Greenville Leader

Greenville recently launched its “From Here You Can Change the World” initiative with the goal of keeping its local business community thriving.

In a press release, City Manager John McDonough said the initiative is committed to encouraging entrepreneurs, executives and founders to start and grow their operations locally.

“We collaborate, we cooperate, we support,” McDonough said in the release. “Our city understands the mindset of the entrepreneur. We know they don’t just want to make money. They want to make a difference.”

Developed in partnership with local business and economic development groups, the marketing arm of the campaign is designed to promote the city’s “unique, collaborative, supportive and very pro-business entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

"From Here You Can Change the World" is committed to educating founders about everything from available tools, funding resources, mentorship opportunities and networking events.

“Despite the excellent work being done by all of the Upstate Economic Development organizations, we saw a need for a singular message to cut through the clutter and speak directly to the entrepreneur,” McDonough said in the release, while adding that the program, “will create a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and founders and provide evidence that Greenville is primed, ready and waiting to help them drive innovation and be successful.”

The campaign formally kicked off Sept. 2 with an event where McDonough, Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville Venture Pitch Carolina President Alex Estevez, Furman University President Dr. Elizabeth Davis, Clemson University Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Dr. Mark Johnson, Greenville Chamber of Commerce President Carlos Phillips, and City of Greenville Director of Economic Development Merle Johnson were all in attendance along with more than 250 local leaders.

“Greenville knows how to get things done,” Merle Johnson said. “We have an unsurpassed spirit of collaboration that allows others to make a difference, create tangible impact and leave their mark. The entrepreneurs are the stars of the show; we’re just here to bring all our resources to bear to help them live up to their fullest potential.”