MAX Accelerator Business IDEA Competition culminates with Dec. 3 live pitches at the IDEA Bank

The culmination of the MAX Accelerator Business IDEA Competition at Troy University is a pitch competition with a dozen students vying for some $8,000 is prize funding, the largest such pool in the program’s history.

The event is 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with an awards luncheon following at 1 p.m. at the IDEA Bank on the Square in downtown Troy.

A part of the Sorrell College of Business’ Troy Bank & Trust Entrepreneurship Program and sponsored by MAX Credit Union, the program began with 20 applicants, but only those that completed the eight-week, four-session training program are eligible to compete during the live-pitch competition.

Lynne George, the IDEA Bank’s director, said that in addition to this year’s competition boasting the largest-ever prize pool, it also represents the largest number of contestants ever.

“Seeing the program grow to its largest class and prize pool yet is a great milestone, as it meets a vision we had over 3 years ago. I have had the privilege of working closely with the students of each cohort, from their application to the final pitch, and seeing this year’s diverse group grow in both confidence and capability has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

While conducted in participation with the Sorrell College’s 360 Center for Professional Life, the competition is not limited to business students. In addition to Sorrell College students, those from music industry, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies are contestants.

“Over the past three years, the program has seen consistent growth in the number of competitors and the amount of prize money awarded,” said Preston Pritchett, Director of the Sorrell 360 Center. “An additional element incorporated this year is the inclusion of professional mentors assigned to each participant who assist with business plan development and pitch creation.”

Students pitching their business concepts are:

Dalton Mabien, a freshman business analytics major;

Timothy Howell, a senior music industry major;

Laura Naovarath, a senior human resources management major;

Emma Rollins, a senior global business/business administration major;

Caleb Jaworski, a freshman global business major;

Ariel Smith, a senior art major;

Arianna Guzman, a freshman global business entrepreneurship major;

Laney Kelley, a senior interdisciplinary studies major;

Wesley Tilghman, a sophomore accounting major;

Adbur Rahman Rakib, a graduate computer science student;

Hoke Smith, a freshman business administration major; and