Six high school students spent a week at IDEA Bank’s first summer entrepreneurial camp to learn the basics of business planning. The event ended with a business plan contest in which the winner received a $ 2,000 scholarship to Troy University.
From July 11th to 15th, students learned the principles of business planning, financial planning, law, marketing and branding. The camp also covered business thinking and self-confidence, selling ideas, selling, and professional communication. Experts from the Sorrel College of Business, Troy University Small Business Development Center, Troy Bank and Trust, and local small business owners provided hands-on instruction throughout the week.
On Monday, July 18th, students competed in a “Shark Tank” style throwing competition in front of a jury of various experts. Lynne George, director of IDEA Bank, said the introduction of the competitive aspect encouraged the pursuit of business ideas.
“It’s getting a little more serious and they’re trying to make a good impression and get something, so we’ll dig a little deeper into what they’re trying to convey,” he said. “On the other hand, this camp aims to support their business goals. By giving college scholarships, this alone encourages someone to promote their education and entrepreneurship in their real life. It gives you the opportunity to take a step closer to pursuing. It was impressive and encouraging to see them buy.
Emily Stokes, a 15-year-old from Highland Home, Alabama, won a scholarship for a Blackbird Paper project. Blackbird Paper aims to provide eco-friendly handmade paper products for use in invitations, scrapbooking supplies, stationery, business cards and more.
His idea was born in 2018, when he lived in Sri Lanka after seeing elephant orphanage workers make paper from the fibers contained in elephant excrement. After hearing about his entrepreneurial camp, he realized that his papermaking hobby could be a business.
“It was really exciting to see it,” he said. “I made paper as a hobby, but when the entrepreneurial camp started, I realized there was more I could do. Even if my business wasn’t successful, the skills I learned were life. Will help me.
Stokes said he was interested in cybersecurity after starting the business. Whether you choose to explore entrepreneurship or security, you have already decided that your dorm will be TROY.
“I was going to come to TROY anyway, so it’s great to get this scholarship,” he said. “It will be of great help in the cost of going to college.”
Other business plans include SuperKidz, a non-profit youth program, Short n Sweet, candy food trucks, Lavish Lexis Wellness, natural skin care and accessory lines, Urban Bags, and a range of bags designed to hide self-defense. It was. A line of hats aimed at creating cultural influence through articles, clover threads and positive messages.
Raymond McGolly, 17, SuperKidz Creator, Alabama Enterprise, said his main goal this week was to build professional relationships and better understand the “reasons” behind his plans. I said there is.
“I’m here not only for scholarships, but to meet and connect with different people. It’s not numbers, it’s getting what I’m trying to do and helping my community. “He said. “I learned to look at myself and find a way to stay true to my reasons, why I’m doing this, and what it is.”
Dr. Judson Edwards, Dean of the Business College, served as a jury and said the efforts and planning that the students spent during the week showed their determination to succeed.
“The students who attended the entrepreneurial camp were absolutely great, and the competition between them was fierce in the experience of the’tank’,” he said. “This camp once again demonstrates the determination of young people in our area to succeed in life and business. We are proud that the Sorrel College of Business can support their growth.”
The event was sponsored by the Wireglass Resource Conservation and Development Council.
“The Wireglass Conservation Resources Development Council believed in our vision and trusted us to provide something meaningful,” said George. “Your support and trust in IDEA Bank has enabled this potentially life-changing summer program for the six students in attendance.”
The two camp galleries can be found online at the links below, and the contest day gallery can be found here.
Gallery 1
Gallery 2