ASEAN Offering 120 Young Entrepreneurs Free Business Training and Up to USD 20,000 in Ad Credits

If you run a small business in Southeast Asia and have been trying to crack the code on digital sales, the ASEAN Foundation just opened its most ambitious support programme yet. ASEAN SOAR Together 2.0 — backed by TikTok Shop — is now accepting applications from MSMEs across all 11 ASEAN member states, and the value on the table is substantial.

Selected participants enter a six-month structured acceleration journey — not a webinar series, not a PDF toolkit, but hands-on training, expert mentorship, regional exposure, and real advertising firepower.

What the Programme Actually Gives You?

The centrepiece benefit is TikTok Ad Credits of up to USD 20,000 per business — real money that directly amplifies your reach on one of the world’s fastest-growing commerce platforms. Alongside that, participants receive intensive virtual training in content creation, live selling, e-commerce optimization, and financial literacy, delivered by TikTok Shop industry experts. Group mentoring sessions with ASEAN business mentors follow, focusing on strategy, marketing, and building social impact into your growth model.

Top performers are invited to showcase at regional events including the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2026 — a platform that puts your brand in front of investors, partners, and policymakers across Southeast Asia.

Who This Is For?

The programme targets MSMEs legally registered or actively operating in ASEAN, with at least one founder or C-suite representative who is an ASEAN national. You must have a product or service viable for online sales and demonstrate basic digital readiness — an active social media page or e-commerce listing qualifies. A TikTok account is an advantage, though a willingness to create one is sufficient. Crucially, the programme is conducted entirely in English.

Not Ready to Apply? Start With the Free Masterclass

For those still evaluating, ASEAN SOAR Together program 2.0 offers a no-commitment entry point: a free online masterclass on 28 April or 7 May 2026. Open to anyone — entrepreneurs, aspiring sellers, or students of digital commerce — it delivers a preview of programme content alongside tactical insights from TikTok Shop experts. A certificate of participation is issued upon completion. The application deadline for the masterclass is 26 April 2026.