NextGEN

Creating Connections for Greenville’s Founders

NextGEN guides and supports high-growth, high-potential entrepreneurs and their businesses in Greenville and across the Upstate of South Carolina. Our primary goal is to help founders grow and support their businesses.

Programs & Services

From educational, interactive workshops to in-depth, collaborative services, we offer an array of resources focused on different topics to best serve your entrepreneurial needs.

Current Programs & Services include:

Accelerator
Growth Labs
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)
Workshops
Venture Mentor Service (VMS)

Check out our Programs & Services.

Community Events

This isn’t your typical awkward networking. Just connecting people, because we can all benefit from shared knowledge. In addition to our monthly events, we host two signature annual events: #StartupGVL Launchpad and NEXT Venture Summit.

Founders Forum
CEO Lunches
Industry & Cohort Meetups
Startup Drinks (SUDs)

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Preview our events.

The Network

Got a great idea and not sure how to get started? A few years in and trying to figure out how to scale? Looking for investors to take your business to the next level? Or looking to invest? No matter the stage of your business—newbie, veteran, or somewhere in between—we have a deep network of the area’s top business owners and supporters, and we’d be thrilled to introduce you to someone who can open doors for you (or someone for whom you can open a door!).

#StartupGVL is a network for entrepreneurs, innovators, and those who support them. Don’t be shy. We’re ready to connect you.

Get Involved

Not a current founder but want to help? We’re always looking for community partners! Learn more about becoming a mentor, partner, or sponsor.

Mentors

Empower others as a mentor in our Mentorship Program. Connect with enthusiastic mentees and make a meaningful impact on their journeys. Join us to share your expertise and cultivate success together.

Funding Partners

Calling all potential Funding Partners! Collaborate with us in supporting innovation and driving positive change. Join a community dedicated to making a lasting impact and contributing to meaningful projects.

Community Partners

Join forces with us as a Community Partner to amplify your impact! If you're a local organization, business, or individual passionate about fostering community growth and collaboration, explore partnership opportunities and contribute to our shared success.

Investors

Explore compelling investment opportunities and contribute to promising ventures. Contact us if you're seeking impactful investments, aligning with visionary entrepreneurs, and shaping the future success of innovative companies.

Impact

127

Companies Supported

$98M

2023 Annual Revenue

$41M

Capital Raised in 2023

15%

Minority-Owned Client Companies

775

Headcount
in 2023

20%

Woman-Owned Client Companies

Impact report

See several founder features highlighted as we call attention to those who have been putting in the work since the beginning of NextGEN (formerly NEXT) and read more about the next generation of innovators in our programs.

What people are saying

I've been a part of multiple programs, and while those were all good in their own respect, the NEXT accelerator program was much more impactful than the others. I guess that's clear since I'm moving my family and business here! There was really no hesitation on my part because we founders need a network of support and, without a doubt, this is where I need to be

Mike Smith, Founder

Custom Donations

Founders have an idea and they don’t realize there are so many other factors in running a business. A lot of things I didn’t know how to do and it was unnerving to figure things out. We wanted to make sure we were doing things right and following the rules. I’m very resourceful and found people I could talk to and found experts, like our VMS mentors.

Nicole Johnson, Co-Founder

Boyd Cycling

The NEXT Accelerator was more than a typical startup program; it was a gateway to a thriving community of innovators, mentors, and experts. As the founder and CEO of Susu Lend, a fintech startup aimed at empowering the unbanked and credit invisible, I found unparalleled support and guidance here. The program managers and staff’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in refining our pitch, making it resonate more strongly with our audience. NEXT didn’t just help us grow; it connected us with mentors and partners who shared our vision. Any entrepreneur in Greenville looking for a supportive, dynamic environment would find NEXT an invaluable resource.

Pedro Escobar, Founder

Susu Lend

When we came to Greenville seven years ago as a startup, NEXT really put their arms around us. They took this company, still in its infancy, and gave us an almost unfair advantage by helping us overcome the obstacles that cause so many young businesses to struggle and fail.

Jon-Michial Carter, CEO & Cofounder

Chartspan

I found customers at NEXT. I found business partnerships through NEXT. I found investors through NEXT. There’s so many things to connect with at NEXT that you don’t even envision when you start.

Frank Greer, CEO

Zipit Wireless

When I moved to Greenville and started my company, NEXT was the perfect front door to making connections and meeting other entrepreneurs in Greenville. I'd recommend any founder getting involved with NEXT.

Marty Bauer, CEO & Co-Founder

Ridepost.com

News

November 1, 2024

Contact us

We'd love to hear from you

Phone

(864) 735-7516

Address

411 University Ridge
Suite A
Greenville, SC 29601

NextGEN

Instagram

@nextgengvl

Facebook

@NextUpstate