Entrepreneurship Institute Workshops and Events
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship events are free to all Central Michigan University students. Pre-registering is encouraged but not required.
Workshops and competitions
Learn. Grow. Innovate.
We are here to help you become a successful entrepreneur! Attend our free workshops, events, and competitions and learn how to build a business plan, gain to new skills and friends and launch your dream!
All workshops hosted by the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship are free for all Central Michigan University students.
Whether you want to pitch a venture at the New Venture Challenge competition, or you are just beginning your journey into entrepreneurship - the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship is here to help!
Registering for events is recommended but not required. Individual rules and guidelines apply for each competition.
New Venture Challenge Kick-Off and Mini Competition
Wednesday, Oct. 4
5 – 7:00 p.m. | Grawn Hall Atrium
Take part in a mini competition and win a prize! Learn about NVC and what it takes to create your own venture.
NVC 101: Intro to Developing a Winning Business Model
Monday, Oct. 9
5 – 6:00 p.m.| Grawn 166
Join us for the first skill builder of the semester, where you'll learn tips and tricks to enhance your entrepreneurial skills.
NVC Fall Bootcamp I and Networking Night
Friday, Oct. 13
Workshop | 1 - 4:30 p.m. | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G
Networking Night | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Location TBA
The first NVC Bootcamp of the fall semester! Join us for time with NVC mentors, and later in the evening attend a networking night with other students interested in the New Venture Challenge.
Michigan Collegiate StartUp Challenge
Friday, Oct. 20
Team Entry Form Due | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 12:01 a.m.|
Semi Finalist Teams Announced| Monday, Oct. 2 |
Michigan Collegiate StartUp Challenge | Friday, Oct. 20 | 2 - 7:30 p.m.
The 2023 Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge Team Entry Form will open Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 12:01 p.m. and close Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. Teams who will move on to the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge event taking place Friday, October 20 at Central Michigan University will be notified by email end of day Monday, October 2. Submissions are open to all colleges and universities, private and public, within the state of Michigan.
NVC 102: A Deeper Dive into Social Impact
Tuesday, Oct. 24
Grawn Hall 166 | 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Interested in a business that prioritizes the social good? Do you want to launch your own nonprofit? This one-hour workshop is for you.
NVC 103: Digital Impact and AI
Thursday, Nov. 2
Grawn Hall 166 | 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to utilize digital creation to boost your business.
NVC 104: Developing the Business Side of your New Venture
Tuesday, Nov. 7
Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Get ready for a evening of learning and fun where we'll dive into exciting entrepreneurial topics and boost our skills together.
NVC Fall Bootcamp II & Networking Night
Friday, Nov. 10
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Networking Night | Location TBA | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for the second and final NVC Bootcamp of the fall semester!
Global Entrepreneurship Week: Nov. 13 - 19
Experiences of Women Entrepreneurs: Panel and Discussion
Monday, Nov. 13
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Networking Night | Location TBA | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for the second and final NVC Bootcamp of the fall semester!
NVC 105: Intro to Developing a Winning Pitch
Wednesday, Nov. 29
Workshop | Grawn Hall 166 | 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Work on your business pitch that will help take your ideas to new heights.
Pitching Makes Perfect Night
Friday, Dec. 1
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Be ready for Make-A-Pitch and dazzle the judges! Attend Pitching Makes Perfect night and receive friendly feedback about your pitch.
Last Chance: Pitch Practice Night
Monday, Dec. 4
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Be ready for Make-A-Pitch and dazzle the judges! Attend Pitching Makes Perfect night and receive friendly feedback about your pitch.
Make-A-Pitch Competition
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Competition | Grawn Hall Atrium | 5 - 8:30 p.m.
The Make-A-Pitch Competition! Present an idea in a 3-minute pitch to a small panel of judges for feedback and cash prizes.
NVC 106: Topic to be announced
Thursday, Jan. 25
Workshop | Grawn Hall 166| 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Join us for the first NVC workshop of the spring semester! Start the spring off right and dive into the development of your venture for NVC.
NVC Spring Bootcamp I and Networking Night
Friday, Feb. 2
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G| 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Networking Night| Location TBA| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join NVC mentors and work with them to build out your venture idea.
NVC 107: Topic to be announced
Friday, Feb. 16
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G| 5 - 6:00 p.m.
The second NVC skill builder workshop of the spring semester. Topic to be announced.
NVC Spring Bootcamp II and Networking Night
Friday, Feb. 23
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G| 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Networking Night | Location TBA | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Are you competing in the New Venture Challenge? Attend our last bootcamp with the NVC mentors and network.
NVC 108: Topic to be announced
Monday, March 11
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G|5 - 6:00 p.m.
NVC is right around the corner! Join us for the third and last NVC skillbuilder of the spring semester.
Practice Pitch Night
Friday, March 22
Workshop | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G| 6 - 7:30 p.m.
NVC participants are required to attend this Pitch Practice Night, to fine-tune your pitch before the NVC virtual preliminary round.
New Venture Challenge: Virtual Preliminary Round
Tuesday, April 2
Competition | Virtual | 2 - 6:00 p.m.
Venture teams who enter to compete in the Full Presentation category will present a 10-minute pitch of their venture virtually.
NVC Finalist Team Practice Run
Tuesday, April 2
Workshop | Location and time to be announced
NVC Finalist Venture Teams will visit French Auditorium and practice their pitches.
Mandatory NVC Participant Meeting
Thursday, April 18
Meeting | Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 5 - 6:00 p.m.
Teams participating in the NVC Finals event on Friday, April 19 will be required to attend this informational meeting. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
New Venture Challenge Finals, Gallery, Showcase and Awards Gala
Friday, April 19
Competition | Location to be announced | 2 - 9:00 p.m.
New Venture Challenge: Finals for the Elevator Pitch and 10-minute Presentation, Student Gallery, Campus-wide Showcase, and Awards Gala.
Mentoring and assistance
Professor John Gustincic
Book an appointment.
Get personalized help with your entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurship faculty member Professor Gustincic will be available by appointment.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence: Casey Croad
Book an appointment
Founder and owner of Ignite Donuts and past NVC winner Casey Croad can be reached by individual appointment.
Graphic Design Assistance: Building Your Business Brand
IBIE and the College of Arts and Media have teamed up to provide graphic design student support through the Design Bureau class led by Professor David Stairs. Design Bureau students will be able to assist you in building your business image and brand which includes but is not limited to: logos, color palette, website visualization, PowerPoint slides, banners, animations, kiosks, and general branding. This is a great opportunity to build a professional brand for your business. Wow the judges at the New Venture Challenge competition with your polished business brand, contact us today to get connected!
