The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship develops experiential learning opportunities to complement and expand traditional academic offerings.
We invite students from all fields of study, Mason alumni, faculty, staff and community members to join us as we explore innovation and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about our experiential programs:
The Depot, a student venture program
The Depot provides Mason students with an entrepreneurship education that extends beyond the classroom.
Participating students set up recurring pop-up retail farm store sales events in partnership with local restaurants and community organizations such as the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The pop-ups provide community members access to purchase regionally produced food and beverage items and create new business channels for regional entrepreneurs.
In addition, CIE drives 20% of the proceeds to combatting food insecurity on campus in partnership with Mason's Patriot Pantry.
CIE students and staff at a retail pop-sales event for The Depot program
Patriot Pitch Competition
Launch your new business with the Patriot Pitch Competition! Held annually, the competition supports idea and early-stage business ventures and is open to current Mason students and recent alumni from all majors/fields of study.
Business and Entrepreneurship Learning Community
The Business and Entrepreneurship Learning Community (LC) is our upper-level (sophomore, junior, and senior students) learning community located in Blueridge Hall. The Business and Entrepreneurship LC welcomes students from all fields of study, who are passionate about business and/or entrepreneurship. No course is required for students to be part of this LC.
Students may become part of any of these LCs by selecting them on their housing application. Please look on the Office of Housing and Residential Life’s website to find the Housing Portal.
Learn more about Costello College of Business Learning Communities here.
