Introducing the IDEA Den for student entrepreneurs

The Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship launches the IDEA Den this fall.  IDEA stands for Innovate, Design, Experiment, and Activate symbolizing the phases that entrepreneurs experience as they turn their ideas into business ventures.

Located in Grawn Hall, room 166, the IDEA Den is a collaborative space that connects passionate students campus-wide with a variety of resources including 3D printers, a specialized Cricut printer, and more. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., young entrepreneurs have the freedom to develop their ventures and team up with others. 

Powered by the IBIE, the space is the central location for several entrepreneurship programs, workshops, guest speakers, one-on-one mentorship, and student organization meetings.  Students can also seek mentorship in the IDEA Den weekly from entrepreneurship faculty member John Gustincic and CMU alum Casey Croad, founder of Ignite Donuts.

Sophomore Robert Rasegan, an entrepreneurship major, said “It's a great space for welcoming those who are interested in entrepreneurship, but don't know where to begin.”

The IBIE will host an informational session, “Get to Know IBIE”, on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the event, students can explore the new IDEA Den, meet other aspiring entrepreneurs, and learn how the IBIE can help expand their entrepreneurial knowledge, experience and network.