Student entrepreneur wins

Student entrepreneur Desi Taylor took first place at WMU's sixth annual K.C. O'Shaughnessy Business Pitch Competition and Showcase.
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Starting Gate

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

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

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11

entrepreneurship focused courses
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40

students accepted per year
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$250,000+

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6+

scholarships
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Avery Green and Desi Taylor sitting on a bench outside Schneider Hall, home of the WMU Haworth College of Business.

Students honored for entrepreneurial innovation

May 8

Two WMU student entrepreneurs, Avery Green and Desi Taylor, were recognized for their original business ideas while participating in Starting Gate, the student business accelerator.

Desi Taylor holding up a giant mock check for $2,000.

Travel agency with a twist wins WMU's business pitch contest

April 18

Spanish major Desi Taylor took first place for her pitch about a company that puts a creative spin on traditional travel with trips that are 100 percent customized for the client.

Photo of participants in last year's business pitch competition.

Business pitch competition open to WMU student entrepreneurs

March 14

Students from across campus are invited to share their business pitches for cash prizes totaling $2,500 at the second annual Pitch Competition. Applications are due online by Sunday, March 30.

Student standing with oversized check

WMU Pitch competition open to students

January 11

Students from across campus are invited to present their business pitches for cash prizes totaling $5,000 at the annual K.C. O’Shaughnessy Business Pitch Competition and Showcase, Friday, Feb. 15, at Western Michigan University. Aspiring entrepreneurs will develop a three-minute pitch about an innovative business idea for an audience of potential investors. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. This year’s competition also includes a high school division, with prizes totaling $500.

Entrepreneurship Forum Calendar

May 11

The Entrepreneurship Forum brings together successful entrepreneurs and community members each month.