Entrepreneurship Institute Workshops and Events

Learn. Grow. Innovate.

Attend our free workshops, events, and competitions and learn how to build a business plan, gain to new skills and friends and launch your dream.

Whether you want to pitch a venture at the New Venture Challenge competition or just beginning your journey into entrepreneurship - the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship is here to help.

Registering for events is recommended but not required. Individual rules and guidelines apply for each competition.

A group of students attending the New Venture Challenge kick-off in the Grawn Hall atrium. — The fall 2023 New Venture Challenge Kick-Off event.

Students working with mentors during the Fall 2023 Mentor Meetup event. — Students working with mentors during the fall 2023 Mentor Meetup.

Student competitors waiting next to their venture display for the 1st round of the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge. — Student competitors waiting for the 1st round to begin of the 2023 Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge.

Students listening to Dr. Gustav in the Design Thinking workshop in Grawn Hall. — Students attending the Design Thinking workshop led by Dr. Gustav in January 2024.

Students watching in surprise as Director Julie Messing gives a pitch in front of the workshop. — Students watching faculty and mentors pitch ideas during the spring Mentor Meetup.

Workshops and competitions

Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship events are open to all Central Michigan University students. Pre-registering is encouraged for workshops but not required. Registration is required for all competitions.

NVC 103: Know Your Customer

Monday, November 4

Workshop | Grawn Hall 166 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to develop your business through AI tools and build a winning business model!

RSVP

NVC Mentor Meetup

Thursday, November 7

Workshop and Networking | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G and Riverwood Resort | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Learn from NVC mentors during the fall Mentor Meetup. Gain valuable feedback about your venture in the first half and take part in bowling fun at Riverwood Resort in the evening.

RSVP

Brunch and Business

Friday, November 8

Networking and one-on-one sessions | CMURC | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Meet local entrepreneurs with similar highs, lows, feedback, questions, and more during a special networking session. Then meet one-on-one with NVC mentors to practice your pitch and further develop your venture idea. A great opportunity to hear valuable feedback!

Brunch will be provided. RSVP is required for this event.

RSVP

Make-A-Pitch Workshop

Tuesday, November 19

Workshop | Grawn Hall Atrium| 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Practice your pitch on stage in the Grawn Atrium!

RSVP

Practice Pitch with the Mentors

Thursday, November 21

One-on-One Session | Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Get that last minute piece of feedback before the Make-A-Pitch competition in the evening.

RSVP

Make-A-Pitch Competition

Thursday, November 21

Competition | Park Library | 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Present a 2-minute pitch at Make-A-Pitch and YOU can win cash and bragging rights! We are unveiling a NEW category this year centered around Community Impact and Collaboration. Please view the Make-A-Pitch webpage to learn how to enter.

Make-A-Pitch Information