Start up
Build up your venture idea.
Learn more
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 partners with United Wholesale Mortgage to offer exclusive tuition savings
by
Jaime Griffis
Central Michigan University (CMU) Online is thrilled to announce a new partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) that provides significant tuition savings for UWM team members, their spouses, and dependents under 24 years of age. This collaboration marks an exciting step in making higher education more accessible and affordable for working professionals and their families.
"We are thrilled to build upon our relationship with United Wholesale Mortgage," said Rob VanDorin, Executive Director of Business & Community Outreach. "This expansion reflects our joint dedication to fostering educational advancement and professional growth for their associates and families."
The agreement offers a 10 percent tuition reduction for eligible individuals. This benefit is exclusively available for online programs, reinforcing CMU commitment to flexibility and accessibility in higher education.
CMU Online is dedicated to providing an engaging learning experience that prepares students for career advancement and lifelong learning. With this partnership, CMU Online and UWM are empowering more individuals to achieve their educational and professional goals.
For more information about this partnership or to explore CMU Online programs, please visit online.cmich.edu or call 800-950-1144.
About Central Michigan University Online
Central Michigan University Online offers a variety of flexible and convenient programs designed to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population. With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, CMU Online provides an engaging learning experience that prepares students for career advancement and lifelong learning.
About United Wholesale Mortgage
United Wholesale Mortgage is a leading mortgage lender dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative mortgage solutions. UWM is committed to fostering an environment that supports the growth and development of its team members and their families.
Signature Programs
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
Explore special opportunities to learn new skills and travel the world.
Compete & Win
New Venture Challenge 2025
Present your venture and win BIG at the New Venture Challenge.
Build your skills
Workshops and events
Boost your entrepreneurial skills through our workshops, mentor meetups and pitch competitions.
Develop your ideas
IDEA Den
Learn about the entrepreneurship makerspace on campus in Grawn Hall.
Ready, Set, Pitch!
Make-A-Pitch 2024
Present a 2-minute pitch at the Make-A-Pitch Competition and you could win prizes and bragging rights!
Meet Mentors
Mentorship and support
Connect with mentors and faculty who are here to support the next generation of CMU entrepreneurs.
Support students
Make an impact
Are you a CMU alum looking to support CMU student entrepreneurs? Learn how you can support or donate to the Entrepreneurship Institute.
View our programming newsletter
Alumni give back to students through mentorship, real-world experiences
The Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program wrapped its first cohort this academic year.
Students compete to win cash prizes at the New Venture Challenge
Pitched 40 ventures at NMV Challenge, Friday, April 19, CMU. Judges awarded $100,000 in cash prizes.
Wakeling Gendron Scholars make a life-changing trip to Texas
Wakeling and Gendron Scholars attended SXSW in Texas, meeting industry leaders and gaining entrepreneurial insights.
Business barriers lead CMU students to a new venture
Justin Ashman and Philip Mundt won Central Michigan University's New Venture Competition with their 3-D printing operation, Form Further.
