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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 is expanding eligibility for a program that makes a high-quality college education more accessible for Michigan students.
Starting in the fall 2024 semester, freshman and transfer students whose families have an adjusted gross income of less than $65,000 and have combined assets of less than $65,000 might qualify for the CMU Tuition Advantage.
“Through the CMU Tuition Advantage, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for students to pursue their first bachelor's degree,” said Sarah Kasabian-Larson, CMU’s director of scholarships and financial aid. “CMU's Tuition Advantage demonstrates our commitment to ensure increased accessibility along with affordability for our eligible incoming Michigan students.”
The program covers 30 credit hours – 15 in the fall semester and 15 in the spring semester – and the student service fee through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid.
Applying for the program is as simple as filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid – better known as the FAFSA – form, she said. University officials will use the information from the completed FAFSA to automatically determine whether a student qualifies.
“The first step in determining eligibility for our incoming Michigan students is just filing the FAFSA,” she said “The FAFSA has become simplified, and it is easier than ever to complete. The FAFSA will help students maximize their eligibility for all forms of financial aid.”
In addition to meeting the income and assets criteria, students must also qualify for Pell Grants and be a newly admitted degree-seeking student enrolled full-time on the main campus. Both the student and parents must reside in Michigan.