Chico State Center for Entrepreneurship

08/28/2025

08/25/2025

A new semester isn’t just a fresh start—it’s a reminder that every day brings new chances to grow, to take risks, and to shape the path you want for your future. Lean into the challenges, embrace the opportunities, and trust yourself along the way. 🌟

08/14/2025

Chico’s next generation of innovators just set the bar high at Biz Kidz 2025!

This past Saturday, the Center for Entrepreneurship partnered with ChicoSTART to support the 2025 Biz Kidz Showcase at — a celebration of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship for youth ages 6–17.

From handcrafted art to mission-driven businesses, these young entrepreneurs pitched their ideas, sold their products, and showed us the power of starting early. 💡💼

🏆 Winners:
Ages 6–11
• Best Overall Business: Aurelia's Artistic Wonders
• Best Entrepreneur: C&S Kids Creations
• Best Entrepreneur: Isaiah’s Out of this World Creations

Ages 12–17
• Best Overall Business: 100% Handmade
• Best Entrepreneur: Crochet by Maddie
• Best Entrepreneur: Hope Four a Cure

👏 Congratulations to all participants — your talent and drive inspire us! Huge thanks to , , and our community partners for helping us inspire the next generation of business leaders.

08/11/2025

Opportunities aren’t rare—they’re abundant. The challenge is simply to open your eyes and reach out. 🌱

That’s the reality behind a new initiative led by ChicoStart in partnership with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, offering $5,000 micro-grants to help local entrepreneurs overcome barriers and grow their businesses.

Eva L. Shepherd-Nicoll, Executive Director of ChicoStart and Chico State’s Center for Entrepreneurship, plays a vital role in connecting entrepreneurs with these valuable resources.

No matter your background or circumstance, resources exist to support your journey—sometimes all it takes is knowing where to look and taking that first step.

💡 This week, challenge yourself to explore your community’s resources—grants, mentorship, or networking opportunities. You’re not alone. Together, we can build something amazing. 🚀

08/08/2025

College is all about what you make of it—and who you meet along the way.

Alum Stone Cottone shares how getting involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship opened the door to countless opportunities—from building his network, to leading the CEO Club, to launching real-world projects that shaped his career path.

His advice? Start showing up. Make connections. Say yes. You never know what doors will open when you get involved.

08/04/2025

🚀 Innovation doesn’t start with approval — it starts with action.

At the CFE, we believe in students who take initiative, solve problems, and chase big ideas before they’re “ready.”

08/01/2025

Ever wonder what the CFE is really about?
It’s more than just startups and business plans.

Through Student Ventures, and clubs like CEO, Investors Club, and the Venture Capitalist Club, students from all majors get the chance to build something real, make meaningful connections, and develop skills that truly matter—like leadership, creativity, and problem-solving.

Whether you’re ready to launch your own idea or just want to explore new opportunities, the Center for Entrepreneurship is here to support your next step.

🎥 Hear from real students, discover what’s possible, and see how it all starts with just getting involved.

07/30/2025

🧢 What’s your favorite BASEBALL TEAM? ⚾️
This is Director Eva’s favorite minor league team — and they know something about ENTREPRENEURSHIP. 👀🔥

We’re talking about the Savannah Bananas 🍌 — a team that’s redefined baseball by putting fans first, dancing on the field, and turning every game into a viral event. 🎟️💼

Founder Jesse Cole went all-in on a bold vision, proving that thinking outside the box can build a winning brand — on and off the field. 💡

👇 Drop your favorite team in the comments and tell us:
Would YOU go to a game where the players break out in TikTok dances?

07/28/2025

💥 Monday Motivation 💥

Last year, Fresh Haven took home over $10,000 at the CSU Dominguez Hills Sunstone Startup Launch Competition. How? They put in the work—two months of focused preparation: building a solid business plan, applying early, practicing their pitch relentlessly, and knowing their venture inside and out.

Don't wait for success—prepared for it.

Let this be your reminder:
✨ Anything is possible when you show up and give it 100%.
✨ Most people don’t go all in—be different.
✨ Take every opportunity seriously. You never know where it could lead.

Next up? The Big Bang! Business Competition at UC Davis is your chance to go for it. What are you waiting for?

https://innovate.ucdavis.edu/big-bang-competition

07/21/2025

In a world full of noise, authenticity stands out.
Be real. Build something that reflects you. That’s your edge. That’s entrepreneurship.

07/18/2025

🎨 Artists, want to turn your creativity into a business?
We're excited to share an incredible free opportunity for local artists to learn the basics of marketing, sales, and business development!

🗓 Sunday, July 20th at 2 PM
📍 Penny Ranch Art Studio ()
💡 "Marketing, Sales, and Business Development 101 for Artists"
🎟 FREE to attend!

Led by an experienced agent for authors and visual artists, this talk will cover essential topics like how to price your work, build a value ladder, choose a market, create income streams, and understand legal basics like LLCs vs seller’s permits. An extended Q&A will ensure every artist walks away with personalized insight.

💬 This is the first session in a larger series, and it's totally free—future talks will be $65, so take advantage of this one!

Special thanks to Julian of the Chico Artists Network for organizing this important event for the local creative community.

🎭 This is what the CFE is all about—empowering creators with entrepreneurial tools to thrive.

07/18/2025

🎓 Chanel Hamilton, now a Marketing Coordinator at Modern Times Inc, shares how the Center for Entrepreneurship helped her grow beyond the classroom.

Through the CFE, she learned to network, problem-solve, and connect with students across majors—while gaining real-world skills through the College of Business.

“You never know how you might help someone—or how they might help you—in the future.”