Crews Center for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs are not “born,” they are made!
Since 2013, the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship has empowered both aspiring and active student innovators by inspiring big ideas, cultivating skills, and supporting every step of the entrepreneurial journey.
How do we do it?
Through hands‑on learning experiences, co‑curricular programs, personalized advising,
and dynamic programming designed to build a vibrant, collaborative entrepreneurial
community. Alongside our signature summer pre‑accelerator, ImagineU, we host community events, lead practical workshops, and provide financial support
to help students launch and grow their ventures.
No matter your passion or level of experience, the Crews Center offers curated opportunities that expose you to new ways of thinking, connect you with peers and mentors, and propel you toward your unique goals.
The Crews Center exists to inspire, educate, develop, and support both aspiring and active student entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams. While not every student will become an entrepreneur, we believe every student benefits from developing an entrepreneurial mindset—a critical 21st‑century skill that enhances creativity, resilience, and problem‑solving.
Because of this, we serve students across all majors and disciplines. Whether you want to stand out to future employers or launch your own business, the Crews Center is here to help you reach your professional goals.
We work with a wide range of students, including:
- Students seeking an entrepreneurial mindset to boost their career competitiveness
- Students curious about entrepreneurship who want to explore at their own pace
- Students ready to start a company or nonprofit during or after college
- Student founders already running a side or full-time business who want to grow
If you don’t fit neatly into one of these categories, that’s perfectly fine. Our students come from all backgrounds and interests. We’re here to help you chart an entrepreneurial path that aligns with your goals.
Opportunities Resources Contact Us Schedule a 1-on-1 Consultation
Growing Entrepreneurial Mindsets
The Crews Center offers experiential learning opportunities that allow students to submerge themselves into entrepreneurship—not just study it. You learn by testing ideas, solving real problems, and engaging with supportive mentors and peers.
- Think Like an Entrepreneur
- Build creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that translate to any career field.
- Generate Ideas and Solutions
- Learn repeatable methods for identifying opportunities and developing solutions across industries.
- Receive Direct Mentorship
- Get honest, actionable feedback paired with unwavering support—a combination every real-world founder needs.
- Build Your Network
- Tap into local and regional entrepreneurial networks, resources, and community partners.
student opportunities
Tiger Tank Pitch Competition
This competition creates an opportunity for students to present their business venture idea in an environment that celebrates new venture creation, entrepreneurial thinking and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Not only are students granted this platform to showcase their talent and passions but they are awarded cash prizes and certificates of participation based on the merits of their ideas and presentations.
ImagineU Summer Accelerator
The ImagineU Summer Accelerator Program is a unique immersiveve and intensive 8-week entrepreneurial experience in which students learn and live the early-stages of their entrepreneurship journey.
Catalyst Seed Fund
Courtesy of an anonymous donor, the Crews Center Catalyst Seed Fund provides limited amounts of grant funding to help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome minor financial obstacles as they explore or grow their business. Entrepreneurs do not give up equity in their company to receive this funding.
Cordell Jackson Music Ventures Fund
Cordell Jackson (1923 – 2004), a Memphis musician, best known as “The Rock-n-Roll Granny,” was the country’s first female recording engineer and the first woman to write, sing, record, produce and distribute music on her own label–Moon Records. A Memphis Musician and Songwriter of the Year, she was featured in the Smithsonian Institute and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Following the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit of Ms. Jackson, the purpose of the Cordell Jackson Music Ventures Fund is to provide limited financial support to student entrepreneurs that are developing or launching new music-oriented business ventures.
Ad-Hoc Mentoring Program
Ad-Hoc mentoring is available to all UofM students. Whether you just want some quick feedback on an idea, learn more about what the Crews Center has to offer, or want some ongoing advice and customized guidance on moving your company or idea forward, our ad-hoc mentoring program is the best place for you!
the crews culture
Inclusive
We believe that entrepreneurs are made, not born, and that anyone, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation/identity, age or socioeconomic class, can become a successful entrepreneur.
Innovative
An entrepreneurial mindset contains many elements of a growth mindset; an “I can do anything I set my mind to” worldview that spurs innovation and creativity in all that we do.
Authentic
We believe in being our authentic selves in everything we say and do. Status quo and conformity-centered thinking are often obstacles to innovation and entrepreneurship. You be you, and we will help you along your entrepreneurial journey while respecting and accepting you for who you choose to be.Accessible
Entrepreneurship can be an overwhelming and intimidating endeavor, but it does not have to be. We make entrepreneurship accessible to all who have the ambition, work ethic and desire to be successful.