CSU, Chico | College of Business | Students | Beyond the Classroom | Center for Entrepreneurship

Center for Entrepreneurship

Drs. Colleen Robb and David Alexander help students with the Wind Competition project in the classroom.

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business!

Do you want to land a job at a high-growth company? Do you want to expand your creative toolbox? Do you want to change the world? Do you want to be around game-changing thinkers like you? Whether you want to start a business or not, entrepreneurship skills can help you do it all.

Here are the opportunities we offer:

Student standing in front of an audience pitching a business concept.

Take One Class

Our class, Introduction to Entrepreneurship (MGMT 450) requires no prerequisite other than junior-standing. This highly experiential class provides hands-on learning about launching a product or service through customer discovery. Learn more about our curriculum here.

Students working in the makerspace in meriam library.

Build a Prototype

If you have an idea for a product and want to bring your idea to life, stop by the Makerspace in the Meriam Library. It features 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, an industrial sewing machine, high-powered computers, and much more. Learn more here.

Student pointing to laptop helping another student with their online business.

Launch an Online Business

The e-Incubator is open to students and faculty. Students are encouraged to participate in the e-Incubator early in their college career, as well as after graduation, as it provides continuous coaching support. Participants receive free professional-level website developmental tools receive training on how to build and design an effective website and how to run a business online. Learn more here.

Student giving a pitch on his business concept at a business concept competition.

Apply for Funding

Our Accelerator Fund invests in student projects no matter what your major. You can apply for up to $5,000 in funding for your idea. We accept proposals every fall and spring semester. Learn more here.

A drone flying in front of a tractor at the University Farm.

BlueTechValley

If you have a new innovation for concept in the areas of agriculture, water, or energy, the BlueTechValley program can help you launch through their accelerator or funding program. Learn more here.

Apply for a Scholarship

There are several scholarships available specifically for entrepreneurship students ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. Learn more here.

Students from the Chico Entrepreneurial Association posing for a photo.

Join a Student Organization

The Chico Entrepreneurial Association (CEA) provides resources and networking opportunities necessary to foster entrepreneurship, enabling young professionals to launch their ideas by developing and executing new ventures. Learn more about the CEA here.

Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE)

The SAGE program combines curriculum, mentoring, and competitions that result in teenagers becoming agents for social change. Are you interested in becoming a mentor for a young entrepreneur? Would you like to travel to their worldwide championships as a mentor? SAGE may be the right program for you. Learn more here.

Dr. David Alexander and a student wearing hardhats in class while discussing about the Collegiate Wind Competition.

Collegiate Wind Team | Windcats

This interdisciplinary team combines technology, business, and strategy to compete in a national competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Finalists will travel to Denver, Colorado to compete with 11 other universities across the nation. Teams build a wind turbine prototype, site a wind farm, and design a market-ready business for a wind energy related concept. Interested in learning more? Contact their faculty advisor, Dr. Colleen Robb at ccrobb@csuchico.edu.