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Business Forge
Business Forge
The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (IIED), within the College of Business at Cal State Monterey Bay, has launched The Business Forge, an incubator designed to support startup founders in navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.
Many founders, especially in communities with limited access to industry networks, face challenges in gaining the guidance and resources necessary for success.
The Business Forge addresses this by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who offer critical mentorship, industry insights, and strategic advice.
Learn more: csumb.edu/iied/busforge
Breaking the Mold: CSUMB’s Women in Venture Capital Initiative Sparks Dialogue and Empowerment
Breaking the Mold: CSUMB’s Women in Venture Capital Initiative Sparks Dialogue and Empowerment
March 25, 2025
Cal State Monterey Bay’s Women in Venture Capital Initiative hosted an insightful evening of panel discussions and guided networking, bringing together professionals, startup founders, women leaders, and investors.
Held at the Alumni and Visitor Center on March 18, 2025, the event offered valuable perspectives on breaking barriers and driving change in the venture capital industry, welcoming participants at all experience levels. Executive Champions Hilary Bryant and May Roen organized the event to foster and expand access to venture capital, and shape the future of investing and financial empowerment.
The evening featured a distinguished panel, including Margaret Rosas, Head of Customer Success at MotherDuck; Tianyue Yu, Ph.D., Founder & CEO of Q3D Sensing; and Karen Sheffield, founder & Managing Partner of Pachamama Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund. Panelists shared their experiences navigating the venture capital landscape, offering a varied set of insights into industry challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on her journey, Sheffield remarked, "When starting as a VC, I read everything I could—then I stopped because I believe the model is broken. Instead, I chose to investigate how it should be."
The Women in Venture Capital Initiative seeks to demystify venture capital and entrepreneurship and bust myths about what works and why. The goal is to activate and encourage women to engage in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The next panel discussion is scheduled for September 16, 2025, at the Alumni and Visitor Center. Additionally, the Venture Capital 101 for Women class, led by Jenny Kuan, Associate Professor at Cal State Monterey Bay and general partner at être Venture Capital, will return for a weekly series in the month of October.
We extend our gratitude to our founding members, Jenny Kuan, Marylou Shockley, Hilary Bryant, and May Roen, for their vision and dedication.
Learn more: csumb.edu/iied/womeninvc
Startup Spotlight: HERO Event Services
Startup Spotlight: HERO Event Services
Stephanie Calica with HERO Event Services played a key role in the success of the 2025 LIFT Summit, coordinating high-impact panels, live demos, and interactive discussions. Her skill in event logistics and passion for regional innovation made her essential to this convergence of industry leaders and visionaries.
Launched in 2023, HERO creates memorable experiences that showcase the best of Monterey County. With 20+ years in events, hospitality, and tourism, Stephanie brings both expertise and heart. She holds a degree in Hospitality Management, is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), and has IATAN accreditation.
HERO supports a range of events—from corporate meetings to weddings and tradeshows—serving corporate, nonprofit, education, and government clients.
In 2024, Stephanie joined the Startup Challenge Monterey Bay, working with Brad Barbeau and participating in Pitch Day. Brad Barbeau says HERO “represents exactly why the Startup Challenge exists — to give entrepreneurs exposure, mentorship, and a launchpad.”
Stephanie continues building strong partnerships through events like the LIFT Summit, DART, and draws inspiration from fellow Challenge attendees like Evie and Lavender Creek Co.
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