After conducting an initial feasibility analysis during the first semester of the Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise MBA, Venture Teams of three-to-five students are assigned projects based on student preferences and skill sets. Top ventures advance to the next phase in the spring semester where teams develop a detailed business plan and project plan for the summer field work.

During the summer, teams travel for 10-weeks to the region where they plan to implement their enterprise. They conduct field research, meet with stakeholders and government officials, test prototypes, and spend time with potential customers, suppliers, and distributors.

Upon returning to for the final semester, teams submit field work reports, determine funding approaches, and present recommendations to project partners.


GSSE Venture Teams work on projects identified by incoming students, CSU Faculty, and partner organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, PCI Global, and iDE. See a list of more project partners here http://biz.colostate.edu/CASE/People/Pages/PartnerOrganizations.aspx.

• AYZH is a student-initiated social enterprise that designs, manufactures, and sells low cost household and health-related products to women in India.
• A GSSE Venture Team designed and managed a feasibility project for International Development Enterprises to determine the market for a sub-horsepower engine/pump-set for farmers in India, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. The resulting company, Small Engines for Economic Development (SEED) is finishing field tests and taking orders.
• A CSU scientist had a GSSE team conduct a feasibility analysis and market testing of nitrogen fertilizer from blue-green algae for farmers in Africa. The resulting company, Thin Air Nitrogen Solutions (TANSI), has since received major funding from USAID.