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IDEA Bank

The mission of the IDEA (Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Accelerator) Bank is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. Located in Downtown Troy, we are dedicated to providing aspiring business visionaries with resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities to transform their ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises. By fostering creativity, knowledge exchange, and a supportive community, we create an empowering hub of entrepreneurial resources.

 

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For Students

 

Student Membership

Ideal for rising student entrepreneurs with growing businesses with limited resources. This FREE Student Membership includes workspace booking, technology, high-speed internet, printing & copying, photo, audio, & video equipment, private conference space, business mailing address, networking, education, support and MORE!

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Student Launchpad

Are you a TROY student with a great idea, but not sure where to start? We are here to help! Click the LAUNCH button below to schedule your introductory meeting with the director of the IDEA Bank and start making your ideas come to life. 








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Student-Made TROY

TROY's first-ever Student-Made Store is now open at the IDEA Bank and online! The store is home to TROY student creators, artists, boutique owners, designers, and more while providing a unique outlet to sell products both online and in a brick-and-mortar storefront. The Store is the first of its kind in the nation while being student-run, aligning with the IDEA Bank's mission to support student entrepreneurs.


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DART Board Program

The Design and Art Resource by TROY (D.A.R.T) Board connects budding entrepreneurs to student designers in a way that fosters collaboration and benefits both parties. When a new or aspiring business owner at the IDEA Bank is in need of a design service, DART Board student designers will have the opportunity to earn a stipend from the IDEA Bank for their work supporting the startup process of a new business.
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For The Community

 

IDEA Bank Community Membership Program

Ideal for rising entrepreneurs, students, remote workers, businesses with an expanding team, and businesses with limited resources. Membership includes workspace, technology, high-speed internet, printing & copying, photo, audio, & video equipment, private conference space, business mailing address, networking, education, support and MORE!
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Private Incubator Office Space Membership

Elevate your business with a private, lockable, furnished office, 24/7 access, and your logo displayed on the door. As a tenant, gain perks to all IDEA Bank Membership benefits, from coworking spaces to a dynamic entrepreneurial community. Ready to grow? Apply now to take the first step in securing your space today!




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DART Board Program

Either a Troy University student or member of the community, here you can request access to creative work from student designers. Troy U' students will have their first project covered by the IDEA Bank and community members will be provided up to $150 towards a project. Anywhere from logos to commercials, help students add to their portfolio.

request work button for DART Program

Check Out Our Events

TROY's first-ever Student-Made Store is now open at the IDEA Bank and online! The store is home to TROY student creators, artists, boutique owners, designers, and more while providing a unique outlet to sell products both online and in a brick-and-mortar storefront. The Store is the first of its kind in the nation while being student-run, aligning with the IDEA Bank's mission to support student entrepreneurs.

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Student Launchpad application

The IDEA Vault Podcast

The Idea Vault Podcast explores paths to unlocking your ideas and helping you reach your full potential, all from the inside of an iconic bank vault in Downtown Troy, Alabama. Listeners can expect to hear stories of both success and failure as they gain tips for unlocking new ideas, pursuing entrepreneurship, and paving their own path. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Podbean.

We transformed the iconic bank vault into a modern podcast studio with state-of-the-art equipment. The new Vault Podcast Studio serves as an exclusive resource for TROY students, faculty, staff, and members interested in launching their own podcast or recording professional audio.


Learn More About IDEA Vault Podcast

IDEA Bank Bookable Spaces

IDEA Bank Members and Troy University Students can book the IDEA Bank for FREE! Learn more about our membership options here or book one of our spaces for a one-time hourly rate here.
 

Daniel Collaboration Room

The Daniel Collaboration Room, named in recognition of The Daniel Foundation's support of the IDEA Bank, is an open collaborative work and teaching space located on the main floor of the IDEA Bank. While the room serves as an open coworking space for students, faculty, staff, and members, it is also available for private functions upon request. 

PowerSouth Conference Room

The PowerSouth Conference Room, located on the main floor of the IDEA Bank, is a private space that comfortably seats up to 12 people around a large conference table. The room features a full computer, mounted touchscreen, and advanced audio/video technology.

The Vault Podcast Studio

We transformed the iconic bank vault into a modern podcast studio with state-of-the-art equipment. The new Vault Podcast Studio serves as an exclusive resource for TROY students, faculty, staff, and members interested in launching their own podcast or recording professional audio.

Spark Room

Perfect for those smaller, private meetings when you need to spark some ideas behind closed doors. This cozy space is bookable for solo focus, client meetings, or small team brainstorms.

Book Your Tour

Discover how the Troy University IDEA Bank is fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Located in Downtown Troy, a tour of the IDEA Bank showcases our collaborative spaces, while giving you insight into our entrepreneurial programs and offering a chance to connect with staff and see ongoing projects in action. Book your tour and visit us soon!

Book a Tour
The idea bank building from across a street

Featured Student Stories

IDEA Bank Wins Business of the Year at Pike County Chamber Annual Banquet

2024 Business Idea Competition
Troy University's IDEA Bank has been named Pike County Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Business of the Year.

Winning the Chamber of Commerce's award for Business of the Year was particularly meaningful because it's an award that's voted on by the Pike County business community,” said IDEA Bank Director Lynne George. “The recognition is validation of our mission to collaborate, support, and innovate. It means what we are doing is making a difference, and that is not only a huge honor, but it is also a motivator to keep growing our programs.”


IDEA Bank Wins Business of the Year  - Read More

2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition Winner
Winners of the 2023 Business Pitch Competition

The largest prize pot in the Business IDEA Competition's history provided $8,000 in seed funding for student-pitched entrepreneurial concepts, thanks to a partnership with MAX Credit Union. Coming in first place was Wesley Tilghman, a sophomore accounting major, for his pitch for “Trojan Tailgate,” earning $4,000 in seed money for the concept.Tilghman's business concept centers around providing an all-inclusive tailgating service that would provide a turnkey, walk up tailgate set up to the client's specifications. Tent set-up, chairs, coolers, ice, drinks and premium packages including televisions and food catering.


2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition - Read More

2025 Marketing Competition Winner
gabby j

Troy University graduate Gabby Jent, of Jasper, loves telling the stories of life and providing a key to special memories.The owner of Gabby J Photography is the winner of this year's IDEA Bank Annual Marketing Competition. She launched her business in 2023 and will graduate this week with an interdisciplinary studies degree minoring in entrepreneurship, photography and marketing. Those skills were put on display during the Marketing Competition, where participants were asked to set up a business display that included informational documents and post a reel to Instagram.


2025 Marketing Competition Winner - Read More
2024 JUST START High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp Winner
High School competition winners from 2024

Diarra King, a standout Russell County High School student, won a $2,000 Troy University scholarship during the IDEA Bank's JUST START High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp for her innovative idea, Phazers Shoe Company. King, a two-time participant of the camp, returned to refine her concept, impressed judges with her pitch for a shoe brand featuring interchangeable patches for different phases of life. The camp, sponsored by the Wiregrass RC&D Council and the Regions Foundation, provided high school students with entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and hands-on workshops. King now has a prototype, business plan, and a pitch, marking a significant step toward making Phazers a reality.

2024 JUST START High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp Winner - Read More

Stay in Our Circle 

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Whether you are a current TROY student, alumni, business leader or member of the community who is simply curious to learn more, we have a place for you at the IDEA Bank. Enter your email below to receive email alerts about IDEA Bank activities, events and updates.  


 

IDEA Bank Guiding Principles

Inspiration

Entrepreneurs must possess unique willpower and a can-do attitude to succeed. Entrepreneurial ventures are risky and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but an idea will remain an idea if the person behind it does not have the confidence and willingness to jump right in. At the IDEA Bank, we will instill pride in being different, cultivate a spirit of risk-taking, and encourage disruption. We encourage students to lean into their ideas and believe in themselves.

Learning

Sorrell College offers both an Entrepreneurship Minor and Major concentration with the frameworks, courses, and theories to ensure students are grounded in both fundamental and innovative principles needed to move forward. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, the IDEA Bank empowers a curriculum that supplies students with the foundation needed to perfect their craft.

Exploration

The learning does not stop with the academic curriculum. Special workshops, niche brainstorming sessions, mentorship-matching, guest speakers, community collaboration, and real-life projects are crucial aspects of the IDEA Bank's operation that allow young entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities associated with their ideas.

Application

The goal for all student entrepreneurs is to launch their ideas. The IDEA Bank prioritizes hands-on collaboration with faculty, staff, community members, alumni, and more, to provide the support system that students need to apply their inspiration, learning, and exploration to the full development and application of their ideas.



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