These events and programs provide students with exclusive networking opportunities and challenging experiences. While entrepreneurial skills can be leveraged in a variety of business settings, they are most effectively learned in an entrepreneurial environment. The Institute augments business courses by placing students inside high-growth companies where they can work on real problems with real people in real time and by supporting students in the development of their business ventures and preparing them for launch.

Annual Symposia

Each fall, in partnership with the Entrepreneur and Venture Club, the Institute hosts Entrepalooza. This symposium invites nationally recognized guest speakers and panelists to speak on a range of entrepreneurial topics as well as venture capital investment.

The UM Global Private Equity Conference, for private equity professionals, provides an exceptional opportunity from the private equity, investment banking, and other business sectors the opportunity to hear leaders share latest developments and directions in private equity finance.

Each spring, the Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance presents the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium. The conference continues to be the Midwest's leading conference where hundreds of cutting edge technology entrepreneurs and the best venture capitalists make invaluable connections.

Michigan Business Challenge
All Unviersity of Michigan students with business idea who would like to put their ideas and skills to the test against other entrepreneurs should participate in the Michigan Business Challenge. Aside from providing immediate feedback, this format builds networks and rewards successful businesses with prize money. Student entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to compete in additional business plan competitions hosted by other universities.

Mingle 'n' Match
Mingle 'n' Match is a series of casual, networking events that introduces entrepreneurs and potential colleagues to one another. The Institute and Ann Arbor SPARK share the duties of hosting these events where entrepreneurs from U-M and the community give one-minute pitches of their businesses to attendees. Contact information is shared between interested parties after the event. Because a critical mass is necessary for the success of these events, registration is strongly encouraged.

Dare to Dream Grant Program
Dare to Dream is a grant program that encourages students moving through the business creation process by offering business development seminars and up to $10,000 in funding. The program, with support from Eugene Applebaum, has three different stages that propel a student team from a nascent idea to developed business ready for launch.

Student-Led Funds
Students with an interest in early-stage investing can apply for a spot on one of the Institute's two funds: the Wolverine Venture Fund and the Frankel Commercialization Fund. These funds invest in early stage projects and University-related businesses. Students are expected to perform due diligence and make investment recommendations to a board of professional advisors.

Internships
The Marcel Gani Internship Program offers Ross School of Business students the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to gain invaluable experience during the summer. Both participants and the host companies benefit from the mutual effort.

Entrepreneurial MAP
First-year MBAs must participate in a seven-week Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP). Start-up companies that have identified a strategic issue that directly affects their sucess may qualify to have an Entrepreneurial MAP student team work on that issue.

Case Writing
In the classroom, students discuss and analyze specific dynamics of an entrepreneurial company's growth, management, or marketplace positioning in the form of a case study. Full-time and part-time MBAs may receive independent study credit or compensation for researching, developing, and writing the case and its supporting teaching notes. Case writers commit an average of three months to write a case, which is roughly equivalent to the work of a 1.5 credit class.