The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University

This crazy “before/after” with one of the most impactful programs ???????? ?? ???????????? ?????????? ?????????????? represents a huge lesson I hope others can apply, too ?? But first, some quick context to make it more dramatic. GVL Starts (the program pictured here) was just an idea in response to a big gap in the local ecosystem around supporting first-time founders… ? Without charging what it would cost to deliver ? With no real budget or space to work out of ? With no fancy resume of building incubators/accelerators Being the competitive, perfectionist-oriented person that I am, this felt a bit DOA, but you know what happened? I had to let it go. And guess what? It was NOT perfect on the first run at all. ?? We borrowed a kitchen break room area for our meetings ?? I made up content week-to-week and always felt behind ?? Our big pitch/demo day was at an abandoned bank lobby with my cheap home speakers and wired mics, a TV we borrowed from the lobby, etc. There was a slew of things that did not go “perfect", but it was clear something special had started. Fast forward to the big fancy auditorium in the “Now” picture, and this program has… ?? Been nominated for “excellence in new venture creation” ?? Launched/accelerated 160+ new startups ?? Attracted millions in new capital and revenue ?? Built a thriving, connected community …And to think it almost never started. ? ?????? ????????????????: ?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ????????????????. ?? ???????? ????????. Let’s keep building together ?? The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, Eric Cooperman, Rachel Morris, Anne Silliman, #entrepreneurship, #innovation #growth #keylessons #leadershipdevelopment #economicdevelopment #startupGVL

Congratulations to Bryan Davis, executive director of The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, on being named to SC Biz News’ Palmetto Power List 2024! Through The Hill Institute, Bryan advances #TheFurmanAdvantage by empowering students and community entrepreneurs with the tools to launch impactful ventures, like plant-based milk and AI-powered platforms. These startups are generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in new monthly revenue. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e9Pe5g7E

I feel honored to join some amazing leaders around the state receiving the “Palmetto Power” recognition, but it would be hilarious to claim it as if “I” did it. Every leader knows you’re only as good as the team you have. Eric Cooperman, Anne Silliman, Rachel Morris – congratulations (????)! Collectively, we are creating huge impacts for our students, our community, and beyond. Even if we just highlight PC (post-covid) metrics, we’ve: ?? Helped launch/accelerate over 200 new ventures ?? Delivered value for over 14,000 event and program attendees ?? Poured over 3,000hrs of mentoring into students ?? Watched ventures we’ve served grow to nearly $500k per MONTH in new revenue and investments (!) Huge thanks to SC Biz News for the recognition and congratulations to the other leaders around the state who are fueling South Carolina’s economic momentum! Let’s keep building together ?? The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, Furman University, #economicdevelopment #leadership #teamwork #innovation #entrepreneurship #startupGVL #growth

?? New Partner Announcement! I’m excited to share that Mavin Construction has joined The Hill Institute’s growing list of community champions as one of our newest “Leadership Partners”. Here’s the inside scoop… Headquartered right here in Greenville, SC, Mavin Construction is a trusted leader in commercial and industrial construction across the southeast - but here’s what really sets them apart: ?? (They’re GREAT at what they do) ?? Character and work ethic are foundational values they live out every day ?? They’re not just about delivering a project; they’re about partnership ?? They provide clear communication, innovation, and integrity-driven solutions ?? Bonus: Furman University trusts them to deliver on our own projects If you're new to a Hill Institute “Leadership Partner”, it is reserved for top organizational donors and sponsors who are fueling our ability to drive forward progress through education, economic impact/economic mobility, and leadership development. Please join me in celebrating Mavin’s commitment to driving transformative impacts for our students, our community, and our future. Let’s keep building together…well, especially Mavin ?? The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, Mavin Construction LLC, Todd Malo, DJ Doherty III, LEED AP, Eric Cooperman, Anne Silliman, Rachel Morris, #innovation, #entrepreneurship, #leadershipdevelopment, #economicmobility, #education, #economicimpact, #growth #partnership

Trying to grow Astrea while being a full time college student has certainly been a challenge, with many ups and downs; but moments like this make it all worth it! We have officially launched our Furman University tennis bracelet. To me, this bracelet represents so much; not only is it a reminder of the impact Furman has had on me, but it is the culmination of everyone who has supported, helped and believed in me throughout this journey. I will forever be thankful to them and to Furman for pushing me to achieve more than I ever thought I could. Starting a company with my mom has been so educational, challenging and (most importantly) fun; and I can't wait to keep working on it.

When I say you should be jealous of the launch party I got to attend last weekend, you should be jealous ?? ?? Over 700+ people came out to support Babette Bouvier Jones, MHRD and the launch of her premium cocktail company Six Nineteen. ?? This is such a strong testiment to the community Babette has developed here in Greenville. She also happens to be one of the most magnetic and no BS people I have ever met. She gets things done! ?? I was fortunate enough to meet her as part of the The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University GVLStarts entreprenurial accelerator. And well, she accelerated!! A sincere thank you to her and her team for including so many folks at your amazing launch party. Cheers to many more!

What does quantum computing have to do with the election? Well, it feels like it can change everything… Join us Thursday, 11/14 to find out how. We’re hosting IBM Quantum’s Global Lead + Bill Clinton + Joe Queenan + Jordan Fowler to dive into all things quantum. (If you’re still thinking…Bill Clinton? Yes, just a different one) For starters, here are four key impact areas for quantum computing – join us in the heart of downtown Greenville, SC to get your own takeaways (RSVP in comments): ?? ?????????????????????????????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????????: Quantum computing can simulate molecular structures with extraordinary accuracy, which will speed up the discovery of new drugs and materials. Think breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and materials engineering, solving problems that classical computers can't tackle. ?? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????????: Quantum computers can process vast amounts of data and solve optimization problems much faster than classical computers. This has massive potential for industries like logistics, supply chain management, and finance, enabling faster, more efficient routing, resource allocation, and financial modeling. ?? ?????????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ????????????????????????: Quantum cryptography promises unbreakable encryption methods by exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics. This could redefine cybersecurity, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive information, and ensuring safer digital transactions. ?? ?????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????????????: Quantum computing can process complex calculations exponentially faster, enabling more powerful AI algorithms. This will accelerate advancements in machine learning, enabling more accurate predictions, faster data processing, and insights that can revolutionize fields like autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostics, and personalized education. Let's keep building together (with computers) ?? The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, Furman University, Anne Silliman, Eric Cooperman, Rachel Morris, Richard Padbury, Ph.D., Bill Clinton, Joe Q., Jordan Fowler #innovation #quantum #AI #technology #future #entrepreneurship, Greenville City Economic Development Corporation, NextGEN, SCRA: South Carolina Research Authority, #StartupGVL