🌦️ Rain or Shine, April is Full of Opportunities Ahead!

April's edition of IDEA Bank Buzz features reminders about our Idea Empowerment Competition, Student Success Stories, and more! We hope to see you at the IDEA Bank soon.

Mar 31, 2025

Today, Monday, March 31st, is the FINAL day to apply for the IDEA Empowerment Competition! Don’t miss your chance to compete for up to $10,000 in funding to launch or grow your business. This is your opportunity to make a real impact in Pike County and take your idea to the next level. Apply now before its too late!

Our next and final Idea Empowerment Series Workshop is coming up on Wednesday, April 9th at 12:00 PM. This session will focus on defining the WHAT of your business and pitch – helping you sharpen your business model and communicate your value proposition effectively. Plus, lunch is on us!

Applications are now open for the Just Start High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp at the IDEA Bank, happening July 14th–19th! This week-long camp gives high school students the chance to develop business ideas, sharpen their pitch skills, and work with experienced mentors. The application deadline is June 15th. Don’t let high schoolers in your network miss this opportunity to build their business knowledge and connect with other young entrepreneurs!

Whether you’re a business owner or an individual looking to be part of a thriving entrepreneurial community, we have a membership option for you.

Members gain access to coworking and meeting space, networking events, business education and support, technology/internet, exclusive resources, and more designed to help you grow along your business or professional journey. Sign up today and join our empowering community!

We’re back! The Idea Vault Podcast is returning this Friday with an episode featuring a local boss woman business owner who's making big moves. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about hard work, strategy, and success. Don't miss it! Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other streaming platforms!

Join us to kick off April by building valuable connections! Join us for the BNI Trojan Connections Networking Breakfast tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1st at 7:45 AM at the IDEA Bank.

This is the perfect chance to network with local professionals, exchange business cards, and grow your network over coffee and breakfast.

Mark your calendars for TroyFest, the annual celebration of art, creativity, and community! The creators of Student-Made will have a booth at the festival, and the store will be open throughout the weekend.

Come by to support our talented student entrepreneurs and pick up some unique, locally made products!

This month, we’re featuring Troy University student Vamsi Jupudi, founder of Cognera Health! After winning the 2024 Troy Starters Business Idea Competition, his AI-driven mental healthcare startup secured investors, Microsoft for Startups support, and is now a finalist in the Alabama Launchpad pitch competition for up to $100,000. Congrats to Vamsi and his team! Wish them luck and connect at founders@cognerahealth.ai to show your support or learn more about early partnership opportunities!

Are you a Troy University student? We have exclusive programs and opportunities just for you! Subscribe to our student-exclusive newsletter, The Insider Buzz, to receive student-specific programs, competitions, and more.