At Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA), we believe in the power of education to change lives and create lasting social impact. Through our co-financing of the Enterprise Solution Finders (ESF) program, we are equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to build businesses that tackle social challenges and uplift entire communities.
Launched in 2021 by Enterprise Vision Academy (EV) and Khmer Enterprise, the ESF program is a 15-week business training initiative designed to empower owners and employees of social enterprises. The program goes beyond traditional business education, incorporating personal development, financial literacy, and social impact strategies to help entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures. Through mentorship, coaching, and practical learning, participants gain the tools to turn their ideas into impactful enterprises.
In January 2024, AEA joined as a co-financer of Season 4 of the ESF programme under the CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the EU. The season concluded with an award ceremony on 13 December 2024 in Kampot, where outstanding business models blending economic success with meaningful social contributions were celebrated.
Among the winners was Mr. Samnang, whose journey stands as a testament to how education and training can empower a socially responsible entrepreneur.
Mr. Samnang: Learning for Impact
With a background in pharmacology, Mr. Samnang has always been passionate about health and well-being. Realizing the importance of nutritious, locally sourced food, he founded MA EA, Foods of Love, a social enterprise dedicated to producing healthy sauces, drinks, and pickled vegetables such as sweet radish.
Winning the top prize of 10 million Riels (about $2,500) gave Mr. Samnang the opportunity to professionalize his branding and labels, helping his products reach a broader market. Today, his products are available in Lucky Supermarkets in Phnom Penh, and he’s aiming to expand to more cities. He plans to hire a skilled marketing specialist to build his business into a well-known local brand.
However, for Mr. Samnang, success goes beyond business growth.
His mission isn’t just about selling products – it’s about promoting healthy eating in local communities and ensuring that farmers are equipped with knowledge and paid fairly. By investing in education and skills development within his community, he’s creating a ripple effect of empowerment that extends beyond his own success.
Together, let’s envision communities where entrepreneurs, farmers, and consumers make informed choices about their health, and where ethical sourcing becomes the norm. AEA is dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower individuals through education and training, helping them create meaningful impact in their communities. Through our partnerships, we are committed to fostering education-driven entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Knowledge leads to action, and action leads to change.
