Students for Microenterprise Development

The purpose of this organization is to promote the development of microenterprises around the world.

Completed Major Project (July 2023): Since 2017, SMD has helped four groups of ethnic minority women in Cao Bang, Viet Nam, grow their microenterprise. Each year, we held several sales events on campus to sell the handcrafted items made by the women using traditional methods. Sales proceeds (in the form of working capital to grow their business and seed capital for Village Savings and Loan Associations) have been shared with the women. These funds help provide for the women's children's education and other family needs. Our support also ensured that traditional methods of making hemp fabric and dyeing techniques using plants are not lost.

Scheduled events

Date/Time	Location	Description
02/27/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	A Day in the Life
03/13/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	Federal Reserve Meeting
03/27/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	A Day in the Life of a Ph.D. Student
04/10/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	Federal Reserve Meeting
04/24/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	A Day in the Life
05/08/25, 4PM - 6PM	MH 118 or Zoom	Networking Event

How to Join SMD

All currently enrolled UNO students in good standing who pay University Program and Facilities Fees (UPFF) at UNO are eligible for membership. To become a member, please send a request to join SMD using MavSYNC.

2024 - 2025 Officers

President: Samantha Williams
Vice President for Membership and Recruitment: Gabriel Pilon-Gaiotto
Vice President for Communications and Finance: Ryan Holz
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Y. Co