Young innovators experience IDEA Bank’s 'Just Start' program

Over the summer, the Troy University Idea Bank was home to more than 20 aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region. The hands-on academy aims to equip its sixth through 12th grade attendees with skills including business development, branding, marketing, pricing strategies and customer engagement.

Participants arrived with varying business concepts, but they all had one end goal: learn more about entrepreneurship.

Lynne George, director of the IDEA Bank, said the academy is designed to give young entrepreneurs the skills and confidence to pursue their ideas.

“The Just Start Youth Entrepreneurship Academy gives students an opportunity to discover that entrepreneurship is about more than having a good idea,” George said. “It’s about learning how to solve problems, communicate your vision and build the skills needed to turn that idea into reality.

“We want every participant to leave believing they have what it takes to create something meaningful.”

During the event, the participants worked with mentors to refine their business models. At the end of the academy, students were prepared to confidently present their ideas.

Through presentations, event organizers hoped students would gain public speaking and presentation skills, as they delivered their pitches to a panel of judges during the academy’s culminating event.

Jamarion Willie-Hughes, a junior electrical and electronics engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama, worked with the academy as a camp counselor and said the event was a success.

“As an entrepreneur, I firmly believe that this camp has prepared students not only to become entrepreneurs but also to be natural-born leaders,” Willie-Hughes said. “Entrepreneurship is about transforming dreams into reality, and that’s what these camps have achieved.

“They have empowered these students to think outside the box, be surrounded by like-minded individuals and unleash their creativity.”

George continued, expressing the experience offers growth not only to students, but to their business models as well.

“One of the most valuable lessons students learn is that every entrepreneur starts somewhere,” George said. “Whether they came with a business that’s already operating or simply an idea in a notebook, this academy helps them take the next step and connect with other young people who share their passion for innovation.”

The IDEA Bank aims to serve as Troy University’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. They provide students, community members and aspiring business owners with resources, mentorship and educational opportunities that support new business creation and entrepreneurial growth.

The “Just Start” Youth Entrepreneurship Academy is set to be an annual summer event for the Idea Bank.