The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) is thrilled to have you subscribed to our monthly newsletter. 

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

A new semester means new opportunities to pitch, build, and dream bigger. Whether you’re brainstorming your first business idea or gearing up for your next pitch competition, Lakerprenuer is here to keep you in the loop and inspired. From upcoming competitions and club meetings to campus highlights and resources, this is your go-to hub for all things entrepreneurship at GVSU. Let’s make Winter 2026 a semester of action.

Welcome back! New semester, new energy, and yes… we’re quickly approaching Startup Madness season. Think March Madness, but instead of brackets and buzzer beaters, it’s ideas, pitches, prototypes, and a whole lot of friendly competition. 

There is no shortage of competitions this semester. And you might be asking yourself, why should I do this? My answer is simple: why not? 

These competitions are some of the best opportunities you will get as a student to promote your work, test an idea, build confidence, connect with the entrepreneurial and business community, and maybe even walk away with some funding. I cannot count how many times alumni come back and say, “I wish I could be a student again just to take advantage of all these competitions.” Don’t be that future version of yourself. Don’t wait. Don’t miss out. 

Have a business idea? You STILL have time to submit your idea and win a cash prize!

Students can submit their innovative business concepts for 77 Idea Quest and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Apply soon - applications close January 30th!

👉 Sign up today and turn your idea into reality!

The Creative Young Entrepreneurs (CYE) Competition is a national pitch competition designed to identify young entrepreneurs in the U.S. Winners can advance to regional, national, and international levels, competing for larger prizes and global recognition.

Entrepreneurs ages 18–40 (JCI members or not) who own an active business operating for 3+ months and are ready to clearly pitch their idea and growth plan.

Submit a business plan and 1-minute pitch video. Top 20 advance to a 90-second pitch, with finalists competing in a 3-minute live pitch + Q&A

What Is the MCSC?
The Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge (MCSC) is a statewide competition that brings together student innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, build teams, and grow their professional networks.

Startup Madness is here.

Whether you have a full-blown business, a half-baked idea, or just curiosity, there’s a competition for you. Take the shot. Worst case? You learn something. Best case? You win funding, connections, and momentum. 

  What It Is: AquaHacking Binational 2026 is the largest edition yet of AquaAction’s innovation program, bringing together diverse talent to develop solutions to real-world water challenges across borders.

Recruitment Timeline:
Recruitment launches early February 2026, with more program details and resources coming soon.

Why Get Involved: 
Participants gain hands-on experience, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and work on impactful environmental solutions while expanding their professional network.

How to Share & Get Started: 
An Early Outreach Toolkit is available now with ready-to-use newsletter, email content, and visuals—making it easy to spread the word across your channels.

What It Is: 
MVE-Lab is an intensive, free venture development accelerator for military-connected founders (veterans, active duty, spouses, and dependents), offering business education, mentoring, networking, and hands-on startup training.

Program Dates & Location:
Feb. 2 – April 20, 2026
Hosted at the GVSU Battle Creek Innovation Hub in Battle Creek, MI.

What You’ll Do:
Participants engage in a 12-week curriculum covering business planning, marketing, financials, and pitch prep, culminating in a final pitch showcase with funding opportunities.

Who It’s For:
Military-connected individuals including veterans, active duty, National Guard/Reserve members, spouses, and dependents looking to start or grow a business.

Why It Matters: 
Gain practical startup skills, mentorship, access to regional entrepreneurship networks, and the chance to secure funding—all tailored to the unique strengths of veteran founders.