Scholarships & Grants
The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation(CEI) offers a variety of scholarships.These scholarships are available to Seidman College of Business students who are involved in the entrepreneurship program by taking classes, participating in competitions, or being actively involved with the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) club at GVSU. For additional information or questions on the scholarships listed below, please contact Shorouq Almallah, [email protected]
Scholarships
Don and Diane Paton Family Entrepreneur Scholarship
This scholarship was established to assist students pursuing Entrepreneurship during their junior and senior years.
Scholarship Criteria
- Must be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled full time and making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Must be enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, or Entrepreneurship Major
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
Renewal Criteria: This scholarship may be renewed without reapplication provided the recipient continues to meet the qualifications stated above. This scholarship may be awarded to an individual for a maximum of four (4) semesters.
Award: $1,500
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Robert H. & Barbara Woods Scholarship
This scholarship, initiated by Robert H. and Barbara Wood, is available to upper-class students in the Seidman College of Business who demonstrate an interest in and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Scholarship Criteria
- Must be entering junior academic level with a minimum of 55 credits and be admitted and enrolled in Seidman College of Business with full-time degree-seeking status
- Must be pursuing an entrepreneurship minor or entrepreneurship certification
- Must have cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater and shall be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and meeting Seidman College GPA requirements
- Transfer candidates must be accepted by GVSU for enrollment
Renewal Criteria: Scholarship may be renewed without reapplication to an individual for a maximum of four semesters
Award: $1,500
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
American Photo Marketing Scholarship
This scholarship, provided by American Photo Marketing, Inc. was established to make a GVSU education accessible to students with the greatest financial aid obstacles to overcome. This scholarship is for motivated Seidman College of Business undergraduate students who demonstrates interest in and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Scholarship Criteria
- Must an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled full time and making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Must be pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship and earned 24 credits with at least one Entrepreneurship course completed
- Must file a FAFSA to demonstrate financial aid need
- Preference is given to Michigan residents
Renewal Criteria: Must reapply for renewal
Award: $1,500
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Michael and Susan Jandernoa Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to invest in future entrepreneurs involved in the Seidman College of Business' DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to create new opportunities that will be critical to future economic success in West Michigan.
Scholarship Criteria
- Recipients of this scholarship shall have been accepted for or currently enrolled at GVSU
- Must be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled for 12 credit hours and must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Must demonstrate extracurricular involvement such as athletics, community service, involvement in student or professional organizations such as Junior Achievement, or programs offered by the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Renewal Criteria: This scholarship may be renewed without reapplication provided the recipient continues to meet the qualification stated above. This scholarship may be awarded to an individual for a maximum of six (6) semesters.
Award: $2,500 - $5,000
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Grants
Empowering student innovation and ambition, the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) has two grants in place to help pave the way for entrepreneurial success at Grand Valley State University. The Student Startup Grant provides crucial financial support for aspiring Lakerpreneurs, bridging the gap to their next business milestone. Additionally, the Pitch Competition Travel Fund opens doors for talented Lakerpreneurs, offering funding for them to compete in pitch competitions and showcase their brilliant ideas.
Discover how these grants can enrich your entrepreneurial journey.
Student Startup Grant
Before You Apply
Review the following:
- This grant is designed for current students of GVSU.
- The student must meet with the Entrepreneur in Resident, before applying
- The grant prioritizes Lakerpreneurs who have businesses
- Students are limited to applying for this grant once per academic year.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee receiving requested funds.
Grant Amount: $250 - $500
Pitch Competition Travel Fund
Before You Apply
Review the following:
- This fund is designed for current students of GVSU.
- The fund prioritizes Lakerpreneurs who are active in CEI and related programs.
- This application will require detailed, itemized budget of the competition trip.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee receiving requested funds.
Fund Amount: $100 - $1,000