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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?

      Select photos from Central Michigan University Spring Commencement 2025 as captured by University Communications.

      For more photos and write-ups of the commencement ceremonies, read the "CMU celebrates Spring 2025 graduates" and "CMU's College of Medicine celebrates commencement for the Class of 2025" news stories.

      A group of graduates inside McGuirk Arena.
      A view from the front during the 5 p.m. ceremonies for the College of the Arts and Media and College of Science and Engineering.
      A group of people wearing graduation gowns
      A CMU College of Medicine graduate receives her hood.
      A group of people in a stadium.
      Family and friends filled McGuirk Arena to support the graduating class.
      A man standing at a podium with a microphone
      Alumnus Matt Franklin, who spent 20 years as a television journalist, addresses graduates.
      A group of people in graduation gowns and caps
      Dr. George Kikano and President Neil MacKinnon pose for a photo with a graduate.
      A group of people in graduation gowns take a selfie.
      President MacKinnon takes a selfie on stage with a graduate.
      A woman in a graduation gown
      The smile of joy and accomplishment.
      A group of people in graduation gowns and caps
      Graduates look to the stands trying to find familiar faces.
      Source: Aaron Mills

      Media Contact: Aaron Mills