Village Launch Market Back for Fourth Season
The Village Launch Market returns to West Greenville this Saturday, May 4, continuing its support for women- and minority-owned startups.
City Council got its first look at a draft Economic Development Strategic Plan during an October 24 briefing. Focus areas include innovation and entrepreneurship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; maintaining livability and staying true to the GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan goals surrounding housing affordability, transportation and mobility.
The Strategic Plan calls for continued growth in Automotive, Production Technology, Life Sciences and Advanced Materials. An emerging center for tech-driven enterprises, Greenville’s entrepreneurs benefit from a support network of mentors and investors. The plan says the City can be more intentional in its efforts to support small businesses and a growing innovation sector.
“Greenville SC is a fast-growing community. We are a launching pad for talent. We are positioned to attract new investment. Now we have a roadmap to keep us on track. We continue to rank among the best places to live, work and play, we need to capitalize on that momentum,” said City Manager John McDonough.
“Our talent pool is deep. More than half of Greenville’s residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, a share that is 60% greater than the U.S. average. As the home to research institutions like Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and startup supports like the Hill Institute at Furman University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Greenville is positioned to attract and retain a knowledge-based workforce,” said Economic Development Director Merle Johnson.
Greenville has a history of effective economic development collaborations and successful public-private partnerships. Moving forward, the Strategic Plan calls for more defined roles among its economic development partners, business leaders, community development representatives and anchor institutions.
City Council is expected to adopt the plan by resolution at its November 2022 meeting.
The Village Launch Market returns to West Greenville this Saturday, May 4, continuing its support for women- and minority-owned startups.
A new live music venue will bring tunes and investment to Greenville’s West End.
Innovation, imagination and professionalism were on full display this week at Paladin Pitch participants at Furman University.