Sorrell College students claims top prize in the Business IDEA Competition for 'Trojan Tailgate'

The largest prize pot in the Business IDEA Competition’s history provided $8,000 in seed funding for student-pitched entrepreneurial concepts, thanks to a partnership with MAX Credit Union.

Coming in first place was Wesley Tilghman, a sophomore accounting major, for his pitch for “Trojan Tailgate,” earning $4,000 in seed money for the concept.

a check presentation — Wesley Tilghman took the grand prize of $4,000 from the 2025 Business IDEA Pitch Competition, sponsored by MAX Credit Union. Presenting the check are IDEA Bank Director Lynne George, Lynette Cupps, Chief Growth Officer at MAX, and Sorrell 360 Center Diretctor Preston Pritchett.

Tilghman’s business concept centers around providing an all-inclusive tailgating service that would provide a turnkey, walk up tailgate set up to the client’s specifications. Tent set-up, chairs, coolers, ice, drinks and premium packages including televisions and food catering.

His background experience: he served as tailgate chair for his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega.

“Trojan Tailgate has been a dream of mine for the last year and winning the Pitch Competition has now made my vision a real possibility,” Tilghman said. “I love being a part of Troy on game days and can see that getting Trojan Tailgate up and running is going to make everyone’s gameday experience better.”

Tilghman was one of 12 students who completed the Sorrell College of Business’ pitch program, which consisted of an eight-week, four-session training.

“I feel honored to win, especially amongst such a strong field of competitors,” he said. “I have learned that even if you’re nervous about trying something new you should try it anyway and if you believe in something you may very well find others who believe in your vision too.”

In addition to the largest prize pool ever, this year’s program was the largest class – with 20 initial applicants – in the history of the program, which is a co-produced event between the IDEA Bank and the Sorrell College’s 360 Center for Professional Life.

Emma Rollins, a senior global business/business administration major, was awarded $2,500 in seed funding for her business “Drone Sharks.”

photo of a big check — Laney Kelley, won third place for her pitch “Creations by LK” during the 2025 Business IDEA Pitch Competition.

Laney Kelley, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, was awarded $1,000 for her pitch for “Creations by LK,” and Hoke Smith, a sophomore global business major, was awarded the $500 Sullivan Impact Award for “Veritex.”

Dalton Mabien, a freshman business analytics major;
Timothy Howell, a senior music industry major;
Laura Naovarath, a senior human resources management major;
Caleb Jaworski, a freshman global business major;
Ariel Smith, a senior art major;
Arianna Guzman, a freshman global business entrepreneurship major;
Adbur Rahman Rakib, a graduate computer science student; and
Zahrakhanim Valiyeva, a sophomore global business major.

“I am proud of all 12 students who completed the program and had the courage to pitch their ideas in front of a room full of people,” said Lynne George, IDEA Bank director.

“They demonstrated true hard work, creativity, and determination – and they all accomplished something great. I am also thankful to MAX Credit Union for enabling us to take this program to the next level, and to the dozens of faculty members who supported the 8-week program through student mentorship and session content,” she said. “This is a true reflection of the IDEA Bank’s culture of collaboration and mission of empowering ideas.”