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 will inspire students to lean into their ideas and believe in themselves.
TROY will offer 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 will empower a curriculum that supplies students with the foundation needed to perfect their craft.
The learning does not stop with the academic curriculum. Special workshops, niche brainstorming sessions, mentorship-matching, guest speakers, community collaboration, and real-life projects will be crucial aspects of the IDEA Bank’s operation to allow young entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities associated with their ideas.
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.
Students with an existing business will compete for a chance to win a $2,000 advertising bundle for their business. Entrants will put together a creative display at the IDEA Bank and submit a 1-page overview of their business, an original business card, and a promotional flyer. After being ranked by a panel of judges, the winner will receive an advertising bundle that includes 3 months of marketing support on various local channels, including Pronto Digital Screens, the Troy Messenger, TROY Today, and various social media channels.
Entry applications are now closed. Competition materials for entrants are due March 31.
LEARN MORENow accepting applications: two remaining spots!
Select student entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to utilize the IDEA Bank as their semi-permanent office space. Student entrepreneurs in residence have a designated space at the IDEA Bank and work with the IDEA Bank regularly on the development of their businesses.
CURRENT STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE
LEARN MOREThanks to generous donations, the IDEA Bank offers its students multiple scholarship opportunities. If you are enrolled in an entrepreneurship curriculum or if you are currently working with the IDEA Bank, be sure to check out these scholarship opportunities:
The Harrell McKinney Endowed Entrepreneur Scholarship
$2,000 award
Southeast Gas Endowed IDEA Bank Scholarship
$1,000 award
Deadline to apply for 2023-24 award: August 21, 2023
LEARN MOREThe TROY Entrepreneurship Summer Camp will teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to develop their idea into profitable businesses. Students will use what they learn to present their product/service in a pitch competition for a chance to win a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University.
Learn More
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.
LAUNCH
The IDEA Bank is YOUR resource for collaborative learning and creating. From classes to board meetings to entrepreneur workspaces, this downtown building is your hub for growth. Is the IDEA Bank the right place for your next class, meeting, workshop, or brainstorming session? Utilize the request form below to book your next meeting or event at the IDEA Bank. If you are a University student or faculty/staff, you can reserve your room instantly! For additional information or questions, please email ideabank@troy.edu or call 334-808-6794.
TROY STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF: RESERVE YOUR ROOM INSTANTLY
Now accepting applications: two remaining spots!
Select student entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to utilize the IDEA Bank as their semi-permanent office space. Student entrepreneurs in residence have a designated space at the IDEA Bank and work with the IDEA Bank regularly on the development of their businesses. Click below for more information about the program.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Designed with student athletes in mind, the IDEA Bank supports personal brand building and channeling your inner entrepreneurial spirit to monetize your name, image and likeness. Take advantage of our branding and compliance consulting program and stay tuned for more updates on our online NIL Certificate Program, coming soon.
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.
These students were chosen through an application process to be officially sponsored by the Troy University IDEA Bank. You can find their office space inside of the IDEA Bank. If you are interested in applying for the Student Entrepreneur in Residence program, please email ideabank@troy.edu for more information.
Local pressure washing services
Email ibradley@troy.edu for a quote
Online women's clothing boutique with the occasional pop-up shop
Hair styling services, specializing in braids
Sponsored by Wiregrass Resource Conservation & Development Council, our summer program allowed six aspiring entrepreneurs to further their education, work on the development of their business ideas, and compete for a scholarship to Troy University.
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To wrap up the semester and kick off the holidays, the IDEA Bank welcomed the community to a holiday-themed market featuring more than 20 student-owned businesses. Students were able to sell their products and promote their businesses to IDEA Bank visitors. It was a widely successful night with over 150 visitors!
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The IDEA Bank partnered with the Central Alabama Community Foundation to launch a new biannual event for nonprofit organizations. We hosted both a spring and fall Nonprofit Summit in 2022, offering sessions on various topics like communicating with donors, building a board of directors, and more, while giving local and regional nonprofit managers the chance to share ideas and network.
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The IDEA Bank hosted its second annual Entrepreneurship Week, which featured a week of daily free programs open to both students and the community. The programs included educational workshops and networking opportunities. View a gallery from one of the top programs.
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