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.

Learn more

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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CMU takes flight with D.A.R.E.

by Robert Wang

A group of students at Central Michigan University (CMU) have taken flight with the creation of a new Registered Student Organization – D.A.R.E. (Drone Aviation, Research, and Engineering).

At its core, D.A.R.E. was born out of a desire to cultivate a thriving community of drone enthusiasts right on campus. "We saw a need for a space where students passionate about drones could come together, collaborate, and unleash their creativity," shares one of the founding members.

This RSO promises an immersive experience filled with a diverse range of activities and projects. From hands-on drone flying sessions to workshops on cutting-edge drone technology, D.A.R.E. provides a platform for students to delve into all aspects of aerial exploration. Not to mention, collaborative projects such as aerial photography missions and high-speed drone racing competitions are also on the horizon.

However, the benefits of joining D.A.R.E. extend far beyond the thrill of flight. Members have the opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience in drone operation and technology, while also honing essential skills in teamwork, leadership, and project management.

Most exciting of all is D.A.R.E.'s commitment to fostering connections with industry leaders. By actively seeking corporate involvement, the RSO aims to provide its members with access to internships, sponsorships, and invaluable industry expertise. A recent visit to Firefly, a pioneering drone company based in Detroit, offered members a firsthand glimpse into the cutting-edge technology shaping the future of aerial innovation. Plans for innovative projects, including DIY drones with custom features and thrilling drone racing events, are already in the works.

Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a curious newcomer, all students with a passion for drones are welcomed with open arms.

So, how can you join this soaring community of drone enthusiasts? It's as simple as attending one of D.A.R.E.'s engaging meetings or events, where students can learn more about the organization and sign up to become members. For updates on activities and opportunities to connect, be sure to follow D.A.R.E. on Instagram.

Ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of aerial technology? Join D.A.R.E. today!