Events and Programs

The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development offers the following events and programs to support entrepreneurship and innovation at CSUMB and throughout the Monterey Tri-County area.

Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market at CSUMB is a festive annual event celebrating community and creativity, featuring local vendors, handmade goods, and live music. Held on December 5th in the OSU Ballroom, it was hosted in partnership with iiED, Associated Students, the Music Department, and the Entrepreneurship Club.

Career Access Programs

We assist College of Business students in exploring career paths and finding opportunities aligned with their interests and skills. Our expanding programs build essential professional skills through mentorship, Diamond Key workshops, and securing internships and career opportunities across various industries. Learn more about Diamond Key and Mentorship.

Business Forge

The Business Forge is an incubator designed to help startup founders navigate today's dynamic business landscape. Many founders, particularly in communities with limited access to industry networks, struggle to obtain the guidance and resources needed for success. The Business Forge addresses this by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals who provide essential mentorship, industry insights, and strategic advice.

Responsible Business Innovation Lab

This newly established lab champions ethical practices and sustainable development, striving to balance profitability with a positive societal impact. Join us in supporting our faculty and educating our diverse student community on Responsible Business principles and the Quintuple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit, Ethics, and Equity.

Women in Venture Capital

Diversity and inclusion are at our core. Our program empowers women in venture capital through mentorship, networking, and tailored resources to promote leadership and equity. With 40% of VC investors hailing from Harvard or Stanford and only 2% of 2021 VC funding going to female-founded companies, we aim to break barriers and drive change.

Startup Factory Monterey Bay

The annual Startup Factory is a one-day event where participants develop and pitch startup ideas through activities like business modeling, prototyping, and market validation. Attendees gain hands-on experience, connect with mentors, investors, and co-founders, and learn to think and build like a startup in a supportive team environment.

Institute for Innovation and Economic Development