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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.

      Pi Sigma Epsilon Zeta Nu shines at National Convention

      by Alisha Toyzan

      This year’s Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention was a remarkable success for Central Michigan’s very own Zeta Nu chapter, as members recently celebrated outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition. The event showcased the dedication, leadership, and excellence that define our chapter, making it a convention to remember. 

      A highlight of the convention was the recognition of chapter advisor Nick Hussein, who was honored as the 2025 PSE National Top Chapter Advisor of the Year. In his acceptance, Hussein expressed gratitude for the nomination and award, crediting the chapter’s hard work and dedication for making his role as an advisor both fulfilling and rewarding. “I truly believe that in business, nothing happens until you sell something,” Hussein shared. “I also want students who are held back by fear to remember this: the fear of failure should fuel your success.” 

      As Ethan Rauschert, President of Pi Sigma Epsilon at CMU, explains, “Our National Convention is the culmination of everything we do and prepare for in PSE. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase our skill sets, network with corporate partners, and strengthen our chapter’s brotherhood. As a coach, we’ve been preparing for the sales roleplay since mid-February, so seeing our members walk into the room confident, and come out with a closed sale and pride in their performance, is amazing.” 

      “As President, watching our chapter and its members receive recognition for a wide range of accomplishments is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “It speaks to the wealth of opportunities that exist within our organization. Nationals is, without a doubt, one of my favorite aspects of being in PSE. It creates a space for young, ambitious sales professionals to learn, grow, and collaborate. Personally, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.” 

      PSE Zeta Nu chapter’s legacy of excellence was then further solidified with the 12-Year Sustained Excellence Award, a reflection of the dedication of both current members and those who came before them. Individual members also received prestigious honors, including: 

      • 2025 Whan Challenger Award – Kayli Kalish, recognized for her leadership and dedication over the past four years. 

      • 2025 Top Faculty Advisor – Nick Hussein, GMS, MSA. 

      In addition to these awards, Zeta Nu was a finalist in several competitive categories, demonstrating the strength of our programs and initiatives: 

      •  Top Management Team 

      •  Top New Member Development Program 

      •  Top Chapter Recruitment Program 

      •  Top Professional Development Program 

      •  Top Marketing/Sales Project 

      •  Top Project Manager – Nicole Watts: 2nd place 

      •  Top Social Media Strategy 

      •  Top PSE Salesperson – Joseph Bula: 1st place 

      A dynamic and enriching convention experience 

      The Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention offers a vast, unique blend of professional development, competition, and networking, all while creating an environment that fosters both personal and career growth. Attendees engage in experiential learning through competitions, gaining hands-on experience in both individual and team settings, while also showcasing their accomplishments to corporate partners and peers. The exclusive career fair provides direct access to prestigious companies, opening doors to internships and job opportunities. These experiences not only enhance job prospects by serving as standout resume entries but also become valuable discussion points during interviews. 

      Beyond professional benefits, the convention cultivates a safe space for growth and learning, encouraging participants to take risks, try new strategies, and learn from both successes and setbacks. With numerous networking opportunities, attendees connect with alumni, industry leaders, and fellow members, building strong relationships that can lead to future career opportunities and mentorship. Additionally, members actively contribute to fraternity governance, participating in the democratic election of national leadership, influencing organizational direction, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. 

      The convention is also a time for celebration, with a high-energy evening event recognizing scholarship recipients, competition winners, and outstanding chapters. The alumni program further enriches the experience, offering career advancement resources and opportunities to give back to the organization. Amidst all the professional development, attendees also have the chance to relax and have fun, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds with fellow members. The Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention is more than just an event, it's an opportunity to grow, connect, and excel in both personal and professional pursuits. 

      We are exceedingly proud of the Pi Sigma Epsilon Zeta Nu chapter for their prestigious recognition at the national level, here’s to a great year! 

      Questions?