Small Business Development Center at TROY launches new pilot model for Community Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

A new pilot model initiative will bring together Troy University students and community entrepreneurs as part of the Small Business Development Center’s Community Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.

Through the pilot program, five students will act as consultants and work directly with local entrepreneurs who have completed the educational portion of the bootcamp.

Katherine Zobre, CEO of Founders Playground and the coordinator of the UPBI program deployment, plays a pivotal role in the program’s strategic coordination. Together with Juliana Bolivar, the lead business advisor and Director of the Small Business Development Center at Troy University under the Sorrell College of Business, they will provide hands-on training, and a specially tailored curriculum designed to teach the selected students the skills required to become effective business consultants. This collaborative approach aims to develop the next generation of business advisors, equipping them with the tools needed to excel while gaining practical experience and positively impacting the community.

“This pilot model is more than just an academic exercise. It’s about empowering the next generation of business leaders while providing local entrepreneurs with tailored, practical support,” said Bolivar. “By combining the expertise of our students with the real-world challenges these businesses face, we’re fostering growth that benefits both our students and the community at large.”

The Community Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a three-phase program designed for community members and includes education, consulting and mentorship. After completing the educational phase, participants competed in a business pitch competition, where winners received prizes such as credit counseling, business plan support and marketing consulting. The program equips aspiring entrepreneurs with essential tools and knowledge to launch or scale their businesses.

The selected Troy University students—Joynob Sultana, Laura Shumba, Jayden Raines, Ishu Ghimire, and Ernestina Luna—will serve as consultants for the community entrepreneurs. Over a 10-week period, the students will apply their academic expertise to assist the entrepreneurs with tasks such as content development for social media, financial projections or refining business plans.

Joynob Sultana brings a strong background in finance and business development, while Laura Shumba specializes in computer science. Jayden Raines focuses on business management, Ishu Ghimire has experience in content creation, and Ernestina Luna excels in leadership and communication.

“Our goal is to show students how community impact looks like through the lens of their educational institution and make them an integral part of it. By bridging theory and practice, we prepare them not only to excel as business advisors but also to understand the real-world impact they can make in their own communities,” Bolivar said.

The SBDC at TROY operates under the auspices of the Sorrell College of Business.