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.

Learn more

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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Discover engineering and technology at open house

by Robert Wang

Are you curious about engineering, technology, or STEM careers? Central Michigan University’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET) invites you to their 2nd Annual Open House on Friday, January 31st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. This event is the perfect way to explore what CMU has to offer and see if a future in Engineering or Engineering Technology could be right for you.

What’s happening at the open house?

Get hands-on: Try out fun, interactive activities and see how engineering and technology come to life.
Meet the people: Chat with professors and staff who are here to help you succeed, and get your questions answered about classes, careers, and more.
Student clubs and projects: Meet current students, learn about campus organizations, and check out some of the incredible projects they’ve worked on this year.
Take a tour: Explore classrooms, labs, and the spaces where students design, build, and create.
Be inspired: Watch slideshows featuring projects students have worked on throughout the year.

Why should you come?

This is more than just an event—it’s a chance to picture yourself as part of the CMU engineering community. Whether you’re a high schooler thinking about your next step, a transfer student looking for new opportunities, or someone curious about STEM, this event is for you.

Here’s why it’s worth your time:

Small class sizes: Most classes at SET have 30 or fewer students, meaning you’ll get personal attention from professors who are passionate about helping you succeed.
Amazing support: CMU’s faculty and staff are dedicated to preparing students for exciting careers in engineering and technology.
See it for yourself: There’s no better way to understand what CMU has to offer than experiencing it in person.

What’s SET all about?

The School of Engineering and Technology at CMU is all about combining hands-on learning with real-world experience. From designing cutting-edge projects to working closely with experienced faculty, CMU helps students turn their passions into skills that lead to amazing careers.

Join us!

The Open House is happening on January 31st, and we’d love to see you there! Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to dive into the world of engineering, this is your chance to see what CMU is all about.

For more information, check out CMU’s SET website or contact the SET office at 989-774-3033. We can’t wait to meet you and show you the possibilities waiting at CMU!