Applications are now open for local students in grades 6 – 12 for the IDEA Bank’s “Just Start” Youth Entrepreneurship Academy.
The summer program is July 22-25 on the Troy Campus and at the IDEA Bank on the Square in downtown Troy. May 2026 high school graduates may also attend.
“The program is designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, real-world application and guided development of their own business ideas,” said IDEA Bank Director Lynne George.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in interactive sessions covering idea development, customer delivery, branding, marketing and pricing strategies. They will also build confidence in public speaking and presentation skills as they prepare to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.
The grand prize winner of the pitch competition on July 25 will win a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University.
Daily sessions run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and include meals. Registration is $50, or for students over 15 years of age, overnight housing is available for $100. The deadline to apply is July 6.
