Did Someone Say Free Lunch? Opportunities Await!
The semester is in full swing, and we're here to give you a mid-month update. If you’re a student entrepreneur, this is your time to take advantage of these game-changing opportunities.
Knowledge Sharing and Free Lunch: Kick Off the Idea Empowerment Series with us!
Do you have a business or an idea that could make an impact? The Idea Empowerment Series is designed to help you refine your vision and take action. We’re starting with Discovering Your WHY, a workshop focused on knowledge sharing, networking, and expert guidance to help you refine your idea or vision and grow.
The series, part of the Idea Empowerment Series & Competition, kicks off this Wednesday, February 19th at noon to help you uncover your purpose and best identify community needs.
Featuring Guest Speakers:
· Lauri Chapman – Executive Director of the Elba Housing Authority and Board Member for Restoration 154, a nonprofit organization focusing on community impact
· Bethany Allen – President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce
As if knowledge sharing, learning, and networking isn’t enough to want to attend the first session of the series, we’re also providing a free lunch for all attendees!
Workshop Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: IDEA Bank
Perks: Meaningful discussion, actionable strategies, and free lunch for all attendees!
Now is your Chance: Win $2,000+ in the 2025 Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition
Think you have a solid marketing strategy for your business? Prove it and win over $2,000 in advertising!
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.
A panel of judges will evaluate your marketing plan, and the winner will receive a customized advertising bundle valued at $2,000+ to help elevate their business.
This is a chance to showcase your creativity, gain real-world marketing experience, and take your business to the next level. The deadline to enter is March 9th! Don’t miss this opportunity.
Join us for Ask a CPA: A Roundtable Series for Student Business Owners
Starting a business but not sure about taxes or financial setup? Maybe you have a business but are stressed about your tax and financial obligations… we’ve got you covered.
The IDEA Bank is hosting monthly workshops where Troy student business owners can get direct, expert advice from a CPA. We’re less than two weeks away from our next workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to:
✔ Learn what financial documents you need to start your business
✔ Discover simple systems to keep your finances in order
✔ Get answers to your business tax questions
These sessions are specifically for student business owners and are not for personal tax assistance.
Community Corner
🛍️ Here’s your Reminder: The Student-Made Store is Open!
Looking to shop small and support fellow student entrepreneurs? The Student-Made Store is back in full swing this semester!
Shop online or stop by the IDEA Bank in Downtown Troy during store hours (M-F, 10am-5pm) to check out new arrivals and the latest creations of student-made products and services. From handcrafted goods to local brands, this is your chance to shop local and support student businesses.
Interested in selling your own products? Applications to become a creator are always open!
We also ask that you mark your calendar for Saturday, March 8th as our Student-Made Troy creators will be set up for Downtown Troy’s annual Spring Market! This will be a fantastic time to meet fellow student creators while connecting with the local community.
🔓 Need a Space to Work? Join the IDEA Bank Membership Program, free to TROY Students!
Did you know: in addition to our ongoing workshops and programs, the IDEA Bank offers coworking spaces, meeting rooms, business resources, and more to help you stay productive and connected.
Whether you need a quiet place to focus or want to network with others, we’ve got a space for you.
💡 Book a Tour & Explore All the IDEA Bank Offers
Want to see everything we have for student entrepreneurs? Take a tour of the IDEA Bank and explore our:
✔ Coworking spaces
✔ Podcast studio
✔ Student-Made Store
✔ Content Creation Lab and other business resources
Are you a student entrepreneur looking for guidance or direction on growing and expanding your business? Take advantage of our free Student Launchpad advising.
Follow us on social media for updates, and we’ll see you at the IDEA Bank soon!
