VABA Marks 15 Years of Uniting Entrepreneurs Under One Voice

David Duong, who arrived in the Bay Area as a refugee in 1979, built the association from the lessons of his own journey in the waste-management industry. After establishing California Waste Solutions, he recognized a gap in the market for a collective entity that could link emerging founders with experienced advisers and capital. Today, the organization operates across 12 U.S. states and eight countries, facilitating everything from municipal recycling partnerships to high-level trade delegations.

The association's growth is anchored in its "Speak with One Voice" motto, which guides its three core pillars: support, advocacy, and networking. This approach has proven effective in practical applications, such as the Pitch Perfect competition and the launch of VABA Venture Capital, which is backed by $50 million from the Duong family office. By bridging the gap between startup founders and institutional investors, the group has moved beyond simple networking, creating a functional ecosystem for capital deployment.

Beyond the boardroom, the association maintains a heavy focus on civic engagement and cultural preservation. From hosting the "Gratitude to America" celebration to funding flood relief in Vietnam and local college scholarships in Oakland, the group integrates commerce with community service. These efforts, including the promotion of the documentary The King of Trash, serve to connect younger generations with the history and resilience of their predecessors while maintaining a steady focus on modern business growth.