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.
NextGEN is now accepting donations!
Partner with us in new ways in 2025. Your donation will make a meaningful impact on our programs and services!
Impact
Companies Supported in 2024
2024 Annual Revenue
Capital Raised in 2024
Minority-Owned Client Companies
Headcount
in 2024
Woman-Owned Client Companies
The true measure of progress isn’t just in the milestones—it’s in the ripple effects of what we’re building together: a thriving ecosystem where innovation flourishes, founders thrive, and Greenville stands tall as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence. The seeds we plant today will fuel the opportunities of tomorrow, creating a legacy far beyond any single year. Be part of the impact.
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.
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.
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.
NEXT Upstate has changed its name and its look to signal the next generation of support for Entrepreneurs, Founders, and Innovators in the Greenville Entrepreneur Network (GEN).
“The rebrand merges the legacy and history of the organization with its future,” says Carlos Phillips, President/CEO of the Greenville Chamber and NextGEN board member. “The new branding reflects the refined strategy and exciting direction as NextGEN supports Greenville’s high-growth entrepreneurs.”
News
Meet our EIRs (Entrepreneurs in Residence)
We launched our EIR program thanks to a Relentless Challenge grant awarded in 2024! EIR = Entrepreneur in Residence. Meet the team! Gary M. Shiffman Gary M. Shiffman believes in helping creative and passionate founders pursue the outsized b…
December 18, 2024
Meet Allison Rogers: Founder of Ducklinks
Founded by Greenville attorney and full-time mother Allison Rogers, Ducklinks is redefining how parents plan enriching activities for their children. With a mission to simplify family life and provide tailored recommendations for events and activiti…
November 1, 2024
Event Recap: Breaking Barriers and Navigating Funding Pathways
On October 29th, 2024, NextGEN hosted an inspiring panel event for founders, investors, and advocates passionate about creating a more inclusive funding ecosystem. Focused on the unique challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, the panel f…