Idea Bank opens 2026 marketing competition

Troy University students with existing businesses can now compete for marketing resources through the Idea Bank’s 2026 Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition.

The competition is designed for students who already have a business and are looking for ways to reach more customers and improve their marketing. Students will create a table at the Idea Bank featuring materials such as business cards, flyers, stickers, products and other items that represent their business.

“The 2026 student entrepreneur marketing competition is a yearly competition that we do here at the Idea Bank, and it’s kind of the lowest barrier to entry competition that we do,” said Reanna Thompson, program and marketing coordinator for the Idea Bank.

Students will have their tables on display from Oct. 16 through Oct. 23. Visitors to the Idea Bank will be able to vote for the businesses, and a winner will be announced at a luncheon on Oct. 23 sponsored by Troy Regional.

“I actually did the marketing competition twice and won the second time,” said Gabrielle Jent, a 2025 alumna from Cordova, Alabama.

Jent said the competition helped her learn more about marketing her photography business. She used an interactive display that included an iPad slideshow of her work and a Polaroid camera for judges to try.

After winning, Jent received training and guidance for her business, along with marketing materials and a camera bag. She said the resources allowed her to promote her business without having to spend her own money.

The competition is intended for students who already have an established business rather than students with only a business idea.

“Anyone who already has an existing business who needs more clients, more marketing,” Thompson said.

This year’s winner will receive a marketing package that includes a one-year membership to the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and up to $500 that can be used for business needs. Previous winners have used the prize for items such as T-shirts, polos and business equipment.

Applications close Oct. 5. An interest meeting will be held on Oct. 12, where students will receive guidelines and ideas for their displays.

Students interested in the competition can apply through the Idea Bank.