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.
Don’t miss this chance to meet with investors, founders, and ecosystem supporters. This year we’re bringing back Investor Match day and including breakout sessions during the Summit for interactive learning focused on scaling your business.
- Pitch your business in front of investors from this region and beyond at Match Day (remember, you have to apply to get in).
- Learn from subject matter experts how to level up your business whether you are looking for risk capital or just want to scale.
- Connect with over 300 industry leaders, innovators, and other founders.
Apply today for Match Day and get your tickets today!
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.”
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
Companies Supported
2023 Annual Revenue
Capital Raised in 2023
Minority-Owned Client Companies
Headcount
in 2023
Woman-Owned Client Companies
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.
News
Mark Essex: From Startup Success to Community Impact
Mark Essex was just 24 years old when he embarked on a journey that would unknowingly shape the rest of his life. Reflecting on the early days, he admits, “If I had known what I was getting into, I don’t know if I would have done it.” His path was n…
June 27, 2024
June Founders Forum: Fortnite to Factories – Understanding the Metaverse
June 26th at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), professionals and curious minds gathered for the June Founders Forum. During the two-hour event, attendees immersed themselves in the future of technology, s…
June 7, 2024
Mike Smith: Championing Custom Donations
Mike Smith is a problem-solver at his core. With a knack for identifying needs and crafting innovative solutions, Mike's entrepreneurial journey kicked off during his college years with a bold attempt to disrupt the textbook market. Despite the init…