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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 Online announces new partnership with DTE Energy

      by Jaime Griffis

      Central Michigan University Online is proud to announce a new partnership with DTE Energy, providing a 10% tuition discount to DTE Energy employees, their spouses, and dependents under age 24. This collaboration expands educational opportunities for nearly 10,000 employees and their families, making it easier to pursue career advancement through flexible, high-quality online programs.

      “At CMU, we are committed to supporting Michigan’s workforce by providing accessible and affordable education,” said Rob VanDorin, Executive Director of Business and Community Outreach. “Through this partnership with DTE Energy, we are helping employees and their families gain the skills and knowledge they need to grow professionally and achieve their goals.”

      CMU Online offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals. With flexible online learning and experienced faculty, students can balance their education with their careers and personal commitments.

      For more details on this partnership and how to apply, visit online.cmich.edu/DTEEnergy

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      Questions?

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