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Learn about great entrepreneurs you can support, new growth opportunities, and upcoming events.

AI is everywhere!  It can write, design, and analyze in seconds. But it can’t truly understand people, solve the frustrations we face every day, or bring purpose and meaning to ideas. That’s where entrepreneurship steps in.

The 77 Idea Quest is your chance to combine human creativity with AI’s speed to tackle real problems, build skills no machine can match, and turn ideas into action.

Why join?

👉 Don’t miss out!  Take part in workshops, submit your idea, and pitch to judges. Show what humans can do that AI can’t!

Shorouq Almallah, MIS, MBA
Director
Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Rachel Berkal is a Michigan native, University of Michigan alumna, and experienced business leader who has built her career at the intersection of corporate America and entrepreneurship.

Driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, Rachel left the corporate world to launch Vetr Health, where she now serves as Chief Operating Officer. 

Rachel also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Michigan State University Research Foundation, where she mentors emerging founders and supports the growth of Michigan’s startup ecosystem. She is excited to bring that experience to Grand Valley and dive in with the Lakers to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

GVSU Idea Pitch Competition 
Monday, October, 13, 2025
5:30 - 7:30PM

SCALE
February 6-7, 2026 at MSU

TCU Competition
March 2026

77 Idea Quest
Thursday, March 26, 2026
5:00 - 9:00PM

EIX-Efest
April 2026

When:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

What Time:
11:00AM - 1:00PM

Where:
In the CEI Office (SCB 1127)

Pizza Lunch provided!

Come visit the student vendor for our October Pop-up shop!

See more on our socials!

Come to the CEO Club meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30PM for pitch practice, to learn more about the event, and how we can help! Meeting is located in the CEI Suite (SCB 1127) in the L. William Seidman Center.

PITCH EVENT:
Join us on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 5:30PM in the Charles W. Loosemore Forum at the Seidman College of Business for CEO Club's annual pitch competition. Turn your ideas into cash prizes and come up with a 90-second picture that could win big!

Grand Valley State University’s Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), in partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited, is launching the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) at the new Battle Creek Innovation Hub.

This is the 15th MVE-Lab cohort, empowering local veterans to launch or grow small businesses while strengthening the Battle Creek entrepreneurial community.

Key Details:

Who: Veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserve members & families

When: Mondays, Oct. 6 – Dec. 15, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00PM)

Where: Battle Creek Innovation Hub, 50 Jackson St. W, Battle Creek, MI 49017

What: 11-week cohort program with mentorship, business development, and a chance to win part of $15,000!

Finale: Final Pitch Night on Dec. 15, 2025