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, Costello alumni, faculty, staff and community members to join us as we explore innovation and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about our experiential programs:
The Patriot Ventures Program, a student venture program
This program provides students with a unique entry point into entrepreneurship through real-world learning and collaboration. Working with the Center and George Mason Alumni, and in coordination with our Honey Bee Initiative, students curate and sell food and honey products, gaining firsthand experience in business operations, marketing, accounting, and finance. This early-stage program equips students with the skills and mindset to explore entrepreneurship confidently—whether launching future ventures or driving innovation in existing organizations.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship students and staff at a retail pop-sales event for Patriot Ventures Program
Patriot Pitch Competition
Launch your new business with the Patriot Pitch Competition! Held annually, the competition supports ideas and early-stage business ventures and is open to current George Mason students and recent alumni from all majors/fields of study. Corporate leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and investors judge the competition and winners receive cash awards to seed fund their endeavors.
Honeybee Initiative
Honey Bee Initiative – a unique initiative with more than 65 hives across six sites on and near the Fairfax Campus, this program immerses students in the entrepreneurial lifecycle, from developing honey products to generating revenue in coordination with the Patriot Ventures Program. Students actively engage in creating self-sustaining business models through hands-on experience with beekeeping, honey extraction, and sales. Guided by our beekeeper, who also leads community engagement, students learn to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship in a practical and approachable way.
Costello College of Business Dean Ajay Vinzé showcasing hands-on experience with beekeeping
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.
