A student standing and speaking in front of a large crowd in French Auditorium.

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.

2025 NVC Competition Live Stream

2025 NVC Awards Live Stream

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.

A student standing with a faculty member holding big winning checks from the New Venture Challenge 2024.

Start up

Build up your venture idea.

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A student smiling and standing in front of his venture display at the 2024 New Venture Challenge.

Family business

Explore the Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways category at NVC.

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A close-up of the Prusa i3 MK3 printer in the entrepreneurship makerspace, the IDEA Den in Grawn Hall 166.

Product and prototype design

Create and patent your ideas.

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Innovation

Explore your ideas and build your skills.

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Championing geographic literacy: The Michigan Geographic Alliance

by Robert Wang

Since its founding in 1989, the Michigan Geographic Alliance (MGA) has been at the forefront of enhancing geographic literacy among Michigan’s students. Headquartered at Central Michigan University (CMU), the Alliance has grown into a dynamic network of geographers and educators dedicated to transforming the way geography is taught and understood in classrooms across the state. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, MGA continues to inspire both teachers and students to engage with geography in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Empowering educators through professional development

Over the past year, MGA has engaged over 250 teachers through a variety of professional development programs. These initiatives are designed to equip educators with the tools, resources, and methodologies needed to bring geography to life in their classrooms. By fostering a deeper understanding of geographic concepts, MGA empowers teachers to create engaging and impactful lessons that resonate with students of all ages.

Inspiring students with interactive learning

MGA’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of geographers is evident in its innovative use of interactive resources like the Giant Maps and the Family Geography Night Kit. These tools have reached nearly 2,000 K-12 students, providing them with hands-on opportunities to explore geographic concepts in fun and engaging ways. By making geography tangible and accessible, MGA ignites curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world among Michigan’s youth.

Partnering for impact

MGA’s dedication to curriculum development is exemplified through collaborations, such as the one with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support Project. This initiative integrates environmental education with geographic literacy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of natural systems and human activities. By aligning curriculum with real-world issues, MGA ensures that students gain a holistic understanding of the world around them.

Within CMU, MGA actively collaborates on impactful projects that enhance geographic education. Initiatives like H2O Q and the ESRI Student Map Competition demonstrate the Alliance’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in geographic learning. Through these partnerships, MGA not only strengthens its role as a leader in geographic education but also provides students with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain recognition for their work.

Looking ahead

As the Michigan Geographic Alliance continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to champion geographic literacy and inspire a lifelong love of learning about the world. By empowering educators, engaging students, and forging meaningful partnerships, MGA is shaping a future where geography plays a central role in understanding and addressing the challenges of our interconnected world.