The IDEA Bank provides support for student and local entrepreneurs through dynamic programs that equip, fund, or guide both new and existing businesses. No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, we're here to help you take the next step. Check out two of our current featured programs or view more upcoming events and workshops.
The Idea Empowerment Series, powered by the Regions Foundation TROY Starters Accelerator Program, offers $10,000 to a project that creates a clear, positive impact in Pike County. Participants have the opportunity to attend workshops on identifying community needs (February), structuring and budgeting (March), and marketing and presentation skills (April).
Submit an application by March 31st, 2025. Finalists, notified by April 7th, will submit a video pitch (by May 4th) and attend an award ceremony on June 13, 2025, for the prize. Projects must address a local need, demonstrate measurable community impact, and provide a six-month progress report.
Applications are open! Stay informed by texting PIKECOUNTYIDEAS to 334-808-6777 for updates. We hope you'll join us and help shape Pike County's future!
The 2025 Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition invites Troy University students to create and present a strategic marketing plan for their business. Participants must develop a comprehensive marketing strategy, including branding, promotional materials, and outreach tactics, to be evaluated by a panel of judges.
The winner will receive a customized advertising bundle valued at $2,000+ to elevate their business. This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, gain real-world marketing experience, and compete for a prize that could take your business venture to the next level. If you are interested in getting involved in the competition, it's not too late! Simply email us at ideabank@troy.edu or call/text 334-808-6777.
The IDEA Bank offers a wide range of services and programs designed to support and empower entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or local entrepreneur, the IDEA Bank is here to help you succeed.
Ideal for rising entrepreneurs, students, remote workers, businesses with an expanding team, and businesses with limited resources.
Workspace
Technology
High-Speed Internet
Printing & Copying
Photo, Audio, & Video Equipment
Private Conference Space
Business Mailing Address
Networking
Education
Support
& MORE!
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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!
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. The show features a series of interviews with existing and budding small business owners, innovators, designers, educators, and other key people in the local entrepreneurship space. 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.
LEARN MORE & LISTEN NOW
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. This partnership between the Troy University IDEA Bank and Student-Made Store provides Troy students with a unique outlet to sell their products both online and in downtown Troy. The Store is student-run, aligning with the IDEA Bank's mission to support student entrepreneurs. It is the first of its kind in the nation and is now accepting students interested in joining the program as a seller or manager. Click the link to below to find out more!
SHOP STUDENT-MADEAre 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.
Bookings are available at no charge to IDEA Bank members and Troy University students, faculty, and staff. Non-members can contact the IDEA Bank directly for information about space bookings or membership options.
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.
REQUEST THE COLLABORATION 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. *Available for instant booking by students, faculty, staff, and members using a TROY email or member ID.
BOOK NOW
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. *Available for instant booking by students, faculty, staff, and members using a TROY email or member ID.
BOOK THE VAULT STUDIO
The Troy University IDEA Bank is a flexible resource for the local community, welcoming private events that align with our mission and vision, even outside standard hours. To submit an event request, please complete the request form or call us at 334-808-6777. For more details on facility policies, refer to our "Space Use Agreement." There is no charge for students, faculty, staff, and IDEA Bank members. Non-members can contact us for information on membership or other options for private bookings.
IDEA BANK SPACE USE AGREEMENTDiscover 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!
Instantly book a tour of the IDEA Bank
Through various programs and avenues of support, the IDEA Bank features student stories that highlight the entrepreneurial journeys and innovative projects of young, student entrepreneurs.
Troy University students recently competed in the Regions Foundation Business Idea Competition, hosted by the IDEA Bank and Sorrell 360 Center. Vamsi Jupudi, a computer science major, won first place and $2,000 for BrightLyf, an AI-powered mental health platform for college students. Kameryn Mitchell, TROY student and owner of Details for Dayz, won second place and $1,500 to grow and expand his power washing business. Jamarion Willie-Hughes secured third place and $1,000 for his business, A Baller From the Ville, a clothing and apparel brand-turned movement.
As part of the TROY Starters Idea Accelerator programs powered by Regions Foundation, the competition aims to equip students with tools to refine business plans and pitches, encouraging innovative solutions and community impact.
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Four Troy University Students and Graphic Design majors—Nathan Hobbs, Reanna Thompson, Jared Hester, and Howard Purvee—have launched Studio 207, a multimedia design company based in Troy, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world use. Their company has quickly achieved success, winning the IDEA Bank's Marketing Competition and receiving a $2,000 advertising bundle, while also securing a major contract with Troy Regional Medical Center. They continue to benefit from IDEA Bank support as they manage their business operations and focus on their creative work.
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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.
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Troy University's IDEA Bank and the Sorrell 360 Center held the 2023 Business Pitch Competition, where four Sorrell College of Business students competed for a $1,000 prize. The students underwent an eight-week training program focused on digital tools, opportunity capitalization, and pitching skills. After eight weeks of training, the program culminated in a pitch competition. Alden Barentine, a junior accounting major, won with his pitch for 12:5 Coffee, a mobile coffee business. Barentine recently reported that he was able to use his earnings to purchase a home coffee roaster to "learn the ins and outs of roasting, and gain some valuable experience before going commercial."
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.