Suan Dusit University (SDU) is committed to being an educational institution that plays a vital role in driving local community development, particularly through its support for the establishment of financially and socially sustainable businesses. The University has continuously implemented various projects to assist local entrepreneurs, community enterprises, and the general public through knowledge transfer, practical training, professional consultation, and access to university resources — all provided free of charge. These initiatives reflect the University’s determination to create a sustainable local business ecosystem that is inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all.
In the academic year 2024/2025, Suan Dusit University carried out several significant projects that had a tangible impact on local economic and social development.
One of the most prominent initiatives was the “GSB Yuwapat Rak Thin Project”, conducted by the Faculty of Management Science in collaboration with the Government Savings Bank (GSB). The project aimed to promote local wisdom and enhance the quality of community products and services to increase their competitiveness in the market. SDU lecturers and students worked directly with community enterprises to provide consultation on product improvement, quality assessment, and marketing strategy development. All services were offered free of charge, supported by GSB, representing a successful integration of academic expertise with social and community development.🔗 Project News – dusit.ac.th
Another important initiative was the “Home Lodge Workshop: Strengthening Community Tourism Operators”, supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The program provided participants with knowledge on business management, service quality standards, and creative marketing, enabling local operators to build high-quality and sustainable community-based tourism enterprises. The training was organized as a free workshop for local entrepreneurs, expanding their access to new economic opportunities in an equitable and inclusive manner.🔗 Project News – dusit.ac.th
In addition, the University’s Lampang Education Center launched the “Lampang Learning City” project, in line with the UNESCO Learning City framework. The initiative created a learning space for local entrepreneurs and community groups to access knowledge, resources, and academic expertise from the University without any cost. The project encouraged lifelong learning, community-driven innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, helping local enterprises strengthen their competitiveness and adaptability.🔗 Lampang Learning City – dusit.ac.th
Another core mechanism supporting these goals is the SDU Business Incubation Center, which provides mentorship, coaching, and business advisory services. The Center offers access to the University’s facilities, expert networks, and innovation tools to students and local entrepreneurs who wish to start or expand their businesses. All services are provided free of charge, enabling participants to transform their ideas into viable and sustainable ventures.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Suan Dusit University has achieved tangible results in multiple dimensions. Economically, local entrepreneurs and communities have developed value-added products and new market opportunities. Socially, communities have gained equal access to knowledge and support without financial barriers, fostering confidence and social resilience. Educationally, students have gained practical experience, applying academic knowledge to real-world contexts and contributing meaningfully to social and community development.
Looking forward, Suan Dusit University is determined to expand and enhance its community entrepreneurship initiatives. The University plans to develop short courses and workshops tailored for local entrepreneurs, foster greater collaboration with public and private sectors to promote social enterprise, and elevate the SDU Business Incubation Center as a regional platform for innovation and start-up development. The University also emphasizes transparency by continually publishing its outcomes and best practices for public access.
In the academic year 2024/2025, Suan Dusit University clearly demonstrated its strong commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship. By providing free knowledge-sharing, training, consultation, and business incubation services, the University has empowered communities to strengthen their capacities and achieve sustainable growth. These efforts, supported by publicly available evidence, fully align with the SDG 1.4.1 – Local Start-up Assistance indicator.