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September 2023 | The Hill Institute Newsroom | |
As we reflect on the first full month of the fall semester here at Furman University and all the energy and programmatic excitement that comes with it, we realize our newsletter started getting pretty long. So below, you’ll find highlights representing a handful of our favorite moments so far this academic year.
We enjoyed some big “firsts” ranging from our first-ever student entrepreneur to receive the “Hill Hustle Award” to kicking off the inaugural gathering of upstate entrepreneurial educators to discuss how we can advance entrepreneurship in our region. We hope you enjoy discovering more about this past month's events, program updates, and celebrations as we continue to propel forward in the name of innovation and entrepreneurship!
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Furman Innovation Dinner
Our second annual Furman Innovation Dinner was a hit! The event brought together over 100 incoming freshmen, program alumni, and Furman faculty for an unforgettable exploration of innovation and entrepreneurship – including opening remarks from President Davis and a keynote address from last year’s Paladin Pitch Finalist, Ivan Agyaakwah.
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Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship
As we enter week six of The Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the Clemens Family and VentureSouth team.
From an engaging speaker series to interactive discussions, illuminating case studies, and personalized mentoring, our sixteen students have been immersed in the world of early-stage venture investment and are not looking back!
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Launch Party and Hill Hustle Awards
We want to extend a heartfelt 'Thank You' to everyone who joined us at our Launch Party for Spencer Tate ’24, Clemens Angel Analyst Fellow Spring ’22, Paladin Pitch Winner ‘23, Founder of dotflo, and Laketa Norwood, GVL Starts Graduate Spring 2023, founder of Norwood Entertainment.
Let's raise a toast once again to the latest recipients of the Hill Hustle Award as we continue to grow a thriving community of founders together!
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Ten at the Top
Robust entrepreneurship education is an important catalyst of economic development in any region; we are fortunate to have some of the best in the upstate of South Carolina with Furman leading the charge!
On September 25th, The Hill Institute team hosted a gathering of upstate college and university entrepreneurship educators to facilitate a discussion around best practices to advance entrepreneurship education in our entire region.
Learn more about Ten at The Top here.
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Jack and Jill Club
Paul Peart II, Community Manager for The Hill Institute at Furman University, hosted the local chapter meeting of the Jack and Jill Club of America in Furman 101, our Downtown Greenville meeting space.
A great example of our community support and outreach, this event highlights how our Institute aims to support and empower potential entrepreneurs in our local community.
Learn more about Jack and Jill Club here.
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Team and Student Highlights | |
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Student Spotlight
Have you heard? Our team has added three amazing interns to the mix who are making a big impact!
Let's give a warm welcome to Andrew Farrell ’25 (right), Chaye Bonner ’26 (left), and Mazi Aarts ‘26 (middle) who are helping lift our institute to new heights!
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Team Spotlight
We are so excited to share that our faculty director, Angélica Lozano-Alonso, Ph.D. was featured in WalletHub’s story of “2023 Best Cities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs.”
We were thrilled to see Dr. Lozano-Alonso take part in the important discussion highlighting the recent growth of Hispanic entrepreneurship in the United States.
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Competition and Failure: Two Things Every Entrepreneur Shouldn’t Fear
It’s natural to dislike competition, but accepting it is key for innovative, successful, entrepreneurs. In this episode of the Class E Podcast, we talked with Fred Cary, a serial entrepreneur and thought leader who has over thirty years of experience.
Listen wherever you get your podcast
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Sweet Treats Find The Sweet Spot to Help Companies Brand
In this episode of the Class E Podcast, we sat down with Stufona Latta, founder and CEO of the desert consulting company, Bake Your Mark.
Stufona shares the impact of our GVL Starts Program and the importance of sharing your brand in innovative ways.
Listen wherever you get your podcast
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Furman Family Weekend
Join us for Furman’s Family Weekend, October 6 – 8th, 2023!
If you are interested in meeting our team, meet us, along with our fellow Institutes, at our open house in the lower level Trone Student Center outside the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on October 7th from 10:30 -11:30 AM .
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NEXT Greenville Founders Forum
Hiring For Scaling Start-Ups | NEXT Innovation Center | 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Founders Forum is an educational series for entrepreneurs, taught by subject matter experts in key areas of focus for all startups.
RSVP HERE
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GVL Starts Demo Day
Circle your calendars for our fifth GVL Starts Demo Day, Thursday, October 20th, from 5:00 – 7:30 PM!
Get ready to witness the magic as twenty-five of the area's most promising new entrepreneurs gather in the dynamic heart of Greenville, SC. They're all vying for a shot at claiming one of three $5,000 startup grants – one of which will be determined purely by crowd vote. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the electrifying growth of our local entrepreneurial ecosystem!
RSVP HERE
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Thank you to our community sponsors and partners! | |
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Our operations are fully supported by generous donors and program sponsors. Please consider donating today to support our mission of creating innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders at Furman and in the Upstate.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Please email Innovation@Furman.edu
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