Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

Empowering business students and advancing our region’s economic growth through high-impact programs and mentorship.

Group of iiED staff and students with CSUMB Mascot Monte Rey

Offered through the CSUMB College of Business, the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) is an exceptional resource for students, faculty, friends of the University and the greater business community throughout our region. 

Building and Supporting the Monterey Bay Economic Ecosystem.

The iiED focuses on supporting students, many of whom are first-generation and low-income students, by providing career access programs, internships, mentorship and entrepreneurship initiatives.

By utilizing the resources of Cal State Monterey Bay, other regional educational institutions, successful entrepreneurs 

and other regional resources, we continue to strengthen and support the Monterey Bay economic ecosystem. 

Key offerings through the iiED include:

  • Career Access Programs
  • Entrepreneurship Programs
  • Innovation Labs

iiED Mission

CSUMB’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development connects faculty and students—many of them first-generation and low-income—to the business community to advance economic growth through high-impact programs that close opportunity gaps and provide real-world career development.

iiED Vision

Entrepreneurship is a valuable mindset that empowers individuals to own and solve problems. The iiED envisions a robust culture across campus in which students in every discipline engage with curricular or co-curricular programs that promote this mindset. Educational events expand this culture beyond campus, giving students and community members opportunities to learn and network.

“Since it’s my last year—along with many others—these events are invaluable. At this stage, we're meant to step into the world as young professionals, and the more guidance we can get, the better, whether that path leads straight into the workforce or continuing education in grad school."

Bo Unite, CSUMB Student

Preparing Students for Success

Our Programs and People

Guided by supportive, accomplished faculty and business mentors, our offerings like Diamond Key Professional Development, Internship Excellence Program, Mentor Leadership Program and Business Forge startup incubator, among others, provide exceptional business education, training and networking.

Jennifer Kuan

iiED Newsletter

Check out recent issues of the iiED newsletter to stay up to date on all of the impressive things happening at the Institute, from student-led projects, to the accomplishments of CSUMB and iiED alumni, to upcoming events and more.

A group of four business administration students collaborating

Student Awards

Each year we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of CSUMB students who engage in our programming through the Dr. Tao Startup Challenge Student Awards.

College of Business students listening at class

Our Team

Jennifer Kuan

Jennifer Kuan

Associate Professor

Mary Jo Zenk

Mary Jo Zenk

Grants & Financial Manager

Jonathan Bagley-Rowe

Jonathan Bagley-Rowe

iiED Operations Manager

Stephanie Arteaga

Stephanie Arteaga

Marketing & Events Coordinator

The iiED Impact

Students sitting together and having a discussion in a classroom

Career Access Programs

Approximately 50 percent of students in our Career Access Programs through CSUMB’s College of Business are first-generation students, and 74 percent receive financial aid.

Instructor writing on a whiteboard while students listen in a classroom.

Diamond Key Program

Our Diamond Key Program engages over 400 students and conducts more than 30 workshops and hosts 25 invited speakers.

A Sudent at Job internship fair

Internship Programs

We conduct four career and internship fairs that serve over 700 students and results in 150 paid internships.

Teacher talking to students during a classroom discussion.

Mentorship Program

Our mentorship program supports student career growth and features 35 accomplished volunteer mentors.

A girl is smiling for a photo

Entrepreneurship

Our program supports over 50 entrepreneurs and hosts 50 entrepreneurial speakers.

Students gather and study in a bright, modern atrium at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). The open space features wood-accented architecture, natural light, and collaborative seating areas, creating a welcoming environment for learning and connection.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at CSUMB.

Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

Our office is located in Room 210 of the Business and Information Technology Building at CSUMB. Our office hours are 8 am – 5 pm.

Contact the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

For more information contact us at: