IDEA Bank Buzz is Back in 2023
Check out what's new and upcoming at the IDEA Bank this year.
IDEA Bank Buzz is back! Here’s what you can find in this edition:
Upcoming Events: Start Your Business in Pike County, Community Entrepreneurship Program, & more
Student-Athlete NIL Support
Save the Dates: Downtown Market & IDEA Bank Student Market
Tax Tips
How To: Reserve the IDEA Bank for your next meeting (FREE)
Featured Program: Start Your Business in Pike County
We’ve partnered with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce to offer an all-encompassing workshop on your new business checklist, with resources and guides that are specific to Pike County. This is ideal for local aspiring business owners, new businesses, or even established local businesses seeking some refreshers.
Note that active IDEA Bank student business owners can attend this program for free as the IDEA Bank will sponsor your registration fee. Contact Lynne George at lfirmin@troy.edu to get your complimentary registration!
Friday, March 3
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$25, includes morning coffee and lunch
Topics include:
Business Licensing
Formal and Informal Business Plans
Business Location Selection
Business Insurance
Financing your Business
and more!
Community Entrepreneurship Program: Starting March 4
Presented in partnership with UAB Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation and the University of Notre Dame, the Dothan Community Entrepreneurship Program seeks to help those in the Dothan area facing economic or other hardships to start and grow a business of their own. The program lasts 12 months and includes six Saturday "Boot Camp" sessions followed by 18 weeks of mentoring and 14 weeks of consulting, including assistance with research and identifying funding.
For more information, visit the Community & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp website or contact Lynne George at lfirmin@Troy.edu or 334-808-6794.
Virtual Event: Do you need help writing a business plan?
Do you need a business plan but feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start? Do you want to create a plan before investing in a new business venture? This webinar is for you!
February 21
12 - 1 p.m.
No cost
Register through the Small Business Development Center below.
Be sure to check out the IDEA Bank Calendar Events to see more upcoming programs throughout the Spring.
Calling all Student-Athletes 📢
Have you heard of the adidas NIL Athlete Ambassador program? If you are a student-athlete wanting to take advantage of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, but are not sure where to start, this is your perfect first step.
Sign up to get an affiliate link and start earning commission! Visit TroyTrojans.com/adidas for more information and to get started.
If you post your first adidas NIL post before February 7, you’ll receive 50% off at adidas.com (just for posting) + the best performing and creative content could be included in a future paid sponsored campaign (read more about the contest here). Please note that this opportunity is for currently enrolled Troy University student-athletes only.
+ DID YOU KNOW: The IDEA Bank supports student-athletes by offering brand strategy consulting and content creation support. Book your appointment with the IDEA Bank for assistance growing your brand and social media following so that you can start securing those NIL deals!
Upcoming Opportunities to Shop Unique Local Businesses
Downtown Troy Spring Market
March 4, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Vendor Spaces Available for Local Arts & Crafts Creators
Call 334-674-2468 for more info or to sign up
Spring Student Market
April 13, 5-7 p.m.
Our Christmas market was such a hit that we are recreating it this Spring! Come browse student-owned shops to find unique art, handmade products, and more.
Tip of the Month: Taxes
It is almost time to file your taxes! Here are our top tips for managing your small business taxes:
Keep Adequate Records
ALWAYS separate business from personal expenses. Find an organizational system that works for you! At the IDEA Bank, we can help you identify the best tools for this.Correctly Classify Your Business
Make sure you are familiar with the form of business entity that you have chosen for your business as the legal and tax considerations can vary. You can find additional tax guidance on different types of business structures on the IRS website here.
Know What’s Tax Deductible
The IRS Publication 535 provides comprehensive guidance on which business expenses can be written off.Hire a Small Business Tax Professional
We always recommend using a tax professional when possible! This is an investment you make to free up your time to focus on other parts of your business.
Looking for a new meeting space?
Did you know you can reserve a room at the IDEA Bank at no cost? Enjoy a flexible setup, plenty of parking, a kitchen, a convenient downtown location, and more. The IDEA Bank is your resource for collaborative learning and creating. This downtown building is your hub for growth.
If you are a University student or faculty/staff, you can reserve your meeting room instantly!
External groups and individuals can utilize the request form below to book your next meeting or event at the IDEA Bank.
Call us at 334-808-6794 or email ideabank@troy.edu if you need assistance with the booking tools.
Thank you for reading IDEA Bank Buzz and supporting the IDEA Bank! Be sure to subscribe if you have not already and share with a friend who wants to stay in the loop on our entrepreneurship resources and events.