Start up
Build up your venture idea.
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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.
In today’s fast-changing business landscape, earning an MBA isn’t just a milestone, it’s a strategic move. Whether you're aiming for a leadership role, changing industries, or building expertise in a high-demand field, a Master of Business Administration can open doors. At Central Michigan University (CMU), our online MBA program empowers professionals to reach their goals on their schedule, without compromising quality.
Why choose CMU’s online MBA?
CMU’s MBA program is designed with working professionals in mind. Whether you study 100% online or on campus, you’ll receive the same high-caliber education rooted in real-world application. Here's what sets us apart:
- Flexible format: Designed for your lifestyle, with online evening and weekend classes that fit around your job and personal responsibilities.
- AACSB-accredited: CMU’s College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
- National recognition: Ranked among the Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
- STEM-designated concentrations: Choose from 11 areas of emphasis—including Cybersecurity, Business Data Analytics, Project Management, and Information Systems (SAP)—with six STEM-aligned tracks to meet today’s market demands.
“The flexibility was unmatched. Being able to complete my MBA online while working full-time helped me level up in my career, and the SAP certification gave me a competitive edge.”
— Jessica M., MBA Class of 2024
Real students. Real growth.
CMU’s online MBA is more than coursework, it’s a transformation. Here’s what current student Pravalya Reddy (MBA Class of 2025) learned during her journey:
Time management is essential
“I had to treat study time like work meetings structured and non-negotiable.”
Support is always there
“Professors responded quickly, and group chats with classmates made it feel like a community.”
Remote collaboration builds real skills
“Group projects taught me how to lead virtually—skills I use every day at work now.”
Technology is your toolbox
“You don’t just learn about analytics and SAP—you apply them.”
Online networking is powerful
“I’ve built meaningful professional relationships—and even found a mentor.”
Career outcomes that matter
An MBA from CMU opens doors across industries. Our graduates step into impactful roles such as:
| Career title | Average salary |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | $189,520 |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,350 |
| Director of Compensation/Benefits | $136,380 |
| Operations General Manager | $98,100 |
| Marketing Operations Manager | $80,406 |
| Information Specialist | $82,497 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $103,840 |
Stackable credentials for career growth
Our MBA program allows you to earn industry-recognized certifications that enhance your résumé and increase your value in today’s competitive job market. We’re proud to have certified more SAP-trained students than any other nearby institution, and we’ve awarded over 480 Lean Six Sigma Green Belts in just the last five years—equipping graduates with practical, high-impact skills in business systems and process improvement.
Ready to transform your career?
Join a network of driven professionals who are shaping the future of business—without pausing their lives. Apply today and take the next step toward becoming a confident, agile business leader with CMU’s Online MBA.
Have questions? Email us at onlineprograms@cmich.edu or call 989-774-4371 to speak with an admissions advisor.
Signature Programs
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
Explore special opportunities to learn new skills and travel the world.
View our programming newsletter
Alumni give back to students through mentorship, real-world experiences
The Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program wrapped its first cohort this academic year.
May 14, 2024
Students compete to win cash prizes at the New Venture Challenge
Pitched 40 ventures at NMV Challenge, Friday, April 19, CMU. Judges awarded $100,000 in cash prizes.
April 22, 2024
Wakeling Gendron Scholars make a life-changing trip to Texas
Wakeling and Gendron Scholars attended SXSW in Texas, meeting industry leaders and gaining entrepreneurial insights.
March 22, 2024
Business barriers lead CMU students to a new venture
Justin Ashman and Philip Mundt won Central Michigan University's New Venture Competition with their 3-D printing operation, Form Further.
April 27, 2021
