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.

2025 NVC Competition Live Stream

2025 NVC Awards Live Stream

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.

A student standing with a faculty member holding big winning checks from the New Venture Challenge 2024.

Start up

Build up your venture idea.

Learn more

A student smiling and standing in front of his venture display at the 2024 New Venture Challenge.

Family business

Explore the Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways category at NVC.

Learn more

A close-up of the Prusa i3 MK3 printer in the entrepreneurship makerspace, the IDEA Den in Grawn Hall 166.

Product and prototype design

Create and patent your ideas.

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Innovation

Explore your ideas and build your skills.

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Maroonzie Brings Big Fun to CMU’s Lot 18 on Friday

by Symantha Dattilo

As the final week of the semester approaches and students begin preparing for final exams, Student Activities and Involvement's (SAI) Program Board is giving campus and the community one more chance to relax and have fun before summer officially begins. Maroonzie, one of CMU’s most anticipated spring traditions, will take over Lot 18 on Friday, May 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. with an exciting mix of activities, food, games, and entertainment.

Organized by CMU Program Board, Maroonzie is a free outdoor festival that invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together for an afternoon of celebrating yet another successful academic year. This year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“Students and the community should come for one last fun event before the end of the school year!” said Kathlyn Allmacher, a junior from Clare, Michigan and the president of Program Board. “We will have a chef cook-off, a gaming truck, dunk tank, tarot card readings, and a ton of giveaways. We hope to see you there!”

Students at MAINstage

The chef cook-off will pit campus heroes against each other in a lively competition judged by attendees. Meanwhile, those looking to unwind can enjoy a round of video games in the gaming truck or collect prizes and giveaways happening throughout the afternoon.

For those feeling adventurous, the dunk tank offers a chance to send your favorite campus figures for a splash in support of the CMU Student Food Pantry, while tarot card readers will be on hand to offer a glimpse into your future. Games, inflatables, music, and free food will round out the afternoon, creating a festival atmosphere perfect for connecting with friends and celebrating the close of another academic year.

Program Board, the student organization behind the event, works year-round to host events that bring the CMU community together. Maroonzie serves as their spring semester finale, and organizers are hoping for a great turnout.

“It’s really about bringing people together,” Noah Burks, Assistant Director for SAI, said. “It’s the perfect way to make some memories before students head off in different directions for the summer.”

Maroonzie will be held in Lot 18, located just north of Finch Fieldhouse. In the event of rain, all activities will be moved inside Finch, so attendees are encouraged to come rain or shine.