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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.

      University recreation coordinator brings passion, purpose to work

      by Eric Baerren

      Melissa Walton is a dedicated professional with a strong background in athletics and recreation. She earned her undergraduate degree in health and physical education/fitness from then-Olivet College and later completed her Master’s in Sports and Fitness Administration and Management at Central Michigan University.

      Melissa Walton

      Her career began as a strength and conditioning coach at CMU, a position she held for five years. She then moved to Albion College, where she spent 20 years in various leadership roles, including athletic administrator, director of recreation, associate athletic director and head volleyball coach. She also worked as executive director for Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo, focusing on nonprofit leadership.

      Now back at CMU, Walton serves as Recreation Coordinator for facilities and events. She oversees facility reservations, working closely with student organizations, club sports and external groups to ensure well-organized events. She also plays a key role in managing special events and supporting students in their wellness and recreation needs.

      “Wellness is not just physical; it’s mental and spiritual too," she said. “A lot of people think it’s just working out, but it’s so much more than that.”

      With her experience and dedication, Walton is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive recreational environment for the CMU community.

      Events

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      Entrepreneurship News

      Questions?

      Contact the team