Supporting entrepreneurs throughout 2024
Thriving Amidst Challenges
Myanmar continues to face immense socio-political and economic challenges, creating an unpredictable and often fragile operating environment. Inflation, instability, and barriers to digital access have added layers of complexity for entrepreneurs across the country, especially women and underserved youth.
Yet, amidst these challenges, ONOW Myanmar has remained steadfast in our mission: to equip female entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to build sustainable businesses and improve their lives and communities.
Today, we’re proud to share highlights from ONOW Myanmar’s impactful year in 2024, and announce a significant milestone from the year: May Thinzar Aung was appointed as the third Managing Director of ONOW Myanmar, a role she steps into with a decade of experience in leadership, coaching, and program delivery with ONOW.
Enduring Commitment to Myanmar’s Entrepreneurs
ONOW Myanmar’s work has always been rooted in a high-touch approach, blending digital tools with personalized coaching and community-building activities. Last year, despite persistent challenges, ONOW successfully delivered transformative programs in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and UN Women, reaching hundreds of entrepreneurs in both rural and peri-urban areas.
“Amid instability and uncertainty, Myanmar’s entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience. At ONOW, we’re committed to walking alongside them, offering not just tools, but encouragement, accountability, and hope.”
— May Thinzar Aung, Managing Director, ONOW Myanmar
Highlights from the NRC Entrepreneur Support Program
In partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), ONOW Myanmar delivered an Entrepreneur Support and Coaching Program, empowering youth entrepreneurs in Southeast Myanmar.
Key Achievements:
• 50 participants (80% female, 20% male) successfully completed the training.
• 70% (35 participants) launched new businesses.
• Training delivered through 12 digital lessons and 4 tailored phone-based modules for participants without smartphones or stable internet access.
• Coaches conducted over 59 hours of coaching, averaging 7 sessions per participant across 388 calls.
Success Story: Nan Mani Sandar
After completing ONOW’s training, Nan Mani Sandar launched her bakery and beverage business in Hpa-An. Her disciplined approach to financial management and strong coaching support helped her achieve 700,000 MMK in monthly sales shortly after starting.
“Through these coaching conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of business planning and identified how to create my business’s value propositions. I am now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to grow my business systematically.”
— Nan Mani Sandar, Program Participant
Resilience Through Collaboration: UN Women Projects
ONOW Myanmar’s partnership with UN Women has spanned multiple impactful projects, addressing financial literacy gaps, building entrepreneurial resilience, and providing multi-dimensional support.
Current UN Women Resilience and Recovery Project
Focused on 300 women entrepreneurs in peri-urban Yangon and Mandalay, this program emphasizes trust-building, collaboration, and access to tailored tools and resources.
Key Achievements (2024):
• 218 women entrepreneurs onboarded (117 from Mandalay, 101 from Yangon).
• Participants developed Business Model Canvases (BMCs) and Use of Fund Plans.
• Peer networking facilitated practical knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
• Digital tools, including AI-powered financial trackers, enhanced participant outcomes.
UN Women Building Bridges Project (2023-2024)
Last year’s WEE Building Bridges Project set the foundation for many of these achievements.
Key Outcomes:
• 385 women completed onboarding and training.
• 222 women completed constraint assessments.
• 232 women completed business modeling.
• 214 women created financing plans.
• 200+ women referred to onward services for psychosocial support, legal aid, and financial access.
Success Story: Mya Thidar Lwin
After joining the ONOW program, Mya transformed her home-based egg and ice cream shop into a thriving business. Through coaching and peer discussions, she adopted structured financial management practices, expanded her product offerings, and leveraged digital marketing to increase visibility and sales.
“Thanks to ONOW, I became wiser with my spending and managed my finances better than before. Amidst obstacles, I gained confidence and now see opportunities clearly.”
— Mya Thidar Lwin, Program Participant
A Balanced Approach: Digital Tools + High-Touch Coaching
ONOW Myanmar’s programs are designed to bridge the gap between digital accessibility and personal connection:
• Digital Tools: Chatbot-based training, AI-powered financial tracking, and virtual coaching libraries.
• High-Touch Coaching: Personalized one-on-one sessions, goal-setting exercises, and regular follow-ups.
• Peer Support Groups: Collaborative spaces for participants to learn, share, and support one another.
Announcing May Thinzar Aung as Managing Director
In 2024, ONOW Myanmar was proud to officially announce May Thinzar Aung as its third Managing Director. Thinzar brings not only deep expertise in entrepreneurship and coaching but also a profound understanding of Myanmar’s unique socio-economic challenges.
A Decade of Leadership and Impact:
• Previously served as Director of Programs, overseeing strategic delivery across multiple high-impact initiatives.
• Passionate about trust-building and collaborative learning as cornerstones of ONOW’s mission.
• Known for her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering community resilience.
“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical moment for Myanmar’s entrepreneurs and the country as a whole. ONOW will continue to innovate, adapt, and serve as a bridge for underserved communities to access opportunities and thrive in uncertain times.”
— May Thinzar Aung, Managing Director, ONOW Myanmar
Looking Ahead: ONOW Myanmar’s Vision for 2025
As ONOW Myanmar looks to the future, our focus remains on:
• Expanding reach to underserved communities across Myanmar.
• Deepening partnerships with local CSOs, MFIs, and global networks.
• Fostering peer support networks for ongoing collaboration and resilience.
Closing Thoughts
In a world where uncertainty has become the norm, ONOW Myanmar remains a constant source of support, innovation, and hope for women entrepreneurs. For communities that are shaken by unending conflict and economic hardship, a business that serves the community can sometimes be the only sign of enduring light.
With May Thinzar Aung’s leadership, a proven track record of impact, an amazing team of trainers and coaches, committed partners, and a resilient community of entrepreneurs, ONOW hopes to continue building pathways to economic empowerment and sustainable growth in Myanmar.
“At ONOW, we are not just building businesses; we are building hope, resilience, and a better future for Myanmar’s entrepreneurs.”
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