Troy University IDEA Bank

As this semester comes to a close, we’re so grateful for the students, creators, entrepreneurs, and community members who made this year at the IDEA Bank so impactful, and we’re already excited for what’s ahead in Fall 2026 ✨

From launching businesses to building leadership skills, we’re continuing to create opportunities for innovators of all ages to grow, connect, and create.

Upcoming opportunities include:
💡 Student-Made Troy Creators + Managers
💼 Collegiate Incubator private office opportunity for one student entrepreneur
🚀 “JUST START” Youth Entrepreneurship Academy Summer Camp for grades 6–12

Whether you’re looking to grow your brand, gain hands-on experience in marketing, retail, and community engagement, or turn an idea into a profitable business, the IDEA Bank is the place to start.

Empower your ideas. Thrive together. ⚡️
https://bio.site/troyideabank

Calling all creators, makers, and student entrepreneurs 👀

Applications to become a Student-Made creator in the Student-Made Troy store for Fall 2026 are OPEN! ✨ Whether you create apparel, art, jewelry, candles, prints, baked goods, or innovative products, we want to help you turn your passion into profit.

Student-Made is all about empowering student entrepreneurs through hands-on experience, real retail opportunities, pop-up events, networking, branding, and business growth. This is your chance to have your products featured in a storefront built by students, for students. 💡⚡️

Ready to launch your idea, grow your brand, and join a community of student creators? Apply here: https://www.studentmadestore.com/join-student-made

Clyde May’s Whiskey National Brand Ambassador and Clyde May’s grandson, L.C. May, recently joined the Troy University IDEA Bank podcast to talk all things whiskey, heritage, and the story behind the brand. 🥃

From the legacy of Clyde May to the future of Conecuh Ridge Distillery, it’s a conversation rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and doing things the right way.

Give it a listen here: https://ideabank.podbean.com/

Applications for Fall 2026 Student-Made Troy Managers are NOW OPEN 👀✨

Looking for real-world experience while still in college? Student-Made Troy is looking for Retail Store, Community Engagement, and Marketing Managers for the Fall 2026 semester.

As part of the team, you’ll gain hands-on experience in marketing, event planning, networking, branding, retail operations, and working directly with student creators and local businesses through pop-up events and Downtown initiatives. These positions also offer opportunities for resume building, leadership development, portfolio growth, and potential internship credit depending on your program.

Student-Made Troy is a chance to be part of a creative, student-led community focused on entrepreneurship, collaboration, and supporting young creators.

Apply now🚀: https://www.studentmadestore.com/studentmade-manager-application

To celebrate National Small Business Week we wanted to shout out one of our student business owners, Wesley Tilghman. Wesley is in the process of creating his full-service tailgate business for Trojan fans on gameday. Trojan Tailgate handles the win, you handle the rest! 🏟️

🏈Not only is Wesley a student in Sorrell College of Business, but holds a leadership position in his fraternity ATO, won first place in the 2025 IDEA Bank Pitch Competition, a Trojan Ambassador, an entrepreneur, and so much more.

Make sure to take a moment to celebrate the small businesses in your area this week, and if you need a full-service tailgate next fall, Trojan Tailgate is your company! 🎪

Our team was honored to attend today's Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan, AL. This incredible campus will boost economic growth in the Wiregrass and provide resources to change-makers in our area.

Following, the IDEA Bank was honored to be recognized as a Wiregrass-Region Designee of the Innovate Alabama Network. Innovate Alabama has allowed us to grow our resources in a short period of time, and this recognition validated our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. It also provided the opportunity to connect with a dynamic network of fellow Innovate Alabama designees across our region.

Congratulations to the Wiregrass Innovation Center and thank you Innovate Alabama for igniting innovation across Alabama and specifically today in the Wiregrass! The future is bright! 🌾💡

🚀 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join the "JUST START" Youth Entrepreneurship Academy at Troy University IDEA Bank in Troy, AL!

👥 Open to grades 6–12 + May 2026 grads

Spend a week this summer turning your ideas into real businesses through hands-on learning, leadership experiences, and creative problem-solving 💡 You’ll dive into branding, marketing, pricing, and build the confidence to pitch your own idea.

🏆 The week ends with a Pitch Competition where you’ll present to real judges for a chance to win a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University

🗓 July 22–25
🍽 Meals included | 🏠 Housing available (15+)
⏰🚨 UPDATE: Register by June 30 (or until full!)
💚Powered by Regions Foundation

Don’t wait—spots are limited!

Heading to TroyFest Art & Craft Festival this weekend? Don't forget to stop by the Student-Made Troy booth, located in front of The Market!

Check them out: Student Made Store will have a tent at TroyFest this weekend with items from 26 student creators - Troy Today Troy University’s Student Made Store will be participating in TroyFest on the Square in downtown Troy this weekend.

Final workshop in the Idea Empowerment Series!

📅 April 22 | ⏰ 11:30 AM | 📍 IDEA Bank (lunch provided)
🤝Partnered with Troy Career Services
RSVP: https://ideabank.coworksapp.com/events/1139814

"Deliver Your Idea - From Conversations to Presentations"
Learn how to pitch and confidently present your ideas.

💡Hope to see you there!