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Social Entrepreneurship Empowerment Development (SEED) Program

The SEED Program is a six-month immersive, experiential learning initiative designed to empower undergraduate students to become changemakers in their communities and beyond.

Bringing together a diverse cohort of students from the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Japan, the program explores the intersection of business, innovation and social impact. Participants engage in guided mentorship, hands-on projects and cross-cultural collaboration, gaining the tools and mindset to design sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. All projects are rooted in social entrepreneurship, business development, cross-cultural communication, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Students participate in the SEED program

Program Highlights

  • Hybrid Format: A blend of online lectures and workshops focused on entrepreneurship, SDGs, and Japanese social and economic systems.
  • Impact Projects: Students collaborate on high-impact initiatives with producers in the Yamanashi community, developing solutions that drive meaningful and lasting change.
  • Global Collaboration: Cross-cultural teamwork fosters new perspectives and global awareness.
  • Mentorship: Ongoing guidance from experts in social entrepreneurship, business, and international development.
Study Tour in Japan

Study Tour in Japan

The program culminates in a two-week immersive study tour in Yamanashi and Tokyo. Students travel to Japan to:

  • Visit embassies, international organizations, universities and innovative companies.
  • Meet directly with business owners and community leaders to understand pressing local challenges.
  • Gain insights into Japan’s industries, economy and cultural dynamics.
  • Deliver a public pitch in Yamanashi, presenting research and entrepreneurial proposals to the community.

Why Join SEED?

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an emerging community leader or simply someone passionate about making a difference, the SEED Program provides a launchpad to transform your ideas into action. You’ll graduate not only with new knowledge and international experience, but also with the confidence and global network to lead impactful change.

Contact Information:

Staci Bernhard, MS
Assistant Director, Global Initiatives
Florida International University College of Business
Phone: (305) 348-0327
Email: sbernhar@fiu.edu