Institute for Innovation and Economic Development
Empowering business students and advancing our region’s economic growth through high-impact programs and mentorship.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Our Team
Jennifer Kuan
Associate Professor
Mary Jo Zenk
Grants & Financial Manager
Jonathan Bagley-Rowe
iiED Operations Manager
Stephanie Arteaga
Marketing & Events Coordinator
The iiED Impact
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.
Diamond Key Program
Our Diamond Key Program engages over 400 students and conducts more than 30 workshops and hosts 25 invited speakers.
Internship Programs
We conduct four career and internship fairs that serve over 700 students and results in 150 paid internships.
Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program supports student career growth and features 35 accomplished volunteer mentors.
Entrepreneurship
Our program supports over 50 entrepreneurs and hosts 50 entrepreneurial speakers.
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: