Student Made searches for new creators

University Relations photo

Student creator Icie Wallace tends her booth at the 2024 Student Made ribbon cutting

Student Made is searching for new creators, artists and small business owners to join their program, aiming to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Student Made currently has 14 creators. 

Student Made partners with universities across the country to help small, student-runbusinesses to promote their business, create a professional online marketplace and sell products at pop-up shops. The program gives student entrepreneurs a head start before they graduate from Troy and take their business out into the real world.  

“I got to connect with other student entrepreneurs and sell my products to the Troy community,” said Jessica Roberts, a recent graduate of Troy University and the owner of Jaxon Lane Boutique, a small business that was a part of Student Made during her time here. “It was a great networking experience and support system.  

“I have been able to participate in many pop-up events just from the connections I made through Student Made. My business has grown so much, and my sales have increased as well.” 

Starting a business with Student Made is made easy through their website and managers. Any student with a business or business idea is welcome to utilize Student Made.  

  To start a business with Student Made, a student entrepreneur must fill out a form on Troy’s Student Made website. Then, they will go through an onboarding process and have a meeting with a campus manager. 

“What makes Student Made unique is the community,” said Isabella Stokes, a senior graphic design major from Birmingham, Alabama. “Each manager has a role to help the creator grow.”  

Stokes owns her own small business, The Beaded Bella, and she serves as the website manager for Troy’s Student Made branch.   

The Student Made store of Troy is powered by the IDEA Bank in Downtown Troy. The IDEA Bank offers many services to student entrepreneurs. Not only do they play host to Student Made, but they also have a plethora of other opportunities for students. 

“The IDEA Bank is Troy University’s center for student entrepreneurship,” said Lynne George, the director of the IDEA Bank. “It is a Sorrell College of Business entity that serves students in all colleges who have an interest in starting or growing their own business.  

“Part of our mission is to serve as a bridge between the university and the local community to foster collaboration and networking.” 

The IDEA Bank also offers services for students and community members, including The Vault Podcast Studio and the Student Launchpad Program, which offers advising for small business owners. Student Made plays host to their store through the IDEA Bank. 

The Student Made store will reopen for the fall on August 15.  

For more information about pop-ups and events for Student Made, follow @studentmade_troy on Instagram