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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.

      CMU alumnus Tyler Smith embodies academic excellence and environmental leadership

      by Robert Wang

      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.

      Questions?