Illinois State University-Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) is a chapter of the National Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the premier global entrepreneurship network serving more than 500 colleges and universities.

When you join Illinois State’s CEO, you become a member of the national organization and part of a movement to engage the entire Illinois State community in entrepreneurship.

Following is a question-and-answer session with Illinois State University-Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization President Josh Weingart.

Q: What is the focus of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization?

A: CEO sees entrepreneurship as innovation in action. To engage the Illinois State community in this notion of entrepreneurship, our purpose is to promote and support the entrepreneurial mindset and skill set of all Illinois State students through innovative experiential learning opportunities.

Q: What leadership opportunities does CEO have?

A: Currently CEO has the following positions:

  • President
  • Vice president
  • VP-marketing
  • VP-communications
  • VP-events

Q: What other opportunities and benefits are there of being a member of CEO?

A:  CEO is currently in the process of offering its members an “entrepreneur in residence” program. This program brings a local entrepreneur to consult with our club member about different business ideas they may have. We also offer trips to our CEO Nationals, networking opportunities, and opportunities to make their business idea a reality.

Q: What kind of community can one expect in CEO?

A: Our club is really focused on working together and inspiring each other by making our ideas a reality. We meet weekly and talk about updates and insights we might have for one another.

Q: What is your favorite part about CEO?

A: My favorite part is the engagement we have with our community projects. In the past, the club has brought in a local entrepreneur which has made the dynamics of the club much more inspirational by motivating each member to pursue after their own ideas.

Q: When and where does CEO meet?

A: CEO meets Wednesdays at 6:30 in 145 State Farm Hall of Business.

New members can join at any time. However, members are limited on participation with the “entrepreneur in residence” program depending on when they join in the semester. For more information, contact President Josh Weingart at jzweing@ilstu.edu.