A legacy of innovation powers the next generation of entrepreneurs

Fifteen years ago, a transformative idea took root at Central Michigan University: create a space where students could build real ventures, challenge themselves, and connect with industry professionals. Today, the New Venture Competition has become a launchpad for careers, a catalyst for innovation, and a celebration of community-driven entrepreneurship.

The 2025 event marked a milestone year, welcoming nearly 40 student-led teams and awarding more than $100,000 in funding. But the value of the competition goes far beyond dollar amounts.

“This isn’t just a competition, it’s a transformative experience for students,” said Julie Messing, director of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship. “I can't tell you how many people have been involved. They keep coming back and supporting [the competition]. They love the way that feels and the impact that they're having.”

This year’s top prize – the Dianne and Mike Morey Best Overall Venture Award – went to AJ Kostic of CRE Nutrition, who developed a fast and easy way for people to meet their daily creatine needs. The venture also took home the Korson Family Highest Growth Potential Award, recognizing its business potential in the growing wellness market.

Other top awards included:

• Bruno Guberinich of AutoForge 3D – John Kulhavi Top Main Street Award
• Morgan Shropshire, Carnell Poindexter, Amber Ladd, Kyle Cox & Kennedy Butler of Inner City Inclusion – Glenn and Carol Cross Best Social Mission Award
• Brynn Hubbard of Pro Image Design – Doug Parker Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways Award

Across all categories, student teams impressed judges and mentors with their creativity, resilience, and vision. From rethinking modular room dividers to empowering youth through mentorship, their ideas reflect the future of entrepreneurship.

 “The goal of the competition was always to create startups. The vast majority of new jobs that are created in this country come from small business, so if you live in this community and you want this community to be vibrant, you want startups to be successful,” said Charles Crespy, Dean Emeritus and co-founder of the competition.

NVC’s impact has extended well beyond CMU’s campus. “I get to see myself in a younger version and see students eager and excited about the passion projects that they're pursuing,” said Casey Croad, a three-time competitor who now serves as a mentor. “Being able to partake in the new wave of innovation – that I connect this business to and things that I can hopefully connect some of my network audience with – I'm excited to be involved in this new wave of innovation.”

This year also introduced the Legacy Award, honoring the foundational contributions of Crespy and former director of the IBIE Bruce Marble, who helped build NVC into the experience it is today. “It’s very satisfying to look back and see what we created,” said Marble. “We know how hard it is for the students to put this together and do it. It's also very hard for the core team that really works to actually pull this all together.”

What does the New Venture competition look like in the future? “We are looking to evolve just as our society does. It won't look the same as it did in 2010, and two years from now, it shouldn't look like it does in 2023 or 2025,” said Messing.

Watch the 15th anniversary celebration video to hear reflections from alumni, mentors, and founders: Watch on YouTube.

With thousands of students impacted and millions of dollars in funding and support, the New Venture Competition remains a powerful testament to what happens when students are given the opportunity to dream – and the tools to build.