Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

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.