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Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
We empower entrepreneurial thinkers—whether you’re launching a venture, building a family business, creating social impact, or driving innovation inside an organization. Turn ideas into action.
Start your entrepreneurial journey
At Central Michigan University, the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship is more than a program—it’s where students from every major turn ideas into real impact. As Michigan’s first Department of Entrepreneurship, we’re a hub for hands-on learning, innovation, and mentorship.
Here, you’ll:
- Build an entrepreneurial mindset that sets you apart in any career path—launching ventures, shaping social missions, advancing family businesses, or driving innovation inside established companies.
- Collaborate across disciplines to create projects that matter.
- Learn from alumni, faculty, and industry leaders who’ve built their own paths.
- Gain real-world experience through workshops, hackathons, and pitch competitions.
- Compete in the New Venture Challenge, where students win up to $10,000 in cash and grants to grow their ideas.
Whether you want to start something new or transform what already exists, the Institute is your launchpad.
Take the next step!
When you’re ready to get started, stop by Grawn 164 to join the team or visit the Idea Den in Grawn 166—your space to brainstorm, build, and take the next step.
Questions?
Today, Central Michigan University joins dozens of U.S.-based colleges and universities to register a distinctive pattern with The Scottish Register of Tartans. The new pattern made its debut today at the investiture ceremony for the university’s 16th president, Neil MacKinnon.
Registered in February 2025 as “the Central Michigan University tartan,” the pattern features the university’s official school colors, maroon and gold, and was developed with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. More than 1,800 people voted to choose the pattern via an online poll in January 2025.
“The tartan pattern is a fun new way to show our Fired-Up school pride,” said CMU President Neil MacKinnon.
The tartan was featured on pop-up banners, event programs and centerpieces at the president’s investiture ceremony and reception.
Using the tartan
The word tartan refers to a specific pattern of interlocking stripes, running both vertically and horizontally, in two or more alternating colors. While it was historically used to describe patterns used by individuals and groups of Scottish descent, tartan patterns are now used widely by numerous organizations — many with no ties to Scotland.
The Central Michigan University tartan will be used in several ways, including on print pieces and event design, by the Office of the President and will be featured on select items in the CMU Bookstore later this year. University Communications will add the pattern to its visual brand standards webpage and provide guidance for how it may be used by campus partners as a graphic element on digital and print items.