Empowering entrepreneurs and innovators through free programming and mentorship
The Institute for Entrepreneurship serves as a hub for innovation, taking a zero-barriers approach to entrepreneurship by offering free programming open to all CSU affiliates and Colorado community members. Our three stage Venture Development Platform gives you all the tools you need to get your idea to market. This programming and others are designed to help launch successful ventures as well as build an entrepreneurial mindset in all of our program participants. The institute also facilitates connections with established business leaders and strategic partners in order to validate, incubate, and accelerate your startup.
Driving Innovation. Scaling Impact.
The Institute is also a great hub for resources and fresh ideas. You can stay connected with the Institute by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram and signing up for our newsletter.
"Last year I invested in a $5,000 year-long coaching program to help me grow and scale my business. I attended every Venture Validator lecture and learned more in those few short weeks than I did in an entire year in my $5,000 program. It was the first program I ever participated in where I felt like I was getting truly actionable steps to move me and my business forward."
- Heather C. (Venture Validator 1.0, Cohort 22)
Venture Development Pathway
Stage 1- Venture Validator 1.0
Venture Validator 1.0 is the starting blocks for your entrepreneurial venture. This cohort-based program takes you through all the steps to get your venture off the ground and figure out if there’s a real opportunity there.
Stage 2- Venture Validator 2.0
Venture Validator 2.0 is a continuation of your customer discovery journey from the Venture Validator 1.0 and explores the second half of the business model canvas to deep dive if there is a market opportunity.
Stage 3 – Venture Accelerator
The Venture Accelerator is all about getting your venture to market. This is a six-week program where entrepreneurs learn about – and take – the concrete steps needed to begin their business operations.
Learn more about these programs and others on our Programs page.
Join us for an upcoming cohort of Venture Validator
10/23/2025 5:00 PM - 11/6/2025 6:45 PM
October 23, October 30 and November 6
5-6:45 p.m.
11/13/2025 5:00 PM - 11/20/2025 6:45 PM
November 13 and November 20
5-6:45 p.m.
From Music for the Masses to Flight Simulation: CSU Students Pitch Next Great Start-Up
Coming up with an idea is hard. Making sure it’s a good one is even harder. Enter the Venture RAMS Business Showcase.
CSU Accelerator Named Semi-Finalist in DOE Incubator Program
An ongoing accelerator led by Colorado State University and Innosphere has been named a semi-finalist in a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored incubator program called REACH.
Impact MBA Students Win Corporate Startup Lab Case Competition
Four Impact MBA students won first place at the Corporate Startup Lab Case Competition in Pittsburgh, taking home a grand prize of $12,000.
Creativity Comes Full Circle for Institute for Entrepreneurship Staff
Entrepreneurship has always boiled down to one thing for Aubrey Kruse: creativity. Kruse helps the Institute share its vision that entrepreneurial skills have relevance far beyond startups.
Would You Be Happier if You Worked for Yourself? Here Are 4 Things To Know
Boris Nikolaev’s research focuses on the economics of happiness and well-being. Recently, he’s studied whether entrepreneurs have more satisfaction than the 90% of Americans with a more traditional job.