In 2000, 3M provided the Carlson School with a $2.4 million grant to develop Carlson Ventures Enterprise, one of the only programs in the country to provide students with a unique, hands-on educational experience in new business opportunity assessment. In the Ventures Enterprise, students work with high-potential new business opportunities ranging from pre-venture ideas within the University to new initiatives of Fortune 500 companies. Since inception, the Ventures Enterprise has investigated cutting edge technology start-ups, explored new markets for medical devices and helped shape innovative retail concepts. Guided by an experienced team of academic and industry advisors, Ventures Enterprise associates navigate the process of building a new venture from the ground up.