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While the word ''Entrepreneurship'' has been tossed around Western Michigan University's campus for quite some time, it has only recently become a reality for WMU students. As of fall 2014, students can apply for either the '''Entrepreneurship major''' or '''Entrepreneurship minor'''. These programs feature classes from both the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) and the Haworth College of Business (HCoB).
Within CEAS, students can enroll in the Bachelors of Science in Engineering program entitled '''Industrial & Entrepreneurial Engineering (IEE)'''. IEE combines traditional industrial engineering methodologies while focusing on innovation and design thinking. Students graduate with the mindset of both an industrial engineer and an entrepreneur, giving them the knowledge and expertise to either open their own business or to lead to innovative discoveries within established companies.The program was also presented with the '''''Innovation in Curriculum''''' Award at the 2013 Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) National Conference.
Within the Haworth College of Business, the '''Integrated Supply Management '''program features an array of courses highlighting the importance of innovation and design. As of fall 2014, the program was ranked #5 in the nation.
Additionally, the School of Music hosts an annual '''Entrepreneurial Extravaganza''', a day-long workshop that combines resume writing, mock interviews, finance tips, marketing strategies, and networking. Through classes, workshops, and collaborative projects, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful in their music career'''.'''
The '''Entrepreneurship ClubSunseeker Solar Car''' team at WMU brings together entrepreneurs, students, faculty, multiple engineering majors and business executives in majors together with the spirit goal of group innovation to help adapt their skills to today's changing global economybuilding a solar power car. The purpose of the group Innovative thinking is to bring together anyone who has held at a passion for entrepreneurship through networking and brainstorming with fellow students.premium *'''Meetings / Speakers: '''The club meets to discuss entrepreneurship matters as the team operates within confines set by the American Solar Challenge. Students learn the principals of drive and also bring in local entrepreneurselectrical systems as they design the car, to help them with ideas this knowledge is then tested as students fabricate and how to achieve goalstest their t designs. Former club president Matt Rumora says that "We provide speakers, presentations, and events so our members can gain necessary entrepreneurial skills while networking, building startupsThroughout the year, the team competes in multiple 1200 to 1800 mile solar car races across the US and having funabroad. We encourage students from all disciplines and backgrounds to participate."
Western Michigan University also added '''Starting Gate''', a business accelerator, to its repertoire in the summer of 2013. The extracurricular 100-day program provides workshops, speakers, and resources for participants to help bring their business ideas to fruition. Many of these students also participate in the annual '''PITCH Competition '''that is hosted by the Haworth College of Business. As the name suggests, students compete for funding through 3-minute pitches for their business ideas. This competition is one of the most popular entrepreneurial-based extracurricular activities that is offered by the university.