Project Nicaragua is excited and grateful that the SME Lending Arm was chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Babcock Charity Auction. We appreciate the support of the students, faculty and staff at the Wake Forest Schools of Business. Please read below to learn more about Project Nicaragua and the SME Fund.

Project Nicaragua Quick Facts

Project Nicaragua was founded in 2006 by 4 graduate business students: Christopher Burch, Megan Glaser, Ben King and Chris Yuko

There are 3 co-heads that serve as the leadership of the project

There are 3 arms in the project : Seminars, Consulting and the SME Fund

Over 2000 hours are invested by graduate business students and faculty in the project each academic year.

Project Nicaragua has won awards and received recognition from regional and national media, the GMAC board of business schools, and  the U.S. government

FAQs

Does Project Nicaragua only work with people in Nicaragua?

No. Project Nicaragua leads seminars in Winston-Salem, Santa Fe and Benin, Africa, in addition to the work done in Nicaragua.

Is the SME Lending fund for profit?

The organization will be structured as a non-profit revolving SME fund, to allow maximum social and economic impact in the communities in which we are involved. The SME fund will initially be funded through donations and fundraisers throughout the Schools of Business and Wake Forest Community.  The donations will be tax-deductible.  By not returning the proceeds to the fund donors, the SME fund has the opportunity to grow perpetually, increasing the overall number of small and medium sized businesses that can be assisted.  This structure provides the SME fund the flexibility to maintain and act in a socially responsible manner.

What is the purpose of Project Nicaragua?

The goal of Project Nicaragua is for students to use the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom to advance the understanding and abilities of small business owners in both the local and global community.

Please click here to learn more about the SME Fund.