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Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
We empower entrepreneurial thinkers—whether you’re launching a venture, building a family business, creating social impact, or driving innovation inside an organization. Turn ideas into action.
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.
Questions?
After two years of mostly virtual competition, the Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games are returning to the campus of Central Michigan University June 1-3.
The State Summer Games are the largest annual event for SOMI, bringing thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans to campus during the three-day event. This year marks the 53rd State Summer Games, 47 of which have taken place at CMU. Special Olympics Michigan has been headquartered in Mt. Pleasant since 1972.
Competition begins Wednesday, June 1 with Unified Sports events, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3, will feature traditional sports competitions. The Opening Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 2 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes as spectators, and several opportunities remain for individuals wishing to volunteer. A complete event schedule is available on the SOMI website.
