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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.

      Jonathan Gregory: CMU Honors Scholar and aspiring computer scientist

      by Robert Wang

      Central Michigan University senior Jonathan Gregory is making waves in the fields of computer science, cybersecurity, and mathematics. A Centralis Scholar and member of the Honors Program, Gregory says CMU was a natural fit, following in the footsteps of his parents, both proud alumni.

      “The best part of my experience at CMU has definitely been working with professors on research,” he shared. “Beyond exploring fascinating projects, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge about research in mathematics and computer science.”

      Gregory’s dedication has led him to present multiple research papers at academic conferences, an achievement he says has bolstered his confidence as he prepares for graduate school. “Working on research as an undergraduate has made me much more confident as I apply to doctoral programs. I’m already familiar with the research process, which gives me an edge.”

      With aspirations to pursue a PhD in computer science focusing on machine learning, Gregory encourages fellow students to take full advantage of their time at CMU. “Get to know your professors and seek out research opportunities early. It opens up so many doors,” he advised.

      Gregory’s journey reflects the strength of our academic programs and the power of mentorship and research to shape the future leaders of science and technology.

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      Questions?

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