past experience, growing cotton in moist soil so that the plants grow well, without watering or chemical intervention in the cotton growing process. However, farmers have not done scientific research or read scientific applications to grow and harvest cotton effectively and with high productivity. One disadvantage is that when the weather changes and prolonged hot weather or early rain at the beginning of the season affects the development of cotton plants in each stage, such as cotton plants dying due to heat or not flowering until harvest. early rain at the beginning of the season, affecting cotton. 

The process of separating seeds completely using traditional tools kept from previous generations is very time-consuming, so the job is only reserved for middle-aged or older women with a deep love for cotton growing. and spinning and weaving. Cotton has not been tested for technical information nor has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic certification to sell cotton fiber to the market, helping to create a self-sufficient source for the organic cotton textile industry in Vietnam.

Despite becoming economically independent, the main purpose for their cause is to continue to value their traditional practices and the unique cultural heritage that comes with them. Making traditional fabric is an important part of their way of life, and they are working to preserve these traditions for future generations.

Value proposition

By collecting and buying raw material from the Muong and the H’Mong women we can help local residents to have additional income, create economic development and jobs for the vulnerable people – women. It also saves forests, prevents deforestation, prevents landslides and helps stabilize people’s lives.

Moreover, Green Cat has sponsored the cotton seed and motivated the Muong women to keep cotton fibers from 2008 – 2009 to weave into fabric (collected from each household because they still keep the fibers and cotton making tools) for Green Cat and others. In 2019 they lost all seeds and completely stopped growing cotton. In 2022, Green Cat bought cotton seeds and in 2023 they planted their first crop. In 2023, they planted over 1,000 square meters and harvested 70-80 kg of cotton, woven on wooden frames, and 800 meters of 36cm fabric. In 2024, the seeds will expand to other cooperatives in the Muong and Thai communities in Tan Lap, Mai Chau and Thanh Hoa with a total cotton growing area of ​​about 5,000 square meters.

Channel to deliver: We help to organize the cooperatives to collect raw fabric. These cooperatives will help to maximize the income of local residents in Ha Giang and Hoa Binh, rather than buying from an intermediate agent who may pay the locals very little. 

Channel to communicate: We connect directly with the representative of the Cooperative to gain a deeper understanding of our goodwill and desire to develop together with these minority women as well as our desire to contribute to conservation of their traditional textiles. Since then, we have also discussed being able to offer an appropriate price of purchase, which can make the lives of the people here better.

2. The second beneficiaries of our products are local consumer

Their profiles: We target the people who live in the urban cities and have interest in sustainable lifestyle. They are on their way to practicing to be more sustainable and they desire to contribute to the community around for a better.

Problems: The trend of fast fashion becomes gradually saturated as more consumers are aware of the industry as the world’s second-largest polluter. Sustainability-oriented/eco-friendly fashion is forecast to grow among local and foreign brands in Vietnam in the coming time, local insiders have said. Local consumers, especially the youth, have risen seeking as well as willing to pay more for sustainable goods. Nearly 70% of surveyed consumers said that they chose to use eco-friendly products, which save water and electricity, and to separate waste into types as the most common actions to save the environment, according to the survey conducted by Q&Me Vietnam market research.

Article source: https://hanoitimes.vn/vietnams-fashion-industry-to-focus-more-on-sustainability-317364.html

  1. green consumption open up for sustainable development
  2. why sustainable fashion important
  3. Future Consumers 2024 by WGSN 2024 – Global Consumer Trends

 

Value proposition? 

Green Cat offers products that are handcrafted and 90% of the ingredients are completely natural and compostable. The materials used are chemical-free and health safe for consumers. Green Cat also says no to materials made from animal leather and is friendly to vegan customers to jointly contribute to balancing a sustainable ecosystem in the fashion industry.

Channel to deliver: We can deliver our social value to customers through the distribution channels and through competition such as Delta Accelerator Program, Academic For Women Entrepreneurs and SBC Competitor…

Channel to communicate:  We can communicate with consumers and convey our vision, mission through social media channels such as fanpage “Green Cat” and our instagram account.

Business Model Canvas: BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS.docx

 

B2.4. Size of potential beneficiaries

 

For the H’Mong women community at Can Ty cooperative where Green Cat has been accompanying for many years and built close relationships with the artisans working here. Currently, the cooperative has 30 textile women artisans. From 2025, Green Cat’s target will be to develop more products in the B2B sector to double textile purchasing output, which means artisans will also increase their income.Evidence: HTX Dệt lanh Cán Tỷ

For the ethnic minority women community in Hoa Binh and more specifically Muong women where Green Cat donates cotton seeds in 2023 and purchases handwoven cotton fabric.  The reality for Green Cat is that the Muong women still keep cotton fibers from 2008 – 2009 to weave into fabric (collected from each household because they still keep the fibers and cotton making tools) for Green Cat and others. 2019 lost all seeds and completely stopped growing cotton. In 2022, Green Cat bought cotton seeds and in 2023 they planted their first crop. In 2023, they planted over 1,000 square meters and harvested 70-80 kg of cotton, woven on wooden frames, and 800 meters of 36cm fabric.

In 2024, the seeds will be expanded to other cooperatives in the Muong and Thai communities in Tan Lap, Mai Chau and Thanh Hoa with a total cotton growing area of ​​about 5,000 square meters. Currently, there are about 5 weaving representative cooperatives in Hoa Binh with many ethnic minority groups and about 487 ethnic women participating in the above labor activities. Green Cat’s goal does not stop at purchasing cotton fabric, Green Cat’s long-term goal is to expand the cotton yarn and to find more outside resources to provide the cooperative with more fiber separation machinery to help the cooperative increase productivity. . From there, Green Cat will connect with domestic fabric factories to purchase directly from cooperatives to help develop the livelihoods of a local area and in the long term, Vietnam will be less dependent on import of cotton yarn from other countries. Data resource provide by Hanna & Mrs. Bin (Muong Lady in Hoa Binh)

For women in workplace, 

Green Cat focuses on supporting and creating favorable conditions for women, especially vulnerable groups of women. During the market testing phase, Green Cat chose to work with small garment factories where women were single mothers or middle-aged. Although the women here initially did not have high skills in sewing bags and were not familiar with working with natural fibers, both sides struggled during the stage of understanding each other. Our point of view is to work side by side, providing information and guidance until both sides achieve the common goal and achieve success in sowing this seed.

In our plan, we will expand production capacity from 4 members to 30 members in 2027 & cooperate with these women by organizing the garment cooperative and invite them to be a core member with the fair shares & benefits.

For consumers in general, Green Cat hopes to expand its reach to the end users, with the goal of increasing awareness of traditional handicrafts in Vietnam and contributing to reducing negative impacts on the environment. Thereby, we target to reach 20/82%, equivalent to 684 end users of the group of consumers willing to support sustainable consumption (according to statistics table Vietnam willing to pay more for sustainable products). And reach 1% for a group of consumers who have not yet  ready to shift to sustainable consumption behaviors.

See more evidence here and in bibliography: 

RESOLUTION 88/2019/QH14 ON APPROVING MASTER PLAN ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ETHNIC MINORITIES AND MOUNTAINOUS AREAS 2021-2030

B3. Written presentation of the feasibility

B3.1. Key activities

Must-have (M), Nice-to-have (N)

1. To create profits, we conducted the following key activities:

+ (M) Optimize production cost: We outsource manufacturing Green Cat products with strict quality control so we can assure the entire workflow efficiently and manage the inventory carrying costs. Also, we make the most of the leftover materials by using them in our funnel products.

+ (M) R&D activities to continuously improve products (long-term profits): For example, through Facebook and Tiktok pages and in-depth research, we found that the customer group on Facebook has interest and needs support products from local sources, but they also require the products to have the same trends as famous brands such as Uniqlo, H&M… with competitive prices that are completely consistent with our potential, so we develop a new product that meets the remaining needs of the market.

+ (M) Reach new customers through diverse channels: Social media, Email marketing, SEO,… and offline channels via Word-of-mouth and Partnerships.

2. For social impacts, we conducted the following key activities:

+ (M) Boost sales to increase the demand for sustainable products so that locals will contribute to the economic development of artisans and give a hand to reduce fast fashion waste.

+ (N) Educate about traditional fabrics and guide customers toward clean and sustainably-grown products. 

+ (M) Collaborate with other brands to do Marketing campaigns and earn awareness of potential consumers.

+ (N) Join startup competitions, conferences to gain public attention, raise social awareness and spread the green spirit.

=> Our social-oriented and profit-oriented complement each other. In order to create sales sustainably, we have to raise our credibility by providing true values to customers by helping the minorities and vulnerable women in the workplace. Up-scale recovery and development of the cotton growing industry with the goal of self-supply for domestic factories; educating the public with quality-proven contents and joining competitions.

3.  Activities require in-house and partners: 

– Activities require Both:

+ Optimize production cost: we need to make the workflow in-house efficiently and effective collaboration with partners.

+ Research and development: To achieve internal growth goals and to effectively achieve the goal of developing cotton cultivation on a large scale requires us to have resources ready for long-term cooperation such as R&D, MKT , Finance… 

+ Reach new customers by utilizing in-house members and reaching out to our partners for qualified opportunities

– Activities require in-house: 

+Educate about traditional textile, minority culture and awareness about environment/ sustainable lifestyle and guide customers

+Join startup competitions, conferences

– Activities require partners:

+ HR and talent recruitments

+ Partnerships

+ Venture Investor

+ Discussion Event

B3.2. Key resources

 

With such a large amount of activities, we have to mobilize a lot of resources to meet. Below are key resources required for us to turn the above plan into action:

+ Material resources: raw material, Laboratory and instruments are three most important and must-have things to research, develop and produce Cotton Bio Seed to textiles in extension scale. The main raw material is the cotton plant, and it is known to be grown in Hoa Binh province in which we found out the problem of local people. The two physical resources left, we are still deploying them on a small scale by consuming fabric output and producing fashion products that are close to consumer needs. Through this, we can hope to access the necessary resources to implement this plan in the near future.

+ Financial resources: From 2019 until now, we have used our own financial resources to develop our business model. Since March 2024 we have been trying to participate in environmentally responsible startup and startup idea competitions to learn more about the potential to expand our model and increase its reach through venture investment or social grants and looking for potential partners and organizations with similar interests. This is a valuable resource that not only supports us in achieving our goals but also gives us the confidence and trust to continue on the path of sustainable development. We believe we can do it because of the product’s advantages as well as the social purpose it brings. Up to now, we have also been successful in approaching a number of reputable organizations that are willing to help us and achieve some of our goals regarding this resource. 

+ Human resources: Or in other words, it is the ability of the people involved in this project. The next section introduces all current team members, each of whom brings a unique skill set to the project’s development. However, we still lack digital marketing expertise, a member with experience in finance and strategic direction, and, most importantly, an experienced startup consultant. 

+ Community resources: Last but not least, we need a lot of support from the community to help Green Cat succeed. One of our biggest challenges is educating people to be more environmentally conscious and changing the way they consume, prioritizing local brands and gaining knowledge to support minority communities. . Therefore, this social resource is the most important resource and also the most difficult to acquire. But at any rate, as our business mantra, we will try to rethink in order to have a better future.

 

B3.3. The team

 

For the Green Cat project to operate stably and develop, we need a multidisciplinary team in charge of different aspects including research and development, digital marketing, sales, and consulting activities, finance. However, at the present time, although our Group has very few members, we all have passion  and a serious commitment to the business project, which is what we think has been successful in terms of communication. Inspiration for teammates when joining the team. We include:

– Mrs. Ngoc Han (Hanna): Founder, CEO – production sourcing and designer product of the project. She has over 10 years expertise in procurement & sourcing in the textile industry. Hanna moved to France in 2021 and continued to share her passion for endless inspiration for textile products imbued with Vietnamese identity. 

– Ms. Kim Loan (Luna): Co – Founder, Branding &  Business Development. She has over 10 years in social works and SME operating management. Luna joined Green Cat Founder Council in 2023 and contributes to business growth as well as marketing campaigns that help promote Green Cat’s image and core values to potential customers. 

– Ms. Thanh Mai (Mie): Sales Ecommerce & Sales B2B. When Mie first joined Green Cat, her starting position was in charge of event sales as well as e-commerce channels. Mie currently has a child so her ability to generate income is limited. Up to now, Green Cat has realized Mie’s many talents, so she has trained and built her to become a sales B2B person as well as giving her the freedom to create our funnel product line. Vivian’s career development path has become clearer and clearer since then.

– Mr. Viet Hung: Hung is currently a student of Foreign Trade University – FTU. Hung’s vision is to make the world an equal place for marginalized people especially in Vietnam.  He has motivation to help Green Cat in the SBC competition.

Ms. Thao Ngoc &  Ms. Hai Yen: Tik tok content creator. Group name “Bi & Bơ Project”

The two young energetic and creative people have brought Green Cat a fresh air  of ideas to reach to the Gen Z segment. They are motivated to create video content based on source information provided by Green Cat.

COACH:

  • Ms. Hồng: Finance & counselor. Her motivation to join the SBC community to help project as Green Cat to Develop sustainable society, solve social problems 
  • Ms. Quỳnh: Expertise in Marketing, Brand Management & CSR. She is interested in Sustainable development and is the one motivating Green Cat to join the SBC competition.
  • Mr. Nhật: PhD at Graduate University of Science and Technology. His desire in digital transformation and sustainability to help vulnerable community in developing economy and society

We manage conflicts by clear communication and open discussion in team meetings regarding different issues such as strategies, promotions, campaigns, work assignments… After we have agreed on the plan, we use a shared timeline table to keep track, push and help each other if needed. In this way we try to minimize misunderstanding and conflicts. We maintain a professional working attitude, make sure the leaving person passes her work according to the team and the new member can get used to the new job as fast as possible. 

Coaches are always side by side with Green Cat during the first stage and help us to have clear vision to action and help Green Cat approach close to the goal.

 

B3.4. Partners

 

– Our important partners are: 

  • Can Ty cooperative is our main hemp fabrics sourcing since 2019 till now.
  • Luc Nghiep Thanh cooperative is our main bio- cotton fabrics sourcing and will become a key strategic partner when we implement the project of replanting cotton seedlings on a large scale.
  • Production Household: they are a group of women middle aged and single mom. They are a vulnerable group of women and have difficulty accessing jobs that require strict hours as well as other restrictions when working as workers in export processing zones. These women accompanied Green Cat and were inspired to create sustainable fashion products.
  • 20 Retailers stores in major cities and tourism city around Viet Nam who on behalf us to share our stories and reach more to potential consumer (see list below)
  • We will approach to get more support from
  • Hoa Binh Community: To approve and provide us with additional resources to support the Muong people so that the cotton restoration project will increase its feasibility and create an impact on the neighboring community.
  • Social Innovation Hub (in the Northern region: Helps us reach and connect with sponsors as well as other manufacturing businesses and social enterprises that share the same interests and sponsor or accompany us.
  • Provincial Women’s Association: creating conditions for us to access capital with subsidizing interest rates from the state so that we can carry out the project with the Muong women.

 

 

B4.3. Social return on investment (SROI) model

 

To measure social impacts, we have some categories as below:

+ Less negative impact to environment: 

  • Hemp: In the era of SDGs, useful plants which provide valuable industrial outputs and at the same time pose less impact on the environment should be explored. Hemp seems one of the most relevant gluten-free crop plants to meet such requirements. Its high nutritional value is comparable to soy. Moreover, almost the whole body of the hemp plant has a wide array of utility: industrial production of food, fiber, and construction materials. In view of environmental sustainability, hemp requires less pesticides or water in cultivation compared to cotton, a representative fiber plant. According to National Library of Medicine
  • Bio – Cotton: According to the new study, it compares the environmental impact of different cotton farming systems. The study highlights that thoughtful and well-managed use of agrochemicals is a primary reason for the superior environmental performance of sustainable cotton systems. Regarding greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable cotton systems consistently show lower values, with organic cotton having the least impact. However, findings on water consumption vary significantly, indicating the need for a discussion on appropriate water management practices aligned with locally available resources. Hoa Binh province has very abundant water resources. Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, Hoa Binh has a large average rainfall (1,500 – 2,500) and concentrates in the rainy season (85 – 90%), excess water in the rainy season (from May to October) and water shortage in the dry season (from November to April). According to the long-standing experience of ethnic minority women, they recommend growing cotton according to seasons and only cultivating on damp lands where the cotton plants will naturally absorb air without watering. Because it is an experimental model, each household participating in organic cotton growing will cultivate about 2000 – 3000 cotton on an area of ​​5000 square meters. Which is considered to  provide any economic advantages to the local people and have the least impact on the environment. According to the environment impacts of different cotton farming system

+ Reduce fashion waste impact to environment:

 Sustainable fashion uses biodegradable components from natural or recycled fibers. These materials grow with no pesticide or fertilizer use, consume less energy and water, and employ no chemical treatment, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of these brands. According to why sustainable fashion?

+ Income of local people based on quantity of fabrics bought from the cooperative we help to build for the locals: We purchase directly from ethnic cooperatives and respect the purchasing prices set by themselves, helping them limit intermediary costs and receive value commensurate with the price equal to their effort.

+ Measured through Green Cat’s monthly sale: Through sales numbers, we can assess product specificity and the proportion of consumers who support sustainable local trade. From there, we will establish consumer behavior and demand analysis to improve quality and designs suitable for consumers in real time.

Although we have been on the market for 5 years, our initial resources are very limited so we still do not have enough feasible data to show you. The measures listed above will be used to assess both our social impact and economic impact going forward.

 

Learning Curve:

  • Customer Insight: shows great potential for further development in this file. Thereby increasing production capacity helps garment processing households increase their income

We understand more about our customer insights & created specific channels for the Gen Z segment. We sold 3 items just in the first week created by the Tik Tok channel without advertising (organic post)

We choose to cooperate with young people and respect their opinions as well as motivate them to freely create content that suits the tastes of Gen Z customers to increase product awareness and Then there will be more opportunities to share the story behind the product. shows great potential for further development in this customer segment. Thereby increasing production capacity helps women households & minority women increase their income.

Evidence: Email Green Cat and Bo – Bi

Gmail – Tiktok GC

  • Business Innovation: We think outside the box to improve our business model to adapt with new changes & challenges. We are enlightened in researching and selecting suitable product lines to sell  raw materials to Young designers or start up  small companies that bring high economic value to both of us and our stakeholders.
  • Networking partners: We have learned how to take advantage of external resources to help us develop sustainably and effectively as follows:
  • US Consulate
  • For Good Vietnam
  • SBC Hub
  • Supporting team
  • Coach & Mentors

References

Estimated market for Cotton:

Cooperative and number of participants in total 487 pps:

  • Luc Nghiep Thanh Cooperative (Mương people): 230 pps
  • Chieng Chau Cooperative (Thai people): 31 pps
  • Vong Ngan Cooperative (Muong people): 103 pps
  • Cao Ngoc ( Muong people): 40 pps
  • Lũng Niem Cooperative (Thai People): 83 pps
  • Can Ty Cooperative (Hmong People: 30 pps

Forecasting for cotton planting in 2024 – 2026 – data (internal resource)

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