Entrepreneurship Institute Workshops and Events

Learn. Grow. Innovate.

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.

Whether you want to pitch a venture at the New Venture Challenge competition or 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.

A group of students attending the New Venture Challenge kick-off in the Grawn Hall atrium. — The fall 2023 New Venture Challenge Kick-Off event.

Students working with mentors during the Fall 2023 Mentor Meetup event. — Students working with mentors during the fall 2023 Mentor Meetup.

Student competitors waiting next to their venture display for the 1st round of the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge. — Student competitors waiting for the 1st round to begin of the 2023 Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge.

Students listening to Dr. Gustav in the Design Thinking workshop in Grawn Hall. — Students attending the Design Thinking workshop led by Dr. Gustav in January 2024.

Students watching in surprise as Director Julie Messing gives a pitch in front of the workshop. — Students watching faculty and mentors pitch ideas during the spring Mentor Meetup.

Workshops and competitions

Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship events are open to all Central Michigan University students. Pre-registering is encouraged for workshops but not required. Registration is required for all competitions.

NVC 105: Market Discovery & Customers

Wednesday, February 5

Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Is there a market for your solution? Who is your customer? In this session, our team pros will guide you in conducting market research and creating a customer persona.

RSVP

NVC 106: Building Winning Financials

Tuesday, February 18

Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Is your venture financially sustainable? Attend this session and learn from the pros how to build winning NVC financials.

RSVP

Mentor Meetup II Workshop

Thursday, February 20 | Friday, February 21

Thursday | Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday | Hotdogs with the Mentors | Dog Central | 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday |Workshop | Grawn 150G | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

It's the halfway point! Meet one-on-one with mentors to discuss your venture's financials. Deep dive into your revenue projections and costs and get feedback from the pros.

RSVP

NVC 107: Pitch to Win

Wednesday, March 5

Workshop | Grawn Hall 150G | 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Learn the tips and tricks to to developing a winning pitch presentation from the CMU Presentation Skills Center.

RSVP

Venture Coaching: Open Office Hours

Tuesday, March 18 | Wednesday, March 19

Venture Development | Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.

Get valuable feedback from experienced mentors and faculty to be prepared and ready to pitch your idea at the New Venture Challenge preliminary round!

Mentor Meetup III |Final NVC Prep

Thursday, March 20 | Friday, March 21

Thursday |Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Friday |Grawn Hall 150G | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Are you ready to pitch your new venture? LAST chance to meet with mentors and gain feedback on your venture submission materials before the preliminary round!

NVC Venture Prep Open Hours

Friday, March 21

Friday |Grawn Hall 150G and Grawn Hall Study Rooms | 6:00 p.m. - 11:59 p.m.

Don't forget, your venture submission is due Friday, March 21 by midnight!

Join fellow NVC competitors in Grawn Hall to work on the finishing touches of your venture materials before the crucial deadline. Snacks will be provided.

Open work space will be available in Grawn Hall classroom 150G and the Grawn Hall Study Rooms.

NVC Preliminary Round

Tuesday, March 25

Location TBA | 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The NVC preliminary round consists of all competing ventures in the High Growth, Social Mission, Main Street and Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways categories. Teams will pitch their idea in a 5-minute presentation with an accompanying pitch deck and one-pager.

NVC Finals selection:

The winner of the Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways category
The top 3 ventures in High Growth, Social Mission and Main Street
The next top 30 teams move to the Elevator Pitch round for NVC Finals

Pitch Practice: NVC Full Presentation Finalists

Monday, March 31

French Auditorium | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

A special practice for the Full Presentation finalists in High Growth, Main Street and Social Mission category to review your pitch deck and ten-minute pitch in French Auditorium.

NVC Competitor Meeting

Wednesday, April 9

Grawn Hall Classroom 150G | 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The mandatory meeting for all NVC participants in the Elevator Pitch and Full Presentation categories.