Entrepreneurship at Ross MBA: Ranked 2nd in Princeton Review, Integrated in Curriculum & $3 Million Wolverine Venture Fund

Although Ross School of Business does not immediately come to our mind when we think of MBA programs with Entrepreneurial focus, it is ranked 2nd in the Top 25 Graduate Entrepreneurial Colleges for 2012 in Entrepreneur and Princeton Review annual rankings.

Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies – Ross School of Business

The ranking is based on the courses, programs and support offered at Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. The courses are designed to support students with their Entrepreneurial endeavours. In addition to knowledge, Entrepreneurs and Academicians specializing in Entrepreneurial studies provide the necessary practical guidance to start a firm.  Some of the notable members in the Advisory Board are Michael Hallman, former COO, Microsoft Corporation, Eugene Applebaum, Founder of Arbor Drugs and Samuel Zell, Chairman of Equity Group Investments.

Research

Professor David J. Brophy, the Executive Director for Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance, leads the Research for Entrepreneurial Studies.  Books and Case Studies are released under the division. It covers the latest developments and case studies in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation. The School also contributes towards the Entepreneurial-focussed research conducted by the Kauffman Foundation.

Entrepreneurship at Ross Full-time MBA

Michigan Ross MBA Program is designed with Entrepreneurial development as one of the Core Focuses. During spring, the first year MBA students spend time in MAP(Multidisciplinary Action Projects) in which they get the chance to work on an Entrepreneurial Project. Teams of 4-6 students are formed during MAP, and a sponsor defines the project scope and deliverables. With the semester long project, students work with actual start-ups.

In the Second Year, Ross MBA Students can focus on entrepreneurial management with the support of Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.  The courses are structured around eight areas –  Creation and Growth of Entrepreneurial Ventures, Entrepreneurial Finance, Innovation, Non-Profit, Social, and International Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Ventures, Acquisition of a Business or Entrepreneurial Opportunity, Application of Entrepreneurial Skills to Traditional Careers and  Tools for Entrepreneurs. Some of the other relevant courses available for 2nd Year students are Persuasive Management Communication, Management Presentations, Enterprise Systems Strategy and Distribution Strategy

Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies also offers the $3 Million Wolverine Venture Fund that invests in early stage technology companies with high-growth potential and the $20,000 Dare to Dream Grant Program that supports students to start their Business while completing the MBA.  The institute also sponsors students with the Intercollegiate Business Plan Competition or with the creation of entrepreneurial-focused case study. Students can also choose a 12-week Summer Internship at a startup or a VC firm instead of the Business Plan Competition or the Case Study creation.

Student Club

The Entrepreneur and Venture Club (EVC) support the Entrepreneurial ecosystem at Ross by developing a network for Entrepreneurs and Investors. The club provides a platform to discuss and learn about the various challenges and opportunities faced by Entrepreneurs. With the support of Zell-Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, students learn about topics like Business Plan development, Venture Funding and Business Ideas.

Learn More about Entrepreneurial MBA Programs

Recommended Reads

1) Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
2) Entrepreneurial MBA at SKOLKOVO
3) Top 5 MBA for Entrepreneurs