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Michigan State University
Michigan State University

Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Your venture begins with Discovery.

STEP BY STEP.

Everyone’s entrepreneurial journey begins with a first step. We know that can feel scary. That’s why every student within our venture creation program begins with Discovery. The Discovery Program instills an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you’re ready to dive into working on your startup idea, or you’re simply curious about plugging into the Spartan entrepreneurial community, the Burgess Institute's Discovery Program is designed to help you take your next steps. Exploration and experimentation are highly encouraged!

 

The Burgess Institute staff and interns will guide and help you through discovery, research, and idea validation. You are not alone; we are your community. This is a safe space for you to express yourself, be surrounded by intentionality, and have your opinions heard and honored. During your time here, you may experience failures, but we will help you get back up—time will always be made to support you!

STEP 1: APPLY TO THE DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Take the first step on your entrepreneurial journey. Applying to the Burgess Institute’s Discovery Program will open the door to a world of possibilities.

APPLY

STEP 2: ATTEND ORIENTATION

Once you’ve completed your application to the Discovery Program, you’ll receive a welcome email that will instruct you how to schedule your required orientation. At orientation, a Burgess Discovery intern will facilitate the group session and get you acquainted with the program and your path ahead.

THE LAUNCH PROGRAM

The Discovery program is designed to give Spartan venturers the tools and resources they need to build firm foundations for their ideas and early startups. Once fully researched and the Discovery program completed, entrepreneurs ready to take their startups to market can apply to pitch to gain entrance into the Burgess Institute's highly competitive Launch program. If accepted into Launch, founders will receive greater access to tailored services, concentrated mentorship, as well as funding opportunities!