Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A dynamic center that serves and supports all of Texas State campus and community in the pursuit to increase entrepreneurial thinking and endeavors.

WHERE IDEAS IGNITE AND INNOVATORS RISE

Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the trailblazing minds within the Texas State community!

We believe that cultivating an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset builds intellectual confidence, empowering individuals to create bold solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Expand Event List

–
The CIE Student Public Speaking Group - Improv for Entrepreneurs
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Location:
McCoy 337
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Step into the world of improvisation with this hands-on workshop, led by a professional improv troupe!

This interactive session will focus on quick thinking, effective communication, and building confidence in the moment—essential skills for entrepreneurs pitching ideas and handling the unexpected.

This special event will dedicate the entire meeting to learning and practicing improv techniques directly from the experts. Get ready to engage, connect, and develop tools to boost your confidence and spontaneity. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

–
Branding & The Entrepreneurial Mindset: The Winning Formula with RC Buford & Lawrence Norman
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Location:
Alkek Teaching Theater
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
THE STORY, you are your brand.

The ability to effectively tell your story significantly enhances your chances of success in
the competitive world of entrepreneurship. The strongest brands also remain true to their
values, crafting compelling narratives that deeply connect with their audience.

Lawrence Norman, the former GM for adidas basketball and current faculty/lecturer at
Clark University (MA), will present how students can increase their brand value by being
better storytellers, presenters and writers. In his unique, engaging way of utilizing a music
soundtrack in his lectures, Lawrence will give insight into his experience at ADIDAS and
how that brand became one of the world’s leading sports brands.

After his opening “monologue”, Lawrence will interview R.C. Buford, the CEO of Spurs Sport
and Entertainment. The SAN ANTONIO SPURS are a powerhouse franchise not just
because of their five NBA championships, but because of their unwavering vision, core
values, and relentless entrepreneurial mindset. For the Spurs, every day is "day one." They
embody the philosophy of “pounding the rock” and embracing humility with the mantra to “get over yourself.”

Next, it's your turn. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask R.C. (or Lawrence) your questions.

REGISTER HERE: 
Open to all Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni.  Click here for more information
more about event

–
Bobcat Bazaar Student Marketplace
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Location:
LBJ Mall
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246

Connor Ward - Bobcat Bazaar Manager
qgw13@txstate.edu
832-535-8871
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Do you have a small business and would like a place to sell to on campus to your fellow Bobcats? Well, we have the place for you. 

Sponsored by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, this weekly pop up is for the TXST community entrepreneurs to showcase their business. 

The event will be held on the Mall with several student businesses from 2:30-5pm. 
Stop by and support your fellow Bobcats!

Use this link to reserve a table for your small business for free!

–
add to calendar
Location:
CIE Gathering Space; 350G
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Get inspired by entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes! 

What’s the secret to opening doors and creating opportunities? For Sinéad Whiteside and Susan Guerra, the answer is networking and collaboration. Join the founders of Inspired Minds Art Center as they share how building meaningful connections with the right people turned their vision into a successful, fast-growing business.

From forming relationships with key community members to leveraging their network for growth, Sinéad and Susan will show how strategic networking can shape the future of your business. Their story demonstrates the incredible power of connection and the opportunities that come from putting yourself out there.

Each month, hear from successful business owners as they share their journeys—their challenges, triumphs, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a business, this series offers invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you on your path.

–
Bobcat Bazaar Student Marketplace
add to calendar
Location:
LBJ Mall
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246

Connor Ward - Bobcat Bazaar Manager
qgw13@txstate.edu
832-535-8871
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Do you have a small business and would like a place to sell to on campus to your fellow Bobcats? Well, we have the place for you. 

Sponsored by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, this weekly pop up is for the TXST community entrepreneurs to showcase their business. 

The event will be held on the Mall with several student businesses from 2:30-5pm. 
Stop by and support your fellow Bobcats!

Use this link to reserve a table for your small business for free!

–
add to calendar
Location:
326 North LBJ, San Marcos, TX, United States, Texas 78666
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
REGISTER HERE!

Dive into a world of creativity at ArtWaves, where local artists bring their visions to life across a variety of mediums. Whether you're a devoted art lover or just looking to explore something new, this event invites you to experience the energy, imagination, and inspiration of our creative community. Come ride the creative wave with us!

What to Expect:
- Featured Artists: Phase Floral, Luna Chrysanthia, Adele Corder, & more to be announced!
- Pom Pom Pals Arts & Crafts Station – Fun for all ages!
- Vendor Fair – Discover local handmade goods, art, and more!

–
add to calendar
Location:
McCoy 337
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Quinn - Director of CIE
Alkek Library 350G
Phone: 512-408-2246
Campus Sponsor:
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Join us for the grand finale of our public speaking series!

This special meeting will feature a showcase of student speeches, highlighting the skills and techniques participants have developed throughout the semester. From inspiring stories to creative presentations, this is a celebration of growth, confidence, and the power of communication.

This event is all about the participants—no guest speakers, just a supportive space to share and celebrate. Come cheer on your peers, reflect on your own progress, and leave inspired by the incredible talent and hard work of our entrepreneurial community.

Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful vehicles for creating a legacy. I firmly believe that investing in the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders is essential for shaping the future of business, leadership, and economic empowerment. 

When we equip students with the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities, we’re fostering a mindset of resilience, creativity, and impact that will serve them for life. 

Christina Jovanna Olivarez
Founder & CEO, The Social Butterfly Gal LLC & Hustle + Socialize LLC

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Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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colleges devoted to research, creativity and education.

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elements in our growing ecosystem

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