Celebrating Youth Innovation, Graduate Triumphs, and Community Spirit
The latest updates and inspiring stories from our vibrant community.
In the August edition of IDEA Buzz, we’ll cover:
$2,000 scholarship winner & recent summer camp success
Student-created business growth
Welcome new team member, Reanna Thompson
New Student-Made Store offers creator & manager opportunities for students
Upcoming events
Dive in to discover how the IDEA Bank is fostering innovation, community engagement, and the growth of future business leaders.
Recent Highlights
JUST START
High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp
+ Pitch Competition
Congratulations to the 11 talented young entrepreneurs from across the region who were selected to participate in this immersive entrepreneurship experience! Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to foster their entrepreneurial skills. These activities included hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions with Troy University and Sorrell College of Business faculty, and collaborative sessions aimed at developing their business ideas.
Participants attended sessions on topics such as target audience discovery, competitive advantages, financial planning, branding, and pitching techniques. They also had the opportunity to visit local businesses to gain insights into operations and network with professionals. The camp culminated in a pitch competition, where students presented their business ideas to a panel of judges.
The grand prize, a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University, was awarded to Diarra King for her innovative business idea, Phazers – a shoe brand featuring interchangeable patches designed to match every phase of your life. Congratulations to Diarra, a two-time participant of the camp and Russell County High School senior, on her well-deserved victory!
Success Stories
Studio 207: Bringing Classroom Skills to the Real World
Four recent Troy graduates, Nathan Hobbs, Reanna Thompson, Jared Hester, and Howard Purvee, have turned their classroom knowledge into a thriving business. Studio 207, named after their classroom in the International Arts Center, is a multimedia design company based in Troy, offering a full range of services including video, photo, print design, web design, and motion graphics.
The team’s collaboration began during their degree program, where they discovered their complementary strengths, and flourished even before their business formed as they won several prestigious art and design awards. With the development of Studio 207, they experienced instant success earning first place in the IDEA Bank’s student business marketing competition.
“Our goal is to help people with professional-level design services,” said Jared Hester. “We’re here to bring creativity and quality to our local community.”
Welcome to the team, Reanna!
We are excited to welcome new IDEA Bank Graduate Assistant, Reanna Thompson. Yes, the same Reanna Thompson who co-founded Studio 207! Reanna is starting her MBA program at Troy University this fall and will be helping the IDEA Bank with the launch of several new programs, including the Student-Made Store and Community Membership Program.
Student-Made Store offers retail opportunities for TROY students
What is Student-Made Store?
Student-Made Troy is a new marketplace for Troy University student creators who are looking for a platform to sell their products/services. It features an online marketplace and a first-of-its-kind retail storefront at the IDEA Bank on the downtown Troy square.
Now accepting creators and hiring managers!
Student-Made Troy is 100% student-focused as all products are created by students AND the marketplaces (online and in-person) are managed by students. Students can learn more about getting involved as a Student-Made Creator or Manager by clicking the link below.
Grand Opening scheduled for September 20
Join us on September 20 for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. The store will feature products created by Troy University students, offering a unique shopping experience.
Upcoming Events
Community Resource Fair
The IDEA Bank will be set up at the upcoming Community Resource Fair on Monday, August 5th, from 4-6 p.m. at the Troy Recreation Center. Stop by our table to learn more about our new Community Membership Program, discover more community agencies in Pike County, and enjoy music, food, free school supplies, door prizes, and more!
Annual Taste of Troy
Mark your calendars for the annual Taste of Troy event on August 16! This collaborative event, organized by the IDEA Bank, City of Troy, and Troy University SGA, offers new and current TROY students a unique opportunity to experience all that the local business community has to offer.
Local businesses will set up in the IDEA Bank to connect with students while games, a raffle, and a concert will take place on the Downtown Troy Square. We invite you to come and get a "taste of Troy" at this exciting night out!