Student Entrepreneur Wins

Student entrepreneur Rose Soma took first place at WMU's seventh annual K.C. O'Shaughnessy Business Pitch Competition and Showcase.
READ MORE
Starting Gate

Students gain rich and valuable resources to develop their startup companies.
Learn more
Schneider Hall

As a WMU business student, you will be provided all the education and services you need to succeed.
View services

Apply to WMU Find scholarships Explore curriculum Join Starting Gate

Find your path.

Are you a creative, driven individual interested in building or managing your own business? The entrepreneurship major at Western Michigan University may be right for you! You’ll learn to identify entrepreneurial opportunities and build a viable business through developing capabilities in idea generation, opportunity recognition, resource acquisition and financial management. The entrepreneurship major is designed to combine in-class education with hands-on experiential learning. There are several ways to develop your own business while pursuing your degree by participating in the many entrepreneurship activities offered, including the student business accelerator and the annual business pitch competition. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or interested in working for a small business, the entrepreneurship major will arm you with the skills vital for success.

Experiential learning: You will be encouraged to develop your ideas and attend or compete at premier entrepreneurial and innovation events. In addition, WMU offers:

Starting Gate, the student business accelerator
PITCH, a business pitch competition
Entrepreneur Club, a student-led organization
Entrepreneurship Forum, a monthly community event

Schedule a visit

100%

Post-graduation success
SEE CAREERS
11

entrepreneurship focused courses
View curriculum
$250,000+

in Starting Gate Funding
Learn More
6+

scholarships
View details

Photo of WMU students Danny Rogers and Brennan Vaughn.

Business students clinch victories at e-Fest 2019

April 24

Western Michigan University business students Brennan Vaughn and Danny Rogers traveled to the Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge in Minnesota in April and competed at e-Fest 2019, claiming prizes and building their networks.

Photo of WMU student Rose Soma holiding a large novely check.

Fashion startup focused on sustainability wins WMU's business pitch competition

March 4

Four companies won prizes totaling $5,000 during this year's competition Feb. 15 on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Photo of four people, three sitting and one standing, by a table with a laptop on it.

WMU named a top business school by Princeton Review

December 5

The Haworth College of Business was recognized for being accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, as well as having additional specialized AACSB accreditation for its accountancy programs.

Karen Behnke speaking into microphpone

Finding your path

April 22

Karen Behnke, B.S.'79, is a businessperson and entrepreneur focused on the healthy lifestyles sector of business. Behnke is the founder of Juice Beauty, an organic beauty products company which specializes in skincare, makeup, and haircare made with organic ingredients. During her visit to the Haworth College of Business, she gave a presentation focusing on authenticity and her mission-driven business model.

Group of students standing together

Broncos take on Silicon Valley

March 7

A group of Broncos ventured to Silicon Valley to learn more about careers in tech. The trip gives students the opportunity to explore career opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond and learn from hands-on experience by interacting with leaders within the tech community.

Desi Taylor sitting outside

Crain's features student business accelerator

March 7

Starting Gate, along with student Desi Taylor, founder and CEO of Cluventure Travel, are featured in Crain’s Detroit Business.