Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

“I think it's the real American dream to have something of your own, build something of your own,” says Bailey Mahoney, MBA ‘26. He grew up witnessing firsthand not only what could be built but also the freedom it created, as his father, who owned an electrical contracting business, always made time to be present for the important moments in his life. Without even realizing it, Mahoney found his first business mentor in his father.

Set to graduate with her MSW, Wida Saber is applying her education to nonprofit leadership and clinical practice.

Two members of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University have been honored with the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations. Selected in the staff category was Rebecca Howick, director of operations and engagement for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). In the student category, Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore studying management information systems, was recognized.

Sign up for MGMT 452, Experiential Entrepreneurship

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, students, faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders from across the George Mason University community gathered to cheer on the final teams of entrepreneurs competing in this year’s Patriot Pitch Competition, including those featured in the competition’s newly introduced Regional Showcase.

Adopting the risk‑taking mentality of his immigrant parents, Jason Howell, BS Accounting ’97, has never put limitations on himself. As an Independent candidate, he ran for a seat in the United States Congress. He authored a book titled Joy of Financial Planning: 7 Strategies for Transforming Your Finances and Reclaiming Your American Dream and has been featured as a financial expert and political strategist on a wide array of major networks and publications. He also teaches personal finance at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. Most recently, he celebrated ten years of Jason Howell Company.

Rayan Rahman, BS Management ’17, has achieved an impressive amount in a short period of time. Now a senior recruiter at Amazon, he has founded two companies—Changing Bangladesh Foundation and Airposted—the latter of which he sold during the COVID pandemic when it had reached a gross merchandise value of approximately one million dollars.

Join us for the 2026 Patriot Pitch Competition.

Led by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, the Workforce Innovation Success through Entrepreneurship (WISE) Program gathered its inaugural class on October 25 at the Hybla Valley Community Center/WISH Center in Alexandria, Virginia to celebrate their bootcamp graduation.

2026 Patriot Pitch Competition Application Workshops - Jan. 28 & Feb. 12