Start-up Support
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is dedicated to the launch and support of students’ big ideas through mentoring and training.
Resources for students include:
- Coach and mentor students on start-ups
- Secure start-up funds through our own venture competition - Big Ideas Challenge
- Connect with other competitions
The Big Ideas Challenge is a new venture competition that encourages and celebrates students' innovative business ideas.
This competition is open to any Minnesota State University, Mankato student or alumnus within two years of graduating. Individual and team entries are welcome. This new venture competition gives students the opportunity to compete for money to fund their big idea.
The winner of the Big Ideas Challenge is an automatic semi-finalist in the Student Division of the Minnesota Cup (statewide business plan competition).
Other Competitions:
The center encourages participation in other new venture competitions and will gladly provide mentoring and support to students involved in them.
Mentoring
Student entrepreneurs seeking help with launching their businesses can come to the CIE to find a mentor. We will gather information about the business idea and will suggest resources and contact people within the university and around the regional community.
