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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.
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.
Percussion students perform on the global stage
by
Matheus Souza
Representing the Central Michigan University School of Music, Percussion major Landon Schumacker performed at the 2023 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, IN. Schumacker's exceptional talent earned him a coveted spot in the International Collegiate Percussion Ensemble, an esteemed group of eight performers selected through a highly competitive international video audition process.
Representing top-tier music programs from North America, Europe, and Asia, Schumacker's presence among this elite ensemble underscored the global recognition of Central Michigan University's music education. The international composition of the ensemble speaks to the diverse and unparalleled talent that converged at one of the largest percussion events in the world.
Schumacker's performance, a testament to his musical prowess, featured renditions of three distinct works. The program included the world premiere performances by Canadian composer Christos Hatzis and the critically acclaimed Grammy nominee, Jessie Montgomery. Notably, Schumacker and the ensemble had the unique privilege of collaborating closely with Jessie Montgomery during rehearsals, an enriching experience that added an extra layer of significance to their performance.
The Percussive Arts Society International Convention not only provided a platform for individual brilliance but also showcased the collective excellence of CMU's Percussion Ensemble. Competing in the PASIC Concert Chamber Music Competition, the ensemble demonstrated their skill and cohesion, securing an impressive 6th place out of 20 ensembles. This commendable achievement underscores the caliber of talent fostered within Central Michigan University's vibrant music community.
As the curtain fell on PASIC 2023, Landon Schumacker's remarkable performance and CMU's Percussion Ensemble's commendable standing marked a chapter of success and recognition for the university on the global stage. The resonance of their achievements continues to echo within the halls of Central Michigan University, solidifying its reputation as a hub of musical excellence.
Signature Programs
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
Explore special opportunities to learn new skills and travel the world.
Compete & Win
New Venture Challenge 2025
Present your venture and win BIG at the New Venture Challenge.
Build your skills
Workshops and events
Boost your entrepreneurial skills through our workshops, mentor meetups and pitch competitions.
Develop your ideas
IDEA Den
Learn about the entrepreneurship makerspace on campus in Grawn Hall.
Ready, Set, Pitch!
Make-A-Pitch 2024
Present a 2-minute pitch at the Make-A-Pitch Competition and you could win prizes and bragging rights!
Meet Mentors
Mentorship and support
Connect with mentors and faculty who are here to support the next generation of CMU entrepreneurs.
Support students
Make an impact
Are you a CMU alum looking to support CMU student entrepreneurs? Learn how you can support or donate to the Entrepreneurship Institute.
View our programming newsletter
Alumni give back to students through mentorship, real-world experiences
The Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program wrapped its first cohort this academic year.
Students compete to win cash prizes at the New Venture Challenge
Pitched 40 ventures at NMV Challenge, Friday, April 19, CMU. Judges awarded $100,000 in cash prizes.
Wakeling Gendron Scholars make a life-changing trip to Texas
Wakeling and Gendron Scholars attended SXSW in Texas, meeting industry leaders and gaining entrepreneurial insights.
Business barriers lead CMU students to a new venture
Justin Ashman and Philip Mundt won Central Michigan University's New Venture Competition with their 3-D printing operation, Form Further.
