About Vivi Ni, L.E.A.D. Research Fellow
Vivi Ni is a student at Troy High School specializing in business strategy and data-driven innovation. Her experience spans digital marketing, financial operations, and community-centered project development, with a focus on creating scalable and impact-driven solutions.
As part of an incubator initiative in Lubao, Philippines, she contributes to efforts supporting micro-entrepreneurs and advancing inclusive economic growth. Vivi is committed to leveraging her skills to build ventures that drive meaningful and sustainable change.
About My Research:
Funding Local Entrepreneurs
Hypothesis
Among eligible micro-entrepreneurs in Lubao, those who receive micro-grants (₱5,000–₱15,000) will show a statistically significant greater increase in their Business Asset Accumulation Index (BAAI) over a six-month period, compared to a randomized control group who do not receive funding.
Outcomes
Economics: increase in verifiable business assets (such as equipment, tools, inventory, and upgraded space).
Education: Participants will receive foundational knowledge on budgeting, reinvestment planning, and basic record keeping through the mandatory Financial Literacy and Business Planning Workshops.
Research: The study provides rigorous, randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence on the direct, causal impact of micro-grants on asset accumulation in a developing-economy setting.
Local Economic Stimulation: The project introduces capital investment directly into the local economy by facilitating the purchase of business assets, tools, and inventory.
Donor Confidence: The use of an objective, verifiable index (BAAI) tied to a clear statistical outcome provides tangible metrics for fundraising efforts, increasing donor confidence and future project funding potential.
