Each summer, Michigan State University becomes a hub of ambition and innovation for the next generation of entrepreneurs. From June 23 to June 26, high school students from across Michigan arrive on campus, ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

From Grand Rapids to Detroit and everywhere in between, students come not just as visitors but as emerging innovators ready to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset.

Founded in 2022 by MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Multicultural Business Programs, the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp transforms the Entrepreneurship Lab at the Eli Broad College of Business into a launchpad where students explore bold ideas, build real-world skills and begin to see themselves as future founders.

At the center of this effort is Tamira Chapman, an MSU alumna, nationally recognized entrepreneur, Detroit native and the camp’s premier event sponsor. Through the support of the Chapman Family Foundation, she is investing in the next generation of Michigan entrepreneurs, offering not only financial support, but also time, mentorship and lived experience. 

"When we invest in young people, we’re building the future of innovation in our communities. This camp is about showing students that their ideas matter, their voices belong and their potential has no limits,” shared Chapman.

The Chapman Family Foundation, based in metro Detroit, empowers youth by providing tools and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute positively to their communities. After engaging with the camp and sharing her own entrepreneurial journey in 2022, Chapman saw how closely its impact aligned with her family’s philanthropic mission and committed to sponsoring and supporting its programming for three years. 

 

As CEO of Storehouse In A Box, Chapman has built an e-commerce enterprise rooted in values of ownership, innovation and community impact. Her story hits home with students, especially those who see a bit of themselves in her. She speaks authentically about the obstacles she’s overcome and how those challenges became the fuel that propelled her forward. She empowers students to reframe their own narratives not as limitations but as launching points. 

“We wanted to create a space where students from all backgrounds feel empowered to share their ideas, create ventures and know that MSU is a place where they can grow and thrive,” said Lori Fischer, director of operations at the Burgess Institute. 

Open to all rising high school juniors and seniors, the camp experience is designed to be hands-on, fast-paced and immersive to real-world scenarios. Participants dive into workshops led by accomplished business leaders and industry professionals. Throughout the program, students work closely with their teammates to develop comprehensive business plans while learning the ins and outs of building a business. They receive valuable mentorship from experienced local and Spartan entrepreneurs active in Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Serving as the keynote speaker, Jehan Crump-Gibson, attorney, entrepreneur, Detroit native and proud Spartan alum, she brings a personal and professional background that reflects the leadership, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit the camp aims to cultivate. 

“This year marks the fourth year of the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp and with every year we aim to be as impactful as possible,” said Marquis Taylor, assistant director for strategic partnerships, alumni and employer relations at MBP. “With this goal and expectation in mind, we are constantly looking for the best speakers to connect with our students because they are the lifeline to the success of this program. Jehan Crump-Gibson is no exception to the standard of excellence we have set over the years.”

 

By the end of the week students walk away with more than just business knowledge — they gain confidence, curiosity and community. For Lucas Valdez, a 2023 participant, the camp was transformative in unexpected ways: “It became kind of fun to meet new people and share small things with them,” he says. “Later down the road, when I did DECA in high school, I ended up doing really well because I felt like I had built a lot of confidence in meeting people and coming across as a confident person myself.”

Niklas Lorenz, a 2023 camp participant echoed similar thoughts: “It gave us the actual experience needed when coming up with an idea and turning it into something real. I definitely learned how to network better, we met with so many established business owners.”

Each year, more students arrive on campus ready to explore what is possible and each year they, leave seeing entrepreneurship as a future they can shape. The growth of the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp reflects the power of collaboration between the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Multicultural Business Programs, alumni leaders and supporters such as the Chapman Family Foundation and Lansing Economic Area Partnership. Its mission remains clear: to ensure that every student regardless of background, sees entrepreneurship as a path they can pursue.