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.
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 105: Market Discovery & Customers
Wednesday, February 5
Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Is there a market for your solution? Who is your customer? In this session, our team pros will guide you in conducting market research and creating a customer persona.
NVC 106: Building Winning Financials
Tuesday, February 18
Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Is your venture financially sustainable? Attend this session and learn from the pros how to build winning NVC financials.
Mentor Meetup II Workshop
Thursday, February 20 | Friday, February 21
Thursday | Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday | Hotdogs with the Mentors | Dog Central | 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday |Workshop | Grawn 150G | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
It's the halfway point! Meet one-on-one with mentors to discuss your venture's financials. Deep dive into your revenue projections and costs and get feedback from the pros.
NVC 107: Pitch to Win
Wednesday, March 5
Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Learn the tips and tricks to to developing a winning pitch presentation from the CMU Presentation Skills Center.
Venture Coaching: Open Office Hours
Tuesday, March 18 | Wednesday, March 19
Venture Development | Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
Get valuable feedback from experienced mentors and faculty to be prepared and ready to pitch your idea at the New Venture Challenge preliminary round!
Mentor Meetup III |Final NVC Prep
Thursday, March 20 | Friday, March 21
Thursday |Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday |Grawn Hall 150G | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to pitch your new venture? LAST chance to meet with mentors and gain feedback on your venture submission materials before the preliminary round!
NVC Venture Prep Open Hours
Friday, March 21
Friday |Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 6:00 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.
Don't forget, your venture submission is due Friday, March 21 by midnight!
Join fellow NVC competitors in Grawn Hall to work on the finishing touches of your venture materials before the crucial deadline. Snacks will be provided.
Open work space will be available in Grawn Hall classroom 150G and the Grawn Hall Study Rooms.
NVC Preliminary Round
Tuesday, March 25
Location TBA | 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The NVC preliminary round consists of all competing ventures in the High Growth, Social Mission, Main Street and Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways categories. Teams will pitch their idea in a 5-minute presentation with an accompanying pitch deck and one-pager.
NVC Finals selection:
- The winner of the Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways category
- The top 3 ventures in High Growth, Social Mission and Main Street
- The next top 30 teams move to the Elevator Pitch round for NVC Finals
Pitch Practice: NVC Full Presentation Finalists
Monday, March 31
French Auditorium | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
A special practice for the Full Presentation finalists in High Growth, Main Street and Social Mission category to review your pitch deck and ten-minute pitch in French Auditorium.
NVC Competitor Meeting
Wednesday, April 9
Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The mandatory meeting for all NVC participants in the Elevator Pitch and Full Presentation categories.