Applications are now open for Troy University’s IDEA Bank summer entrepreneurship camp, “Just Start!”, with space limited to just 10 participants.
Now in its third year, the week-long program is designed for high school students who have a new business idea or aspire to become entrepreneurs.
The program begins on Monday, July 15, with students spending the week on campus learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, meeting with entrepreneurs and developing their ideas into viable business plans. The camp will culminate with a pitch competition on Saturday, July 20, where each student will give a short presentation about their idea and how it has developed over the week. One outstanding presenter will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University.
“There is no age limit for starting a business, and it’s so inspiring to meet young people with an entrepreneurial spirit and hear their ideas,” said Dr. Charla Brown, assistant professor of marketing and entrepreneurship in the Sorrell College of Business. “At the Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, we help young entrepreneurs refine their business vision through practicality, finances and target market feasibility, and encourage creativity in branding design.”
The 2024 camp, sponsored by the Wiregrass RC&D Council, will expand on the first two years of camp and add a formal mentor-matching component, additional pitch competition prizes, new speakers, entrepreneurship simulations, games and more. Space is limited so staff can provide the most personalized experience possible. The only requirement is that you be age 9 or older to plan to attend camp.Number-12Number Scorers who already have a business idea or interest.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen some truly amazing changes in just five days. Students start the week with vague ideas, but by the time they get up on the stage to present, they speak with professionalism and enthusiasm and feel totally confident in themselves,” says IDEA Bank Director Lynne George. “After a week, they have a much clearer idea of what they want to do and how to get there,” George says. “This is really empowering!”
The goal of the program is to provide students with the training and tools they need to launch their businesses; increase their confidence, creativity and innovation; and encourage networking through exposure to different types of entrepreneurs. The environment at IDEA Bank camps is fun, energetic and encouraging. The theme for the week is “Just Start!”, encouraging high school students to start working towards their dreams even if they’re scared.
The themes for each day’s sessions are:
- Entrepreneurship and Idea Development
- Define your business services and needs
- Brand Development
- Communication and Distribution
- Preparing for release
- Speeches and Presentations
Past winners of the Just Start! High School Student Pitch Competition include Emily Stokes in 2022 of Blackbird Paper Co., a company that offers handmade paper products made from 100% recycled materials, and Madelyn Vieira in 2023 of Exquisite Mindset Apparel, a women’s clothing brand with unique, handcrafted designs. The program welcomes all business ideas from any industry, and the focus of the pitch competition is on students’ ability to communicate their idea and why it could be impactful.
Registration is $150 and includes all meals, lodging and materials for one week. Need-based scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the $150 fee. Apply at https://www.troy.edu/community-outreach/idea-bank/entrepreneurship-summer-camp.html or contact Lynne George at 334-808-6794 or lfirmin@troy.edu for more information.
