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.

SBA & NextGEN would like to invite you to join us for a 30-minute update on SBA programs, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Meet us lobby of the NEXT Innovation Center on Thursday, May 2nd at 9 am for a presentation and open discussion. Bring your questions and join your fellow entrepreneurs across the USA in celebrating NSBW!

For nearly 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, recognizing the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year we will celebrate NSBW, 4/28-5/4.

Celebrate One Year of Power Up Spartanburg! Current and prospective small and minority business-owners are invited to join us April 29 to kick off US Small Business Week with a celebration of the first year of Power Up Spartanburg. Get more information on the initiative's impact and learn more about newly-launched programs including access to subject matter experts, contract opportunities with large corporations, and more.

Hear from seasoned women leaders and professionals. Join us for a day of learning, empowerment and networking!

As a CEO, entrepreneur, or executive of a small to mid-sized company, tapping into the wealth of R&D resources and innovations created by the research enterprise at Clemson University could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your business. Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF) focuses on increasing industry engagement and commercialization opportunities of Clemson's intellectual property portfolio. They can help you navigate the extensive research enterprise to address your specific R&D needs.

NextGEN and the SBA would like to invite you to join us for a 30-minute update on SBA programs, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Meet us in the NextGEN Innovation Center on Thursday, May 2nd at 9 am for a presentation and open discussion. Bring your questions and join your fellow entrepreneurs across the USA in celebrating National Small Business Week! We hope to see you there!

Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?

Do you find yourself wondering:

• What do I have to do to hire someone?
• When is the right time to hire?
• Who are my best candidates?
• How do I do this?

This course will take you through the step-by-step process of developing a business plan.

A business plan is very specific to each business. However, while each business needs a unique plan, the basic elements are the same in all business plans. To complete an effective business plan, you must dedicate time to complete the plan.

Join us at the City of Greer Events Center for the May 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.

Wow, I can't believe there are only 5 tickets remaining for Founders Weekend presented by Chase® Ink® next month! I am so excited for all the amazing connections and learning that will happen.

We have such an incredible lineup of panels, keynotes, and educational sessions planned, led by some of the most inspiring and successful women business owners out there.

Join us on Monday, May 6th, 2024 for a fun day of networking on the links. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or have never picked up a club, the annual Ladies Classic is the least intimidating day on the course! We invite you to come to experience the newly renovated, 3’s Greenville Golf and Grubhouse, and enjoy an interactive tournament while socializing amongst our city’s most prominent businesswomen.

The day will feature two shotgun starts at NEW times! The afternoon shotgun will begin at 3:00 PM and the evening shotgun will begin at 6:00 PM, with 12 holes of Captain’s Choice play. After sunset, 3’s gets a colorful glow-up with the fun continuing as the entire course lights up. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete in individual contests throughout the day, including a putting contest closest to the pin.

Ever dreamed of forging partnerships with an American industrial giant? Discover opportunities with Milliken & Company, based in Spartanburg, SC! With nationwide reach, Milliken offers diverse partnership opportunities. Kathy Verzina, Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity, is committed to fostering small business success. Join us for insights on navigating the process of doing business with Milliken & Company. Plus, learn about the 2024 Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Event.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is ideal for business owners interested in learning more about business opportunities with Milliken & Company

Recommended Dress Attire: Business casual attire is recommended for this event.

The Greenville Chamber is dedicated to supporting our small business community. One way we do this is by recognizing an extraordinary small business each month. The Small Business of the Month is chosen by a selection committee that reviews submissions of the applications submitted by Greenville Chamber investors. If selected as a Small Business of the Month, the business is automatically in consideration for Small Business of the Year.

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!

The Communities of Color Initiative’s (CoCi) Heritage Month Committee asks that you SAVE THE DATE for the NGLCC Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month program scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 2 pm ET. The theme will be “A Roundtable Discussion with LGBTBQ+ Leaders in the AANHPI Communities''. More information and details in the days to come.

SUDsGVL, or StartupDrinks, returns in May! This unstructured networking event is open to entrepreneurs, ecosystem allies, and all community members of the #StartupGVL ecosystem. The first drink is on us!

Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?

Do you find yourself wondering:

• What do I have to do to hire someone?
• When is the right time to hire?
• Who are my best candidates?
• How do I do this?

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.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take your hiring practices to the next level!

SCORE has partnered with Truist to bring you information on why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to help get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome. The webinar will be led by Ann Luke, Senior Vice President, and Zack Sink, Small Business Lending Product Manager, at Truist and will include a Q&A session. Attendees will receive a workbook after the event.

Join us to discover how open innovation bridges the gap between startups and corporates. We'll explore global challenges and spotlight two major initiatives: the GAEA program, aimed at driving energy autonomy innovations in Europe, and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, which fosters digital transformation partnerships. Learn how these initiatives empower innovators and idea holders to refine their concepts, navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, and unlock new funding opportunities for corporate collaboration and growth.

The federal government is one of the world’s largest spenders. If you want to do business with the Federal Government, you need to be registered with SAM.gov (System of Award Management) and learn how to navigate the system.

What You will learn:

1. Entity Registration - Getting Started
2. Review of the Domains
   1. Contract Opportunities
   2. Assistance Listings
   3. Entity Information
   4. Federal Hierarchy
   5. Wage Determinations
3. Federal Service Desk (Help Desk)

Presenter: Scott Poole, Government Contracting Specialist, SC SBDC

Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?

Do you find yourself wondering:

• What do I have to do to hire someone?
• When is the right time to hire?
• Who are my best candidates?
• How do I do this?

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.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take your hiring practices to the next level!

Guest Speaker Monty Robertson SC Health Association - Topic: Alliance for a Healthier SC & SC Health Improvement Plan

Mix and mingle with Chamber Investors at one of our premiere networking events. Professionals utilize this opportunity to discuss and share ideas in a relaxed, social atmosphere while learning about other Investor businesses.

Course: Cohesion Culture™ Be A Leader Cohesion Culture™ Camp is a Leadership Development Program that guides emerging and seasoned leaders to thrive in a workspace that promotes belonging, value, and shared mutual commitment. The Do-It-Yourself course is self-paced and can be easily completed over a five-week period. It is designed to help people, like you, regardless of title, task, or tenure create cultures of cohesion that promote belonging, value, and commitment.

Learn from the pros, Dr. Troy Hall, Talent Retention Expert and Performance Coach, and Ben-Jamin Toy, Team Building Expert through over 2-hours of instructional video, worksheets, activities, and weekly challenges.

This course is supplemented with four one-hour weekly Cohort Training sessions designed to ask questions and further discuss the topics of learning in the previous week. The program ends with a three-hour in-person Wrap Up session that builds upon the leadership habits the participants plan to implement within their businesses.

Learn How to Select a Franchise

What considerations should you consider before beginning your research?

• * Personal Financial Capabilities?
• * General Characteristics of Desire Franchise
• * Honest assessment of Your Greatest Strengths & Skills and Likes & Dislikes

Where do you go to find what franchises are available?

How do you evaluate the franchise?

What to Ask the Franchisor?

What to Ask the Franchisee?

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.

Join us for "Business Finance Basics," a partnership with Power Up Spartanburg and Truist. This interactive session will equip you with the essential knowledge to build, manage, and safeguard your business for long-term success.

In this course, you will delve into key elements of business finance basics, learning how to effectively manage cash flow, explore strategies for business expansion, and gain insights into business insurance.

Who Should Enroll: This session is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of business finance fundamentals.

Every startup's success hinges on a well-crafted go-to-market strategy. At this live online event, we unlock the secrets to defining and reaching your target market effectively. You'll gain insights into identifying your ideal customer, crafting a value proposition that resonates, and deploying marketing tactics that convert. If you're determined to accelerate your startup's journey from concept to market leader, this event is your stepping stone.

Tech After Five connects the tech community. We invite IT Professionals, Startups, Entrepreneurs and their community of support to come together and make meaningful professional connections.

You may be looking for work or looking to hire. You might be looking for customers or prospects. You may need co-founders, partners or mentors. We’ve got you covered.

Tech After Five is not like other networking events. We work particularly hard to make sure we get the right people in the room and then make sure it’s easy for you to find each other. Sign up using the right ticket type for you. We will then follow up with custom emails that let you know who you can expect to meet. We will print custom badges for the event that make it easy for you to find the people you are looking for.

We know that networking can be hard. We try to make it as easy as possible for you to meet the right people. We know that when smart people come together we can make things happen. We hope you will join us and become part of our community.

Explore practical strategies for managing stress, overcoming burnout, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. Led by experienced mental health professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs, this workshop offers a safe space to discuss common struggles, share coping mechanisms, and build a supportive community.

This webinar is designed for business owners who are interested in learning more about exporting and new markets. The webinar will cover:1. Overview of the Export Process2. How to Become Export-Ready3. The Export Business Plan and Financial Forecast4. The STEP grant5. Using the SBA Export Express Loan/Line-of-Credit to finance operations International trade assists a business owner with growing their business through diversification in customer, geography, seasonality, and product mix. SC SBDC Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) assist business owners with all aspects of the export process. Come see why new markets can work for you!

Elevate your small business in the Lowcountry with our exclusive Lunch & Learn session on mastering the art of marketing. Join us for an insightful afternoon where you'll uncover the secrets to effectively promote your business, connect with your target audience, and cultivate a strong brand presence in South Carolina's dynamic market.

Key Topics Include:

• Crafting Your Unique Brand Story
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Local Marketing Tactics
• Budget-Friendly Marketing Solutions
• Measuring Marketing Success

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.

Join us for the finale of the May Bootcamp cohort: A pitch competition in front of a panel of expert judges! Stick around afterward for networking!

Ten at the Top and the Upstate Mobility Alliance is excited to host Blues, Brews, and BBQ, an outdoor networking extravaganza!

Since 1973, growing and retaining informed, qualified leaders has been a key focus for the Greenville Chamber. Join us for a special evening celebrating Leadership Greenville’s 50 years of impact.

This landmark event will commemorate five decades of Leadership Greenville and will bring together current and past participants, community leaders and supporters for an evening of celebration, reflection, and networking.

Introducing the Upstate Downtown Academy.

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.

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.

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:

• Improve the cash flow of your business
• Continue to build and expand your business
• Protect your business

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Why separate personal and business finances?
• How to set and refresh business goals.
• How to pay yourself.
• Business structure and organization.
• How to organize your finances.
• Financial accounts and tools.

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:

• What steps should you take to prepare your business before a disaster strikes?
• What training do your employees need so that your business will survive a disaster?
• How should you communicate with your customers before and after a disaster?
• How can the SBDC help a small business owner recover from a disaster?

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:

• Meet other small business owners and OneSpartanburg, Inc. staff
• Learn more about the resources available
• Learn how to utilize the website for the upcoming GRID and technical support resources

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!

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.

Interested in joining the delegation? Learn more. Email SCbio Marketing Director Connor Watkins to reserve your place.

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.

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.

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

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:

• Why businesses need funds
• Where to find funding
• How to select the right type of financing
• What lenders look for
• The borrowing process
• How to create your business borrowing profile
• Next steps after a financing decision

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:

• The importance of separating personal and business finances
• How to set and refresh business goals
• Explore methods for paying yourself as a business owner
• Gain insights into business structure and organization
• Discover tips for organizing your finances effectively
• Explore essential financial accounts and tools

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.

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.

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:

• Bookkeeping best practices
• How to maintain tax records
• The purpose of a balance sheet
• The purpose of a P & L Statement and how it relates to the balance sheet
• Explanation of accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Other essential accounting practices

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?

Do you find yourself wondering:

• What do I have to do to hire someone?
• When is the right time to hire?
• Who are my best candidates?
• How do I do this?

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.

Are you thinking about adding top talent to your small business?

Do you find yourself wondering:

• What do I have to do to hire someone?
• When is the right time to hire?
• Who are my best candidates?
• How do I do this?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

It's a place for minority business owners to:

• Maximize your sales opportunities
• Match with major corporations
• Engage with thought leaders & minority mentors
• Network and connect with other diverse suppliers
• Grow your business

It's a place for corporations to:

• Engage with qualified minority suppliers
• Collaborate with CVMSDC corporate partners
• Build relationships with minority businesses
• Diversify your supply base which increases competition, innovation, and agility