Lead to Win - Luncheon with Carla Harris
May
9
11:00 AM11:00

Lead to Win - Luncheon with Carla Harris

Lead to Win - Luncheon with Carla Harris

Join Village Lanch for an inspiring luncheon with the one and only Carla Harris! Get ready to be motivated, empowered, and equipped with the tools you need to lead to win. This in-person event will be held at the Long Branch Baptist Church, so mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a true leader and take your success to the next level!

Why Attend?

  • Inspiration: Carla Harris, a renowned international public speaker, will share her insights and wisdom.

  • Business Acumen: Gain leadership and business wisdom from Carla as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of collectively supporting 263 under-resourced entrepreneurs in our community.

  • Carla’s Pearls: Carla engages audiences with her popular “Carla’s Pearls,” where she shares hard-earned and hard-learned lessons from her Wall Street career.

About Carla Harris

Carla is a renowned international public speaker and is also a Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She engages audiences with her popular “Carla’s Pearls” where she shares with both leaders and emerging leaders how to maximize their career success across all industries using the “hard-earned and hard-learned” lessons that she acquired during her Wall Street Career.

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Graduation:25th and 26th Cohorts
May
9
6:30 PM18:30

Graduation:25th and 26th Cohorts

🎓 Business Entrepreneur Academy Graduation: Celebrating 10 Years of Success!

Join us for an extraordinary occasion as we celebrate 10 years of empowering small businesses in our community. Our Business Entrepreneur Academy has been a steadfast source of support, helping entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and community as they navigate the journey of launching and expanding their ventures.

Event Highlights:

  • Keynote Speaker: Mrs. Carla Harris

    • Mrs. Harris, a renowned international public speaker and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, will share her invaluable insights from her book, “Expect To Win!”. Get ready for “Carla’s Pearls” – lessons gleaned from her remarkable life and illustrious Wall Street career.

  • Meet the Future: 24 New Growing and Upcoming Businesses

    • The graduating entrepreneurs represent a range of industries, from transportation and health to food & beverage, fashion, beauty, and more. They include both established businesses and startups, showcasing a diverse mix of innovative concepts and passion. These visionary entrepreneurs are shaping the future of Greenville and beyond, with 24 emerging businesses driving forward-thinking ideas and creativity.

  • Pitch Presentations & Graduation Certificates

    • Our amazing entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses, showcasing their vision and dedication. Witness their journey as they receive well-deserved graduation certificates.

  • Open to All: Friends, Family, and Community Partners

    • Whether you’re an old friend or a new acquaintance, join us in celebrating our graduates. Learn how they’re making a difference and investing in our community.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024

  • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

  • Location: Long Branch Baptist Church

    • 28 Bolt Street

    • Greenville, SC 29605

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a thriving entrepreneurial community. Let’s celebrate dreams turned into reality! 🌟🎉

Note: This event is open to the public.

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CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch
Jun
25
to Jun 29
Bootcamp

CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch

Village Launch presents CO.STARTERS Bootcamp a three-day intensive to launch your big idea.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea or venture. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.

Schedule:

Day 1 - Tuesday June 25th - 6pm - 9pm (Dinner Provided)

  • Part 1: Discover - Understand your business model and how to refine it.

Day 2 - Thursday June 27th - 6pm - 9pm (Dinner Provided)

  • Part 2: Promote - Learn how to market your business.

Day 3 - Saturday June 29th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast and Lunch Provided)

  • Part 3: Build - Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling.

  • Part 4: Launch - Build momentum by goal setting.

There will be an hour break for lunch on Saturday. We will provide light breakfast pastries & coffee as well as lunch for each participant.

Cost: $100 (Covers both days of training. You must be able to attend both sessions.



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CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch
Jul
23
to Jul 27
Bootcamp

CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch

Village Launch presents CO.STARTERS Bootcamp a three-day intensive to launch your big idea.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea or venture. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.

Schedule:

Day 1 - Tuesday July 23rd - 6pm - 9pm (Dinner Provided)

  • Part 1: Discover - Understand your business model and how to refine it.

Day 2 - Thursday July 25th - 6pm - 9pm (Dinner Provided)

  • Part 2: Promote - Learn how to market your business.

Day 3 - Saturday July 27th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast and Lunch Provided)

  • Part 3: Build - Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling.

  • Part 4: Launch - Build momentum by goal setting.

There will be an hour break for lunch on Saturday. We will provide light breakfast pastries & coffee as well as lunch for each participant.

Cost: $100 (Covers both days of training. You must be able to attend both sessions.



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CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch
Aug
17
to Aug 24
Bootcamp

CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch

Village Launch presents CO.STARTERS Bootcamp a two-day intensive to launch your big idea.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea or venture. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.

Schedule:

Day 1 - Saturday August 17th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 1: Discover - Understand your business model and how to refine it.

  • Part 2: Promote - Learn how to market your business.

Day 2 - Saturday August 24th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 3: Build - Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling.

  • Part 4: Launch - Build momentum by goal setting.

There will be an hour break for lunch each session. We will provide light breakfast pastries & coffee as well as lunch for each participant.

Cost: $100 (Covers both days of training. You must be able to attend both sessions.

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Furman University "Photovoice"
Apr
17
4:00 PM16:00

Furman University "Photovoice"

  • Furman Univeristy (Herrings Center) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are excited to invite you to a community-engaged research presentation and photo exhibit titled “Photovoice,” hosted by Furman University’s MAAES program in collaboration with Village Launch, a non-profit entrepreneur support organization based in West Greenville.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

  • Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • Location: Furman University’s Herring Building (Next to Timmons Arena)

About the Event: Furman’s MAAES graduate student researchers have designed a captivating Photovoice project alongside Village Launch co-researchers. Through powerful visual narratives captured in photographs, we aim to share the entrepreneurial experiences of Village Launch participants. During the event, we will discuss our research findings and explore ways to enhance outcomes for the Village Launch community.

Light Refreshments will be served!

Please consider joining us for this insightful and engaging event. Your presence and insights are invaluable as we collectively work towards empowering our community.!

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Profit First: Getting to profitability quickly!
Apr
16
3:30 PM15:30

Profit First: Getting to profitability quickly!

Founders Forum is an educational series for entrepreneurs, taught by entrepreneurs and subject matter experts in key areas of focus for all startups. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear about tips and tricks to make your business profitable faster.

Founders Forum is an educational series from NEXT designed for entrepreneurs BY entrepreneurs, created to connect and educate founders in core disciplines relevant to all startups and activate the ecosystem at large.

Learn how you can improve your efforts as a founder, walk away with outcomes you can apply directly to your business, and strengthen your relationships with peers and content experts.

Light refreshments will be provided with networking opportunities.

Profit First – Getting to profitability with a product/service quickly

Discover the keys to getting to profitability fast and gain insights from an experienced CFO, learning practical strategies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your business foundation!

Meet Shondra

After working as a technology investment banker at one of the fastest-growing investment banking firms in the world, Shondra Washington founded TBC-Capital, an advisory and consulting firm offering on-demand CFO, business development, and strategy services for VC-backed companies and small businesses. Through TBC-Capital, Shondra has helped her clients secure over $30M in startup capital. Her work has been featured in Reuters and Inc. Magazine.

Shondra is also the CEO and cofounder of Black@, one of the first all-Black Web3 communities. Black@ brings together creators, artists, investors, and engineers working together to increase ownership of Black culture in the next generation of the Internet.

Learn more about Shondra on LinkedIn

Follow her on IG: @shondradanielle

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Spring 2024 Business Entrepreneur Academy
Feb
28
to Mar 3

Spring 2024 Business Entrepreneur Academy

Join our Business Entrepreneurship Academy and turn your business dreams into reality! Applications are now OPEN for our upcoming cohorts starting in March.

👉 Existing Businesses Cohort (Mondays, 6 pm - 9 pm):

Dive deep into your business's foundation! Over 10 weeks, every Monday night, explore what's holding you back and chart a course for where you want to go. Connect with program mentors, facilitators, and guest speakers for a transformative experience.

👉 New Businesses Cohort (Thursdays, 6 pm - 9 pm):

Starting from the ground up? Thursdays are your nights! Our facilitator-led classes, spanning 10 weeks, focus on setting a solid foundation for your business idea. Collaborate with mentors in the second half for personalized support.

🌐 Curriculum Highlights:

Knowing Your Customer

Finding the Right Solution

Legal Structures & Systems

Financial education (personal & business credit)

Getting your message right

Discovering the Bottom Line

And much more! Learn more here.

💼 Why Join?

Facilitator-led in person classes

Engaging guest speakers

Mentorship opportunities

Community Support & Accountability

Ongoing Alumni support

💸 Cost: $250

📅 Save the Date:

Existing Businesses Cohort: Every Monday, 6 pm - 9 pm, beginning March 4th

New Businesses Cohort: Every Thursday, 6 pm - 9 pm, beginning March 7th

📍 Location:

MVM Hub

1186 Pendleton Street

Greenville, SC 29611

🚀 Are you ready to kickstart or elevate your business journey? Join us and let's build your success story together! 🌟

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Village Ignite
Feb
27
6:30 PM18:30

Village Ignite

Join us for a party along the Reedy River at the Peace Center to support local female and minority entrepreneurs!

Prepare to be delighted with mixologist Lauren Fisher's smoky signature cocktail and a five-course dinner prepared by Chef De Cuisine Diego Campos from CAMP. There will be live musical entertainment, spoken word poetry recitations from Tinasha LaRaye, and a live auction.

Enjoy the talent of Village Launch entrepreneurs at work that includes an after-party dessert from Yolanda Young and a locally-curated gift from Katrina McDaniel!

Register Here

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MVM Volunteer Interest Night
Jan
30
6:00 PM18:00

MVM Volunteer Interest Night

Join us for an informative and engaging evening at Mill Village Ministries' Volunteer Interest Night! If you haven't volunteered with us before, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the various ways you can get involved and make a positive impact in our community.

Meet our dedicated program directors, learn about our initiatives, and find the perfect role for your skills and interests. Even if you've volunteered with us in the past, come out to explore new opportunities and reconnect with our community. cv

Don't miss this chance to make a difference – bring a friend along and join us for an inspiring night of connection and purpose!

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Graduation: 23rd and 24th Cohorts
Dec
19
6:30 PM18:30

Graduation: 23rd and 24th Cohorts

We have a group of amazing entrepreneurs who will be pitching each of their businesses and receiving their graduation certificates. This celebration will conclude our Business Entrepreneur Academy’s 10-week class which is a course that includes variety of topics essential to shaping how our participants formulate their business plan and make their dreams a reality!

We invite all of our friends (old and new), family members, and community partners to learn from our newest class of dreamers and what they are doing to grow and invest in Greenville County. We are excited to introduce you all to our graduates, who are eager to put their business and/or non-profit plans into action while serving our community.

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December 2nd - Village Launch Market
Dec
2
12:00 PM12:00

December 2nd - Village Launch Market

The Village Launch Market was launched in 2021 to support minority and women-owned businesses in Greenville, SC.

The Village Launch Market will be on Saturday, December 2nd, from 12-4 pm at the West Greenville Plaza, located at the corner of Pendleton Street and Burdette Street. Each month, the market will feature 20+ businesses that have participated in Village Launch's entrepreneurial training programs. This month, we will have DJ Marlo Supreme, G-Rod & One Eyed Donkey Food Trucks, and Santa!

Join us on the first Saturday of each month to support minority and women-owned businesses and experience the vibrant community of West Greenville.

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Volunteer Interest Night
Oct
11
6:00 PM18:00

Volunteer Interest Night

Meet us at the Mill Village Ministries offices from 6:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, October 11th. We'll be debuting our new meeting and education space and are excited to share the progress on our home at 1186 Pendleton St. You will hear about each of our social enterprises and how you can get involved volunteering right away.

Light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP HERE!

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Graduation: 21st and 22nd Cohorts
Sep
21
6:30 PM18:30

Graduation: 21st and 22nd Cohorts

We have a group of amazing entrepreneurs who will be pitching each of their businesses and receiving their graduation certificates. This celebration will conclude our Business Entrepreneur Academy’s 10-week class which is a course that includes variety of topics essential to shaping how our participants formulate their business plan and make their dreams a reality!

We invite all of our friends (old and new), family members, and community partners to learn from our newest class of dreamers and what they are doing to grow and invest in Greenville County. We are excited to introduce you all to our graduates, who are eager to put their business and/or non-profit plans into action while serving our community.

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Network Night
Aug
29
5:30 PM17:30

Network Night

Join us at Artisan Traders to catch up with friends, make new connections, and get insights to help you expand your business. In addition to networking opportunities, we'll have a panel of four local business women to help you gain insights on money, mindset, mentorship, and more!

If you have considered becoming a mentor but are unsure about what the next steps would look like, this is a great opportunity for you. We recognize your specialties and talents are needed to cultivate and support entrepreneurs in the West End & Nicholtown business communities of Greenville.

Join us August 29 to learn more about how you can use your background and unique insights to inspire up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

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August 5th- Village Launch Market
Aug
5
12:00 PM12:00

August 5th- Village Launch Market

Formerly known as Third Thursday Market, the newly named Village Launch Market was launched in 2021 to support minority and women-owned businesses in Greenville, SC.

The Village Launch Market will be on Saturday, August 5th, from 12-4 pm at the West Greenville Plaza, located at the corner of Pendleton Street and Burdette Street. Each month, the market will feature 20+ businesses that have participated in Village Launch's entrepreneurial training programs. This month, to celebrate the new school year, we will be hosting a back-to-school drive.

Join us on the first Saturday of each month to support minority and women-owned businesses and experience the vibrant community of West Greenville.

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July 1st - Village Launch Market
Jul
1
12:00 PM12:00

July 1st - Village Launch Market

Formerly known as Third Thursday Market, the newly named Village Launch Market was launched in 2021 to support minority and women-owned businesses in Greenville, SC.

The Village Launch Market will be on Saturday, May 6th, from 12-4 pm at the West Greenville Plaza, located at the corner of Pendleton Street and Burdette Street. Each month, the market will feature 20+ businesses that have participated in Village Launch's entrepreneurial training programs.

Join us on the first Saturday of each month to support minority and women-owned businesses and experience the vibrant community of West Greenville.

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"FUEL" Village Launch Pitch Contest
Jun
1
5:30 PM17:30

"FUEL" Village Launch Pitch Contest

"FUEL" Village Launch Pitch Contest

Village Launch in Collaboration with St. Matthew UMC is hosting our 2nd annual Alumni Pitch Competition.

Village Launch in Collaboration with St. Matthew UMC is hosting our 2nd annual Alumni Pitch Competition, FUEL.

Village Launch Alumni have a chance to win $20,000 in Grant funds for their business. 5 Entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to walk away with start-up capital for their business!

  • 1st place: $10,000

  • 2nd place: $5,000

  • 3rd place: $2,500

  • 4th place: $1,500

  • 5th place: $1,000

We are inviting the community, our partners, and friends out to celebrate these amazing entrepreneurs as they pitch to win funds to help grow their business.

Join us June 1, 2023 at the Greenville ONE Center. Doors open at 5:30pm!

Rules for entry:

  • Must be a Village Launch Business Entrepreneur Academy Graduate or Nasha Lending graduate

  • Must attend our Pitch Workshop to enter into the Live Pitch Contest

  • Must be able to attend the Live Pitch Event on Thursday, June 1st at 5:30 pm

Special thanks to our Community Sponsors: St. Matthew United Methodist Church, SC Community Loan Fund , and CommunityWorks!

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Graduation: 19th & 20th Cohorts
May
11
6:30 PM18:30

Graduation: 19th & 20th Cohorts

We have a group of amazing entrepreneurs who will be pitching each of their businesses and receiving their graduation certificates. This celebration will conclude our Business Entrepreneur Academy’s 10-week class which is a course that includes variety of topics essential to shaping how our participants formulate their business plan and make their dreams a reality!

We invite all of our friends (old and new), family members, and community partners to learn from our newest class of dreamers and what they are doing to grow and invest in Greenville County. We are excited to introduce you all to our graduates, who are eager to put their business plans into action while serving our community.

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May - Village Launch Market
May
6
12:00 PM12:00

May - Village Launch Market

Formerly known as Third Thursday Market, the newly named Village Launch Market was launched in 2021 to support minority and women-owned businesses in Greenville, SC.

The Village Launch Market will be on Saturday, May 6th, from 12-4 pm at the West Greenville Plaza, located at the corner of Pendleton Street and Burdette Street. Each month, the market will feature 20+ businesses that have participated in Village Launch's entrepreneurial training programs.

Join us on the first Saturday of each month to support minority and women-owned businesses and experience the vibrant community of West Greenville.

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Mentor Social + Networking Event
Apr
18
5:30 PM17:30

Mentor Social + Networking Event

Join us for on April 18th for our Mentor Social & Networking Event! We are looking for mentors from a variety of backgrounds that can offer unique and valuable insights to the entrepreneurs in the program. The mentor role is hands-on and interactive! Come to our mentor social and learn more about this invaluable service opportunity!

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CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch
Mar
4
to Mar 11

CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch

  • Village Launch | Green House (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Village Launch presents CO.STARTERS Bootcamp a two-day intensive to launch your big idea.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea or venture. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.

Schedule:

Day 1 - Saturday March 4th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 1: Discover - Understand your business model and how to refine it.

  • Part 2: Promote - Learn how to market your business.

Day 2 - Saturday March 11th - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 3: Build - Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling.

  • Part 4: Launch - Build momentum by goal setting.

There will be an hour break for lunch each session. We will provide light breakfast pastries & coffee as well as lunch for each participant.

Cost: $100 (Covers both days of training. You must be able to attend both sessions.

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MVM Volunteer Orientation
Jan
31
6:00 PM18:00

MVM Volunteer Orientation

Come join us to learn what Mill Village Ministries is all about and how you can help your community flourish! You will hear about each of our social enterprises and how you can get involved volunteering right away!

 

Meet us at the Village Wrench warehouse/Mill Village Ministries offices from 6:00-7:00pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

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Mentor Social + Networking Event
Dec
13
5:30 PM17:30

Mentor Social + Networking Event

Join us for on Dec 13th for our Mentor Social & Networking Event! We are looking for mentors from a variety of backgrounds that can offer unique and valuable insights to the entrepreneurs in the program. The mentor role is hands-on and interactive! Come to our mentor social and learn more about this invaluable service opportunity!

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CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch
Dec
3
to Dec 10

CO.STARTERS Bootcamp | Village Launch

  • Furman 101 - The Hill Institute (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Village Launch presents CO.STARTERS Bootcamp a two-day intensive to launch your big idea.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea or venture. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.

Schedule:

Day 1 - Saturday 12/3 - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 1: Discover - Understand your business model and how to refine it.

  • Part 2: Promote - Learn how to market your business.

Day 2 - Saturday 12/10 - 9am - 3pm (Breakfast & Lunch Provided)

  • Part 3: Build - Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling.

  • Part 4: Launch - Build momentum by goal setting.

There will be an hour break for lunch each session. We will provide light breakfast pastries & coffee as well as lunch for each participant.

Cost: $100 (Covers both days of training. You must be able to attend both sessions.

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Laurens Rd. - Business Owners Community Discussion and Information Meeting
Nov
21
6:30 PM18:30

Laurens Rd. - Business Owners Community Discussion and Information Meeting

Concerned with how the impending redevelopment will impact your business? Join us on November 21st to let your voice be heard.

Village Launch is a nonprofit Entrepreneur Support Organization that provides educational services, mentorship, and market access primarily for minority and women-owned start-ups in Greenville, SC.

Currently we are expanding our efforts to support exiting small businesses in other parts of Greenville, SC. One of these areas of focus is the Laurens Rd. and Nicholtown communities who are being impacted by redevelopment happening in the community.

We will be hosting a free Assessment Meeting where you can share with us what your true needs are and how we can support you with the longevity and growth of your business.

Our goal is to ensure Greenville, SC remains equitable and ALL businesses can flourish as we grow as a city!

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Graduation: 18th BEA Cohort
Nov
15
6:30 PM18:30

Graduation: 18th BEA Cohort

We have a group of amazing entrepreneurs who will be pitching each of their businesses and receiving their graduation certificates. This celebration will conclude our Business Entrepreneur Academy’s 10-week class which is a course that includes variety of topics essential to shaping how our participants formulate their business plan and make their dreams a reality!

We invite all of our friends (old and new), family members, and community partners to learn from our newest class of dreamers and what they are doing to grow and invest in Greenville County. We are excited to introduce you all to our graduates, who are eager to put their business plans into action while serving our community.

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Get Started Workshop
Sep
10
10:00 AM10:00
Get Started

Get Started Workshop

The CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshop is here to help. We will be holding a 3-hour Get Started Workshop to equip you with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn your ideas into action. Whether you’re just getting started, stuck on a particular issue, or are in need of a refresher, this workshop will provide the jumpstart needed to get you moving.

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Business Entrepreneur Academy Fall 2022
Aug
25
6:00 PM18:00
BEA

Business Entrepreneur Academy Fall 2022

Are you ready to learn about starting a business? Join our business entrepreneurship academy. The class works on validating and expanding an individual’s business idea. Topics include how to develop a business plan, market research, customer development, financial planning, marketing, branding, social media, and more.

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