USU Eastern Student Teaches Entrepreneurs Internationally Through SEED Program

A Utah State University Eastern student is gaining hands-on international experience through the Small Enterprise Education and Development program, offered through the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. The program connects students with entrepreneurs around the world to help build and grow small businesses.

Dresden Miller is currently participating in the SEED internship and is working in the Dominican Republic this semester. While there, he is working directly with local entrepreneurs, teaching business principles, providing mentorship, and helping individuals strengthen and expand their businesses.

The SEED program is built around a simple idea: give Utah State University students the chance to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in real communities. Students spend a semester preparing then travel abroad for a full semester, where they teach business development courses and work one-on-one with small business owners.

The goal is not just education but impact. By helping individuals learn how to create and sustain businesses, the program aims to support long-term economic growth and self-reliance in communities around the world.

Before leaving the country, Miller spent the previous semester preparing for the experience through coursework focused on building lesson plans, curriculum development and cultural understanding — skills that are essential for working in a new environment.

According to Doug Miller, executive director of the Southeastern Entrepreneurial Network, director of the Economic Development Center at USU Eastern, and professional practice associate professor of marketing and strategy, that preparation is a key part of what makes the program successful.

“Students participate in classes and training before they leave to live in a different country and train entrepreneurs on how to ideate, create and grow their businesses,” Miller said.

SEED internships take place in several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Cambodia and Peru, where students partner with local organizations and work directly in the community.

For USU Eastern, Miller’s participation represents more than just an individual opportunity. It’s part of a growing connection to global learning experiences. In addition to supporting students currently in the program, efforts are underway to expand access for future participants.

“I expect that Dresden will be the first of many students from Eastern to participate,” Miller said.

As the program continues to grow, students like Dresden Miller have the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into experiences that combine education, service and real-world application, while making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.

For more information, visit: https://huntsman.usu.edu/seed/application.