Saturday, April 13, 2024 2:00pm - Thursday, May 23, 2024 3:00pm
900 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29201
University of SC
Pastides Alumni Center
Representatives from America’s Seed Fund are coming to the University of South Carolina on their 2024 national road tour. Participants will learn more about Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funding.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:00am - Friday, May 31, 2024 11:59pm
Verizon
Virtual
It’s free and easy.
Want to learn more? Head to our grants page to read more success stories and start the application process. Plus, you can now track your progress with our improved experience.
Friday, May 17, 2024 12:00am - Saturday, May 25, 2024 11:59pm
InnoVision
InnoVision is now accepting nominations for the 2024 InnoVision Awards. The awards ceremony recognizes companies and researchers from across South Carolina for innovative achievements in six categories: Technology Development, Technology Application, Small Business, Sustainability, Education, and Community Service. The 26th annual InnoVision Awards is being held in Greenville on November 7, 2024. Click the link below to apply or nominate an innovative company for an award. The deadline to apply is June 14.
Monday, May 20, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Insittute
Virtual
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? There's never been a better time! But with so many people jumping into the startup scene, it's getting harder to grab investors' attention and get customers interested. That's where we come in. Join our event to learn simple yet powerful ways to make your startup stand out. We'll talk about what catches an investor's eye, common early mistakes to dodge, and what you should do before even thinking about creating your product. After the talk, stick around for a networking session with other startup founders just like you. Get ready to make your startup more appealing, step by step.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm
800 West Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29607
SBA
Mauldin Library | W. Jack Greer Branch
IF YOU NEED ACCESS TO CAPITAL TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BUSINESS GOALS, THE SBA OFFERS A VARIETY OF FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR ALL KINDS OF SMALL BUSINESS VENTURES.
Funding to Help You Start or Grow Your Business While the SBA has many specialty loan lines, our loan programs can be divided into three main categories:
Other funding options will also be covered in this session.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
SCORE
Virtual
This webinar will cover the various types of business entities, benefits and drawbacks when it comes to taxes, liability, ability to obtain bank loans, ease of creation, and management and provide information to help you select the business structure that is right for you.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
SBDC
Virtual
In this course, you will learn key elements of business finance basics to manage your cash flow, explore ways to expand your business and understand insurance for your business.
Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
Agenda:
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 4:30pm - 6:30pm
104 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601
i4Series
THRIVE | Coworking
In September 2023, Shopify announced it would give up one of its 90-second advertising spaces in an upcoming MrBeast YouTube video to a small business that could use the exposure. That small business ended up being Kanga Coolers!
The Upstate company's sales soared by more than 20% in the weeks following, just in time for the holiday gifting season. Since then, they've moved into a massive warehouse they affectionately call The Fun Factory™️.
i4Series is proud to welcome back Kanga Co-Founders Logan Lamance and Austin Maxwell to share more of their entrepreneur story and insights on how they went from investing $830 each to $25,000,000 in sales in just 7 years by making marketing a team sport and doubling down on fun!
Afterward, we’ll head upstairs for networking at THRIVE Coworking on the 8th floor overlooking downtown Greenville.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm
LGBT+ Chamber
Virtual
Are you new to the Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce? We'd love to spend an hour getting to know you, hearing how you plan to engage with the chamber, and showing off some of our capabilities. Register today to complete your Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce onboarding!
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm
170 Groce Road, Lyman SC 29365
State Small Business Credit Initiative
Middle Tyger Library
Building a business plan for your small business, from the lean business model canvas through to a full, bankable plan. We walk through each of the sections of the business plan in detail to foster an understanding of the information you need to present to ensure that your reader fully understands your business. We also walk through how to pitch your plan to customers, investors, and bankers.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
920 Milliken Rd, Spartanburg SC 29303-4906
SBDC
Second Annual Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Conference
The conference offers a unique platform for small and diverse-owned companies to not only connect with Milliken but also engage with the Tier 1 supply base at Milliken. Attendees can look forward to insightful property tours, focused sustainability education sessions, engaging panel discussions, and interactive learning opportunities.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Do you want to start your own technology company, but don't know where to begin? You are not alone. Every day millions of people go to jobs they don't enjoy, but few do something about it. At the "Employee to Entrepreneur" event, you can hear the stories, tips, and best practices of those who left their jobs to pursue their own startup company. Listen to the experiences of people just like you who have made the transition, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to network with other aspiring entrepreneurs and share their ideas for feedback.
Thursday, May 23, 2024 8:00am - 9:30am
2 North Main Street Greenville, SC 29601
SCbio
Main Street Labs
Gather with ladies (and gents) in South Carolina Life Sciences who are passionate about building community and space for women leadership in the Life Sciences. We’re continuing our popular Women in Life Sciences series in 2024 and look forward to gathering together in Greenville.
We hope you join us for breakfast and networking as we celebrate the achievements of women in SC’s Life Sciences. Open to SCbio Members only.
Monday, May 27, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Founders Insittute
Virtual
To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. First, you'll learn the best practices for creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Then, you will have the opportunity to share your pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
SBDC
Virtual
In this course, you'll learn the "why" and "how" of separating your business and personal finances that can set you and your business up for success.
Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
Agenda:
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm
SBDC
Virtual
Emergencies can strike at any time and any place.
Emergencies vary from a fire in a business to a major hurricane even a worldwide pandemic.
Business Owners should be prepared with spring and summer storms and an active hurricane season on the horizon.
The time to prepare is NOW!
What you will learn:
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am
105 N Pine Street Spartanburg, SC 29302
PowerUp Spartanburg
OneSpartanburg, Inc. Office - Milliken Board Room
Join us for Power Up 101 to learn about the initiative and resources that are available to you as a small business owner in Spartanburg County. Participants are encouraged to attend Power Up 101 after completing the initial intake form, but this is also a great refresher course for existing participants who want to maximize their benefits.
During Power Up 101, participants will:
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Are you a startup seeking to incorporate AI into your product? Wondering how AI startups ensure safety and compliance? Dive into the fast-paced realm of AI with us! Join our event to uncover real-life examples and learn practical steps to make your AI startup safer, more reliable, and compliant. Don't miss this chance to navigate the dynamic landscape of AI innovation!
Thursday, May 30, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am
550 South Main Street, Suite 550 Greenville, SC 29601
Greenville Chamber
Greenville Chamber
Join us for "Starting Point" with your Greenville Chamber where you will learn how to:
* Start your Engagement Plan by beginning to engage with other new Investors
* Start utilizing the Investor Portal to engage in events and programs
* Start learning about your exclusive savings on essential business services through our Bottom Line Builder partners to help run any sized business.
This is a great way to meet Chamber staff and other new investors as well.
A brief networking starts at 9:00 AM, and the meeting begins promptly at 9:15 AM
This event is complimentary and requires registration. We do ask that only one representative per investor company attend. Soon to be Investors are welcome to join this meeting.
Thursday, May 30, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm
1275 Thornblade Boulevard Greer, SC 29650
InnoVision
Thornblade Country Club, Greenville
Join us for an enlightening exploration into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration at InnoVision’s Forum event, “Beyond the Hype.” Our panelists represent a variety of businesses, from startups to manufacturers. We’ll delve into the practical steps and essential risk mitigation strategies necessary for successful AI implementation in your business ventures.
Monday, June 3, 2024 12:00am - Thursday, June 6, 2024 11:59pm
San Diego, California
SCbio
San Diego Convention Center
Join SCbio and other SC life sciences leaders to represent the state at the annual BIO International Convention in San Diego, California from June 3-6. This is the world’s largest industry gathering, bringing together thousands of global biotechnology and biopharmaceutical leaders with whom you will want to make connections.
South Carolina’s large exhibit booth in the Pavilion will be your central location where you can meet and do business with key decision-makers, while also showcasing the achievements of the industry in the Palmetto State.
Monday, June 3, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
The greatest variable in the success or failure of a startup is the Founder, especially at the earliest stages. Join us at our live online event to discover what makes a successful entrepreneur. We will be sharing insights from 15 years of startup research that lead to startup success. Do not miss this chance to learn how to develop these traits and hear stories of entrepreneurial achievements.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm
311 North Main Street Fountain Inn, SC 29644
SBA
Fountain Inn Library | Kerry Ann Younts Culp Branch
IF YOU NEED ACCESS TO CAPITAL TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BUSINESS GOALS, THE SBA OFFERS A VARIETY OF FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR ALL KINDS OF SMALL BUSINESS VENTURES.
Funding to Help You Start or Grow Your Business While the SBA has many specialty loan lines, our loan programs can be divided into three main categories:
• The 7(a) Loan: Can be used for almost any purpose, including buying real estate, equipment, inventory, or for working capital, refinancing business debt, or purchasing a small business.
• SBA Microloan Program: Great for helping start-ups launch and grow, or repair credit. Loans from $500 to $50K plus free business counseling.
• 504 Certified Development Company Loan Program: Competitive fixed-rate mortgage financing to purchase land, heavy equipment, or real estate for businesses that do not qualify for traditional financing.
Other funding options will also be covered in this session
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
SBDC
Virtual
In this course, you will learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome.
Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
Agenda:
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm
105 North Pine Street Spartanburg, S.C., 29302
PowerUp Spartanburg
Milliken Board Room OneSpartanburg, Inc.
In this course, you will discover the importance of separating your business and personal finances for long-term success. Truist will equip you with practical strategies and insights to effectively manage your finances and set clear business goals. Plus, you will receive valuable resources to support your journey. What You Will Learn:
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Do you want to ask questions to startup investors about fundraising in a friendly, judgment-free environment? Are you looking to raise funding in the future, and want to learn what investors look for and how they evaluate potential investments? Then join us for this live, interactive Q&A event featuring VC's and other investors from our FI Venture Network - the Founder Institute's global network of investors actively funding early-stage startups. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and ask in-depth questions.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
SCORE
Virtual
Are you interested in starting your own business or nonprofit? If so, the STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS course is right for you. In this course, offered via Zoom, you will learn all about start-up funding, financial tools, business plan essentials, marketing considerations, and more.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm
SBDC
Virtual
Assets, equity, and liabilities. Are you recording, assessing, and communicating financial transactions correctly in order to understand the financial health of your business? Do you or your accountant keep track of expenses, profits, and losses? What is the difference between cash and accrual? Join this one-hour, free webinar hosted by the SC SBDC and learn basic accounting practices to ensure the financial health of your business.
What you will learn:
Thursday, June 6, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm
311 E Washington St Greenville, SC 29601
Flywheel Coworking Greenville
Fireforge Crafted Beer
Connect with fellow professionals over a drink and a bite, then enjoy a fireside chat with guest experts on topics to support your growth.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm
301 E Poinsett Street Greer, SC
The Platform at Greer
The Platform at Greer
Join us at the City of Greer Events Center for the June Huddle. This free event will feature Stories from the Trenches with some entrepreneurs who've seen it all along the way! We'll have heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and the opportunity to network with some of the community's most dynamic entrepreneurs.
Monday, June 10, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be creative or have a magical 'aha' moment to find a great startup idea. In reality, anyone can come up with innovative business ideas by following a structured process. On this live event, Jonathan Greechan (Co-Founder & CEO of Founder Institute) will share a framework for crafting great startup ideas that he has learned from working with over 10K startups worldwide. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas, get feedback from others, and meet aspiring entrepreneurs interested in their space. If you have rough ideas and don't know what to do next, this is the event to attend!
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Do you want to start your own technology company, but don't know where to begin? You are not alone. Every day millions of people go to jobs they don't enjoy, but few do something about it. At the "Employee to Entrepreneur" event, you can hear the stories, tips, and best practices of those who left their jobs to pursue their own startup company. Listen to the experiences of people just like you who have made the transition, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to network with other aspiring entrepreneurs and share their ideas for feedback.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ten at the top
Virtual
Guest Speaker: Bob Quinn, CEO, SCRA
Topic: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of SCRA
Monday, June 17, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Building a great Co-Founder team is one of the most difficult yet important steps in founding a startup. While many founders may start alone, there are multiple benefits of having a Co-Founder and taking the time to establish a quality team can mean the difference between failure and success. Join us for this fun and interactive event where you will learn best practices for building and formalizing a Co-Founder relationship. In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking for a Co-Founder at virtual tables and speed networking sessions.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm
17 Center St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 Travelers Rest, SC 29690
SBA
Travelers Rest Library
This course will help anyone thinking of starting a business and needing a loan or any existing business owner who needs expansion loans. We will discuss SBA programs and how they interact with the lending process and provide resources to assist you in loan application processes including the following:
Prepare to request more funding - Anyone who gives you funds wants to feel confident that their investment will pay off. Prepare a business case and financial statements to convince lenders, crowd funders, or investors to fund your small business.
Make your business case - You’ll need to make a solid business case for more funding. Produce a short statement with the total requested amount and specific reasons for it.
Prepare financial statements - Display that your business is doing well with financial history statements. Show how your business has grown by reporting revenue, expenses, and profit over time.
Show how your business will grow in the future with a forecast. Your business forecast can be based on intuitive judgment, quantitative analysis, or both. Show your projected revenue and expenses, and clearly explain how you arrived at those estimations.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am
215 Trade St, Greer, SC 29651
The Platform at Greer
Cartwright Food Hall
Join us on the second floor of Cartwright Food Hall to network with some of the community's most dynamic entrepreneurs and to share your ideas and feedback with the presenters.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am
550 Ste 550 Greenville, SC 29601
Greenville Chamber
Greenville Chamber of Commerce
IS MBA RIGHT FOR YOU?
Calling all minority business owners interested in the Minority Business Accelerator Program. Come learn how the SC MBA Program can accelerate your business and take it to the next level.
The South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator program is open to ALL minority-owned businesses located in the Upstate of South Carolina.
Throughout the South Carolina MBA Upstate Program, participants will:
• Develop and implement strategies for your business
• Fuel your growth and build capacity
• Gain access to new opportunities
• Overcome growth barriers
Is it Right for You?
Our ideal candidates are tired of the status quo and looking to gain the business knowledge, skills, and trusted networks needed to successfully grow and guide their businesses.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm
SourceSC
Virtual
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development will be hosting multiple webinars with the S.C. Department of Revenue, providing Enterprise Program participants with in-depth information on program and reporting requirements.
Focus areas: Completing the Revitalization Agreement, submitting certification documents, completing Elections Forms, Quarterly and Annual Reports, as well as, Quarterly Tax Returns and Preparation for Annual Audits.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm
105 N Pine St, Spartanburg SC 29302-1685
SC SBDC
One Spartanburg - The Milliken Room
Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?
Do you find yourself wondering:
Register today to learn essential strategies to attract top talent, navigate the hiring process, and build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business needs.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm
105 N Pine St, Spartanburg SC 29302-1685
SC SBDC
One Spartanburg - The Milliken Room
Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?
Do you find yourself wondering:
Register today to learn essential strategies to attract top talent, navigate the hiring process, and build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business needs.
Monday, June 24, 2024 12:00am - Tuesday, June 25, 2024 11:59pm
Charlotte, NC
DigiMarCon
THE WESTIN CHARLOTTE HOTEL
Join us at DigiMarCon South Atlantic 2024 where trailblazers and visionaries in digital marketing come together to forge new paths in this dynamic field. Our conference is a melting pot of ideas, featuring some of the industry's most influential thinkers and leaders. Dive into the latest trends and insights that are shaping the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing.
Business and marketing professionals have a lot of choice in events to attend. As the Premier Digital Marketing, Media, and Advertising Conference & Exhibition Series worldwide see why DigiMarCon stands out above the rest in the marketing industry and why delegates keep returning year after year
Monday, June 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
Finding the sweet spot where your product meets market demand is vital for startup success. In our upcoming online event, you'll discover how to refine your value proposition, effectively gather and utilize customer feedback, and adjust your product to meet the exact needs of your target audience. This is an invaluable opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to make their product truly resonate in the marketplace. Secure your spot now for insights that could transform your approach and elevate your product to its perfect market fit.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am
5 Research Dr. Greenville, 29607
NextGen
CU-ICAR
Are you a founder? Are you curious about becoming one? Do you work with startups? Or want to work with startups? Are you curious about what makes founders try, and keep trying? Founders Forum is an educational series from NextGEN designed for entrepreneurs, their teams, and their supporters BY entrepreneurs, created to connect, inspire, and educate in core disciplines relevant to all startups and activate the ecosystem at large. We are excited to partner with partner support organizations and corporations focused on innovation in 2024! Come check out this incredible panel and dive into the metaverse with us!
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Founders Institute
Virtual
To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. First, you'll learn the best practices for creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Then, you will have the opportunity to share your pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 12:00am - Tuesday, July 30, 2024 11:59pm
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
SEDC
1 Resort Drive Savannah, GA 31401-7000 United States
The Southern Economic Development Council, North America's oldest and largest regional economic development association, will convene in Savannah for #SEDC2024 on July 28 - 30. Join 500 of the world's leading economy builders for a capacity-building and fun experience. Ticket sales are open now!
Monday, August 5, 2024 12:00am - Tuesday, August 6, 2024 11:59pm
Carolina-Virginia Minority Supplier
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
It's a place for minority business owners to:
It's a place for corporations to:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 8:30am - 2:00pm
TATT
TBD