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Welcome back to campus, Lakers! We hope you had a summer full of growth, inspiration, and maybe even a few new business ideas. At the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), we’re ready to kick off another semester of empowering you to think creatively, act boldly, and make your ideas a reality. Whether you’re a returning student or brand new to GVSU, we invite you to get involved in our programs, connect with peers, and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Studied Abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. 

"Studying abroad in Rome was an incredible experience. I particularly enjoyed the different food options, especially the gelato, which quickly became a highlight. During my time at John Cabot University, I completed two courses: International Finance and Italian Renaissance Art. As a finance major, I found it especially rewarding to study international finance in a global setting. The Italian Renaissance Art course was equally fascinating, and it even included a memorable day trip to Florence. Overall, my favorite aspect of the experience was being in Europe and taking advantage of the ease of travel to explore different countries and cultures."

Studied Abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. 

"During my time abroad, I took two courses: International Marketing and Ancient Rome and Its Monuments. In International Marketing, I learned how marketing can be perceived in vastly different ways depending on cultural context, and how failing to consider the unique characteristics of a target market can be detrimental to a campaign’s success. Studying this subject overseas allowed me to not only learn about these differences but also experience them firsthand. My Ancient Rome and Its Monuments course enhanced my storytelling abilities by training me to notice subtle details and connect them to historical narratives. Beyond the classroom, I greatly enjoyed traveling on weekends to explore new destinations—an experience I will always cherish."

Studied Abroad in Porto, Portugal with European Innovation Academy (EIA)

My study abroad experience was one of the best moments of my life and pushed me to grow in many ways. Being surrounded by people from different countries taught me how to adjust, communicate, and understand different perspectives. The program itself was fast-paced and challenging as we built a startup from scratch, but it taught me to think fast, work hard, and adapt quickly. Outside of the work, I loved exploring another country, trying new foods as a vegan, and experiencing a different culture. This trip gave me a new perspective on life, motivating me to travel more, meet new people, and keep learning beyond the classroom. The friendships and memories I made with my teammates and roommates made the experience unforgettable. Overall, the program gave me confidence, inspiration, and the belief that I can do anything I set my mind to.

The Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Club is open to all students who want to explore entrepreneurship, connect with like-minded peers, and learn from real-world business leaders. From workshops to networking nights, CEO Club is your space to develop ideas and gain hands-on experience.

TigerLaunch, hosted by Princeton University, is the world’s largest student-run entrepreneurship competition, with regional events in NYC, Boston, Houston, San Diego, Singapore, London, Istanbul, and Mumbai.

Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

Apply today and take your startup to the next level!

For questions, reach out to the co-directors:

Sindhuja Kanamarlapudi – sindhuja@princeton.edu

Nico Vitale – nicovitale@princeton.edu

The Baylor University New Venture Competition (NVC) is a prestigious business plan and elevator pitch contest where collegiate founders from around the world compete for cash prizes, in-kind awards, and seed capital to grow their ventures. Teams also gain valuable coaching and feedback from industry experts.

Why Compete?

Access to seed capital and resources to scale your venture

Feedback and mentorship from top professionals

Open to both current students and recent graduates

Previous applicants (not top-ten finalists) are welcome to re-apply