Stanford Student Enterprises is a young, dynamic organization which reflects the energy and talent of our student employees, but our close affiliation with the ASSU imbues SSE with a tradition as old as Stanford University itself.

First organized in 1891, the ASSU is the designated representative of the student body. In the early 1960’s, the student position of Financial Manager was created to oversee ASSU financial operations, and the Association formally separated its accounts from those of the University. As a further step towards financial independence, the ASSU stopped receiving funding from the University in 1995. In 1996, Financial Manager John Hall founded Stanford Student Enterprises in order to ensure the long-term financial viability and independence of the Association.

Today, SSE has seven enterprises with several hundred employees and total assets exceeding more than $13 million – we manage our short and long term investments, operate a banking service for all student groups, create Stanford’s phone book directory, sell Stanford apparel, and provide other valuable products and services on campus. Although we strive to continually grow existing programs, we endeavor to maintain an environment of entrepreneurship and opportunity and leverage the innovation and expertise of Stanford University students on a continual basis. New areas are explored every year: 1999 saw the creation of the Internet Solutions Group, 2001 saw the implementation of the Business Leadership Program, and 2006 saw the launch of our custom products division. In 2008 the first Stanford student business idea will be funded by SSE Ventures.