Featured Student Stories
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.
2024 Business Idea Competition Winners
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.
Read more
2024 Marketing Competition Winners
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.
READ MORE
2024 JUST START High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp Winner
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.
READ MORE
2023 Business Idea Competition Winner
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."
READ MORE