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*Common app code: Central27
Student Venture Support
You don't have to build your idea alone.
Whether you're exploring a new concept, preparing for the New Venture Challenge or already working on a venture, the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship connects you with resources, funding opportunities and experienced mentors who can help you move forward.
How we can help
Every venture starts in a different place, but most entrepreneurs need the same things: feedback, connections and support.
That's where we come in.
Whether you're trying to refine an idea, validate a concept, find teammates or prepare for competition, IBIE can help you identify next steps and connect with the right resources.
Book time with us
Meet with experienced entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni and business professionals who can provide guidance, feedback and encouragement.
Venture funding
Need support moving your idea forward? Funding may be available to help with venture exploration, development and approved project expenses.
IDEA Den support
Bring your ideas to life with prototyping, graphic design and makerspace resources available through the Idea Den.
Start with a conversation
Not sure where to begin?
Our team can help you explore an idea, connect with mentors, find teammates, prepare for competitions and identify resources that fit your goals.
You don't need a polished business plan to meet with us. If you're curious about entrepreneurship or have an idea you'd like to explore, we're happy to help.
Student venture funding
The Venture Exploration Fund helps students take the next step in developing their ideas.
Funding may be available to support activities such as customer research, prototype development, materials, testing and other approved venture expenses that help move a venture forward.
Application requirements, funding levels and eligibility criteria may vary throughout the year.
Venture funding FAQ
What is the Venture Exploration Fund?
The Venture Exploration Fund provides financial support to students who are actively exploring, testing or developing a venture idea. The fund is designed to help students move beyond the idea stage by supporting activities that generate learning, validate assumptions and strengthen the venture.
Who can apply?
Currently enrolled Central Michigan University students who are actively working on a venture or entrepreneurial project may apply.
Students from all majors are encouraged to participate. Individual students and teams may be eligible, depending on the opportunity and project.
What kinds of projects are eligible?
Funding may support a wide variety of ventures and entrepreneurial projects, including:
- Business startups
- Product development
- Service-based ventures
- Social impact initiatives
- Nonprofit concepts
- Innovation and commercialization projects
Projects should demonstrate a clear purpose and a plan for how the funding will help advance the idea.
What expenses can funding support?
Eligible expenses may include:
- Prototype development
- Materials and supplies
- Customer discovery and market research
- Product testing
- Software and technology tools
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Travel related to venture development or customer research
- Other approved venture-related expenses
Funding is intended to support activities that help students learn, validate ideas and move their ventures forward.
How much funding is available?
Funding amounts vary depending on the opportunity, available resources and project needs.
Specific award amounts, application deadlines and funding cycles will be communicated when applications are open.
What is the application process?
Students submit an application describing their venture, proposed use of funds and expected outcomes.
Applications are reviewed based on factors such as:
- Clarity of the opportunity
- Potential impact
- Feasibility
- Learning objectives
- Alignment with entrepreneurship goals
Additional information or follow-up conversations may be requested as part of the review process.
Do I need to compete in the New Venture Challenge?
Not always.
Some funding opportunities may be connected to participation in entrepreneurship programs or competitions, while others may be available to students who are simply exploring or developing an idea.
Review the current funding guidelines for details.
What if I'm not sure my idea is ready?
That's completely normal.
Many students apply for support while their ideas are still evolving. If you're unsure where to start, schedule a meeting with the IBIE team. We can help you evaluate your idea, identify next steps and connect you with resources that fit your needs.
ACCORDION TITLE 9] What happens after I receive funding?
Students may be asked to provide updates, share outcomes or participate in follow-up conversations about how the funding supported their progress.
The goal is not just to fund ideas, but to help students learn through the entrepreneurial process.
Additional resources
Entrepreneurship isn't something you do alone.
Students regularly take advantage of programs, services and opportunities across IBIE to strengthen their ideas and expand their networks.
Support future entrepreneurs
Many student ventures move forward because alumni, business leaders and community supporters choose to invest in the next generation.
Whether you're interested in mentoring students, volunteering at events or making a financial contribution, your support helps create opportunities for students to explore ideas, develop skills and gain real-world experience.
