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Programs and People

Supporting regional economic growth by helping students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.

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IIED - Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

Our programs and people at the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) support regional economic growth by helping students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.

Bridging Opportunity Gaps and Fueling Future Careers

As industries shift and new challenges emerge, the Institute is expanding its student-centered approach through hands-on learning, mentorship and entrepreneurial experience.

Many students, particularly first-generation and underserved populations, continue to face barriers to economic mobility. The Institute bridges this gap by connecting students, faculty and the business community through programs that spark innovation and create real pathways to opportunity.

Career Access Programs

Career Access Programs (ACCESS: Accelerated Career Exploration and Student Success) help you build professional skills, secure internships, and explore exciting career paths. They include:

  • Diamond Key Professional Development
  • College of Business Internship Excellence Program
  • Mentor Leadership Program

Entrepreneurship Programs

Entrepreneurship Programs are open to students and the community, empowering participants to explore innovation, launch ventures and build real-world business skills through hands-on experiences like startup incubators, markets and inclusive initiatives. Programs include:

  • Business Forge
  • Winter Night Market
  • Women in Venture Capital

Innovation Labs

Innovation Labs bring together students, faculty and global partners to explore new ideas in responsible business, human performance and international collaboration. These offerings promote advancing technology, ethics and interdisciplinary research. They include:

  • Responsible Business Innovation Lab
  • Global Innovation Scholars Lab

Programs That Provide a Lifetime of Value

Building

Diamond Key Professional Development

You’ll gain access to a wide range of workshops and networking events where you can earn “keys” that lead to a certificate and special designation on your degree from CSUMB’s College of Business.

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Internship Excellence Program

The Internship Excellence Program will assist you in searching for and securing a Monterey Bay area internship that compliments your skills and aligns with your career interests.

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Mentor Leadership Program

The Mentor Leadership Program will connect you with a caring, supportive and successful business leader who will mentor you in a wide range of areas essential to your future success.

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A photo of the symposium over summer

Business Forge

The Business Forge connects emerging entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who offer critical mentorship, industry insights, and strategic advice.

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BIT career fair photo

Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market features a diverse array of local tri-county vendors and CSUMB small businesses, presenting an assortment of unique products and services.

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Women in Venture Capital

This initiative brings together a diverse network of women investors, founders and professionals to identify problems, learn together, take risks and accomplish their goals.

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A photo of the BIT building with students and professors in the background

Responsible Business Innovation Lab

This innovative offering supports faculty in educating our diverse body of students in Responsible Business and the Quintuple Bottom Line of People, Planet, Profit, Ethics and Equity.

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CSUMB BIT Building

Global Innovation Scholars Lab

The Global Innovation Scholars Lab is designed to enhance collaborative research in business, social science and technology and strengthen CSUMB’s presence in global academic networks.

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A Team of Accomplished Business Faculty, Leaders and Scholars

At the iiED, you’ll be guided and mentored by our team of engaged and accomplished CSUMB faculty and staff, as well as renowned business leaders from throughout our region.

Jenny Kuan, PhD, Executive Director

Mary Jo Zenk, Grants & Financial Manager

Jonathan Bagley-Rowe, Operations Manager

Stephanie Arteaga, Marketing and Events Coordinator

Ricardo Campos, Accounting Intern 

Alan Steingasser, Data Intern

Nicolas Aoki, Event Support Intern

Ryan Ahani, Photography Intern

Ange Nariswari, College of Business

Dante Di Gregorio, College of Business

Eric Tao, School of Computing and Design and iiED Founding Director

Heiko Wieland, College of Business

Jenny Lin, College of Business

Joel Ryman, College of Business

Joshua Gross, School of Computing and Design

Shwadhin Sharma, College of Business

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 offices are located in 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: