Connect with an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Thrive ACCESS A PEER COMMUNITY, MENTORSHIP, CAPITAL, FACILITIES, & TALENT IN UPSTATE SC
Get Connected to the People and Resources You Need to

GROW YOUR STARTUP

The NEXT Effect

High impact startups help our community thrive. We’re honored to play a part in that success.

121
Companies Supported
238
New Jobs Created
28.6
Million in New Capital Raised
500+
Conference Attendees
33
Minority-Led Companies

Source: 2020 Impact Report

RESOURCES

Learning Labs

We’ve curated a series of educational sessions specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs with what they need, when they need it.

Learn More

Experience an expert panel discussion on the future of robotics and industrial automation in America, from national thought leaders of these world-class institutions based in the Upstate of South Carolina:

COMMUNITY TESTIMONIALS

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

Entrepreneurs are by nature somewhat solitary, so to have a community where we can come together to ask the stupid questions and the really hard questions is really important.

Catherine Watt, Founder
EDUForum

[Every month] we meet with 3 really great mentors and that’s got to be the most beneficial thing we do through NEXT and in general for our business.

Joshua Tucker, Co-Founder
Designli

The NEXT Ecosystem

While every business is unique, high-impact startups share five common needs: talent, networking, mentoring, capital, and facilities. These five resources are the pillars of the NEXT entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Community

Building rapport with and learning from other entrepreneurs is invaluable. Stay connected and engaged through our events.

SEE EVENTS

Capital

Pitch your business’s great idea to the largest group of venture capitalists, angel investors, and community leaders in South Carolina.

ABOUT VENTURE PITCH

Mentoring

Meet with seasoned professionals to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and get advice to help guide your business.

LEARN MORE

Facilities

Need a place to grow? Our state-of-the-art facilities house collaborative workspaces perfect for you and your team.

EXPLORE OUR SPACE