IDEA Bank | Troy University

IDEA Bank MISSION

The mission of the IDEA (Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Accelerator) Bank is to develop Troy University and Troy, Alabama into a regional center for economic growth by creating entrepreneurial resources and collaboration opportunities for our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, local businesses, and leaders. The IDEA Bank aims to support student-centric entrepreneurship and new ventures in the southeast Alabama region by providing students with the knowledge, resources, and support system to launch their ideas locally

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 will inspire students to lean into their ideas and believe in themselves.

Learning

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.

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 will be crucial aspects of the IDEA Bank’s operation to 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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Current Programs

Student Entrepreneurs in Residence

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. 

APPLY NOW

CURRENT STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE

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Scholarship Opportunities

Thanks 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

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JUST START: High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp

July 17-24, 2023

The 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

Inaugural Student Marketing Competition winner declared: Countryside Kennels

Sarah Snyder, owner of Countryside Kennels, was recently declared the winner of the IDEA Bank inaugural Student Marketing Competition. Sarah owns and operates Countryside Kennels near Brundidge, Alabama and her mission "is to provide a safe, convenient, and loving environment for pups when they aren’t able to be with their owners. We cater to pet owners who love and treat their pups like family, because I treat my own animals that way.”

Read more about Sarah's story and visit Countryside Kennels on Facebook!

Sarah's Troy Today Story

 

IDEA Bank Services

 
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Student Launchpad Program

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
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Book the IDEA Bank

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.

REQUEST TO BOOK THE IDEA BANK

TROY STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF: RESERVE YOUR ROOM INSTANTLY
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Student Entrepreneurs in Residence

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.

Apply Now

CURRENT BUSINESS OWNERS

MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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Name, Image & Likeness

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.

NIL Hub and Online Course Coming Soon

NIL Advising

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE IDEA BANK?

Upcoming Events

Stay in Our Circle

Join the Email List

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.

 


2022-23 Student Entrepreneurs in Residence

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

Graphics and illustrations
See Kaley's work on Instagram, Facebook, Behance, and LinkedIn
Landscape Photography and Prints

2022 Highlights

Students

2022 Jingle Fest: Holiday Market & Student Business Showcase

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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Crowd outside IDEA Bank

2022 Nonprofit Summits

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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Patrick George Presentation

2022 Global Entrepreneurship Week at the IDEA Bank

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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In the News

 

 

 

History

The State Normal School at TROY was established in 1887 under the leadership of school president, Joseph M. Dill. The institution was founded in downtown Troy, Alabama, where it was located for 42 years until the college moved to its present-day site. We see the opportunity to be back downtown as a sign of coming home for Troy University. This is where it all began over 130 years ago!