
Start up
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.
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.
Are you interested in becoming an entrepreneur?
Every journey is unique. Explore the opportunities that interest you.
Tyler Smith, an accomplished alumnus of Central Michigan University, epitomizes the transformative power of academic excellence and steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Graduating from CMU with a triple major in Geospatial Analysis of the Environment, Environmental Land Use Planning, and Environmental Studies in the spring of 2015, Tyler's journey from student to professional exemplifies the intersection of academic rigor and practical application in the realm of ecological consulting.
During his tenure at CMU from 2012 to 2015, Tyler's academic pursuits were characterized by unwavering dedication and a thirst for knowledge. While initially intending to pursue a double major, Tyler's insatiable curiosity and passion for environmental work led him to expand his academic horizons, ultimately culminating in a triple major that equipped him with a multifaceted understanding of environmental dynamics.
Central to Tyler's academic journey was his immersion in diverse learning experiences, ranging from mastering Geographic Information Systems to honing his skills in effective communication. These formative experiences not only deepened Tyler's expertise but also ignited his fervor for addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions.
Upon transitioning from student life to the professional sphere, Tyler seamlessly translated his academic acumen into tangible contributions within the field of ecological consulting. Leveraging his internships and proactive networking efforts, Tyler navigated the competitive landscape of environmental employment with aplomb, securing a fulfilling role that aligned with his career aspirations.
A staunch advocate for continuous learning and professional development, Tyler underscores the importance of embracing new challenges and remaining receptive to novel experiences in one's career journey. Encouraging aspiring environmental professionals to adopt a mindset of perpetual growth, Tyler emphasizes the value of being receptive to diverse perspectives and seizing opportunities for skill enhancement.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by mentors such as Mark Francek, a revered professor at CMU, Tyler expresses gratitude for the guidance and inspiration that propelled him towards his vocation. Through his unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and restoration efforts, Tyler exemplifies the transformative potential of academic excellence in effecting positive change within our ecological landscape.
Tyler's endeavors as the Director of Niswander Environmental serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability principles and fostering ecological resilience. By spearheading initiatives aimed at wetland restoration and green space creation, Tyler's work embodies a visionary approach to environmental stewardship, leaving an indelible imprint on our collective efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Explore special opportunities to learn new skills and travel the world.
Present your venture and win BIG at the New Venture Challenge.
Boost your entrepreneurial skills through our workshops, mentor meetups and pitch competitions.
Learn about the entrepreneurship makerspace on campus in Grawn Hall.
Present a 2-minute pitch at the Make-A-Pitch Competition and you could win prizes and bragging rights!
Connect with mentors and faculty who are here to support the next generation of CMU entrepreneurs.
Are you a CMU alum looking to support CMU student entrepreneurs? Learn how you can support or donate to the Entrepreneurship Institute.