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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?
Central Michigan University has appointed Andrea LaFontaine to serve an additional year as the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government.
The endowment funds the salary and associated costs of a U.S. and Michigan government expert who serves as a faculty member in CMU's School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service. The Griffin Endowed Chair leads the university's efforts to stimulate the political conscience of students and scholars and to help prepare principled political leaders to serve Michigan in the future.
“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to continue fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking among Griffin students,” said LaFontaine. “I have witnessed firsthand how this course empowers students with the ability to influence Michigan policy and politics. I could not think of a better time than the present to continue on this journey, and I look forward to an additional year of sharing the passion for Michigan’s politics and its legislative process.”
LaFontaine is the seventh person to hold the Griffin Endowed Chair position. She began her term in 2021.
Established in 2000 through private donations, the Griffin Endowment honors the service of esteemed CMU graduates the Honorable Robert P. Griffin (1923-2015) and Marjorie Anderson Griffin (1922-2017).
LaFontaine earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from CMU in 2009 and a Master of Public Administration degree from CMU in 2011. She previously served three consecutive terms in the state House of Representatives from 2010-2016 and served as the executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.
