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Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

We are a dedicated institute for student entrepreneurs across campus and beyond. We aim to maximize your success by fostering your entrepreneurial mindset, promote inter-disciplinary collaboration and provide support for the creation and development of your new ventures. Jumpstart your ideas and get involved today!

Tune in for excitement!

Passion. Potential. Pitches. Don't miss any of the 2025 New Venture Challenge excitement.

Tune in Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. for great ideas and fierce competition. Then, join the judges, mentors, spectators and teams as they see who is going home with thousands of dollars in venture financing. The awards broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m. and one team will walk away as the overall best venture. 

Start your entrepreneurial journey

Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration is the home of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship and the first Department of Entrepreneurship in the state of Michigan. We are a student-centric hub where experiential, curricular, and external entrepreneurial opportunities intersect.

Our mission is to maximize student success by fostering a campus-wide entrepreneurial mindset that promotes inter-disciplinary collaboration and the creation of new ventures.

We aim to create innovative programming, boost cross-campus and ecosystem collaboration and provide a comprehensive mentoring program.

Our institute provides extracurricular opportunities and is open to all undergraduate and graduate CMU students.

Student opportunities

  • Meet experienced alumni, faculty, entrepreneurs, investors, and other business and political leaders.
  • Learn practical skills, innovative thinking, and connect with mentors and entrepreneurial resources.
  • Attend skill-building workshops and compete in pitch competitions and Hackathons.
  • Take part in special scholarship programs and travel experiences.
  • Pitch your venture at our signature New Venture Challenge event and compete for up to $20,000 in cash awards.

      Find your path

      Are you interested in becoming an entrepreneur?

      Every journey is unique. Explore the opportunities that interest you.

      Central Michigan University partners with Macomb County to enhance educational opportunities

      by Jaime Griffis

      Central Michigan University is excited to announce the continuation of a strategic partnership with Macomb County to expand educational opportunities and foster community growth. This collaboration aims to provide innovative learning solutions, enhancing both personal and professional development opportunities.

      Through this partnership, Macomb County employees, their spouses, and dependents under age 24 will receive a 15% discount on CMU’s online programs. This initiative includes accessible online learning options, flexible scheduling, and a focus on in-demand skills, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from CMU's high-quality education.

      Kaleb Patrick, Ed.D., interim Vice President for Innovation and Online at CMU, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with Macomb County in this endeavor. Our mission at Central Michigan University is to provide transformative education that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to making higher education accessible and relevant to the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders."

      "We believe that education is a cornerstone of community development," added Dr. Patrick. "By leveraging our resources and expertise, we can help Macomb County employees’ achieve their educational and career goals, ultimately contributing to the overall prosperity of the region."

      For more information about the partnership, including how to apply please visit online.cmich.edu/MacombCounty. 

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