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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?
On Friday, community volunteers from the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant gathered at the Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center in Wightman Hall to bake apple pies. Dr. Fisher, director of the center, collaborated with the group to provide a space for making these wonderful creations. These delicious pies will be featured at the 35th Annual Zonta Applefest, taking place on Saturday, September 28th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, located at 3909 S. Summerton Road.
Applefest is a family-friendly event offering a variety of activities, including games for children, crafts, wagon rides, donuts & cider, and, of course, apple pies. “Zonta is an international women’s organization dedicated to helping women and girls have a better life,” said Ruth Helwig, president of the local chapter.
The newly renovated Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center in Wightman Hall boasts 12 workstations equipped with commercial-style ovens and modern food service equipment. It's a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the learning experience for students in the Nutrition and Dietetics program.
For information about the Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center, please get in touch with the director, Dr. Jeff Fisher, at fishe2jj@cmich.edu. To learn more about the Nutrition and Dietetics program and course offerings, please get in touch with program director Dr. Najat Yahia at yahia1n@cmich.edu.