SEPTEMBER 2024 | THE HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM

As the crisp air settles in and “pumpkin spice” begins its yearly takeover, I find myself taking a step back step back to appreciate not only the beauty of this season, but all of the fresh opportunities and impacts it brings. 

 

This is a season when The Hill Institute launches what I believe are some of the most transformative growth and learning experiences on our campus and in our community. Our mission to create entrepreneurially minded leaders equipped to drive forward progress of new ventures, organizations, and the community remains at the heart of everything we do.

 

GVL Starts welcomed over 20 new founders to our thriving startup community, adding to our roster of 150+ graduates. Witnessing the evolution from “I have no idea where to start” to “I can do this” is nothing short of inspiring – every time. 

 

Our Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship, in partnership with VentureSouth, is already showing the impact of what “behind the scenes” training and powerful network connections can do for students. With our largest cohort to date, these students are gaining firsthand insights into the world of venture financing and diligence principles, preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders.

 

I invite you to join us in shaping the future and making a meaningful impact. Each success story reminds me that with the right support, dreams can indeed become reality.

 

Let’s keep building together,


Bryan Davis

Executive Director

PAST MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

GVL Starts

Demo Day is just three short weeks away, and our founders cannot wait!


Durning the past six weeks, more than 20 of Greenville’s brightest entrepreneurs have entered the world of venture ideation and marketing strategy. They are now focusing on business models and legal matters in preparation for our live pitching competition on October 17, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM.


Oh—did we mention that we are giving away three $5,000 startup grants? One of these will be determined purely by crowd vote (that means you)! Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the electrifying growth of our local entrepreneurial ecosystem!

LEARN MORE

The Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship


Wait. You haven’t heard about the Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship?

 

This unique fellowship—one of the few in the nation designed specifically for undergraduate students—offers Furman students an incredible opportunity to explore the world of venture capitalism alongside some of the biggest players in the country, VentureSouth


Over the course of nine weeks, our 20+ fellows will gain invaluable insights and participate, firsthand, in reviewing active startups with the VentureSouth team. Use the link below to learn more about the Fellowship.

LEARN MORE

RSVP FOR DEMO DAY

OCT. 17, 2024 | 5:00 - 7:30 PM | GVL ONE CENTER


20+ of Greenville’s most promising entrepreneurs will pitch for their chance to win one of three $5,000 start-up grants.


The Hill Institute is proud to bring you the 7th cohort of GVL Starts founders, bringing the total program graduates to a staggering 150+ since the program’s launch in the spring of 2020.


Watch as five of our finalists take the stage and compete to win one of two $5,000 startup grants (one software/tech category and one product/service category). The third $5,000 startup grant will be 100% determined by who you – the attendees – cast your vote for!

RSVP TO DEMO DAY
LEARN MORE ABOUT GVL STARTS

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US ON SOCIALS


Need more of The Hill Institute's content? We agree - one newsletter a month is simply not enough!


The BEST way to stay up to date and see our daily impact on the Furman and Greenville Community is through our social media channels; pick the one that's best for you!

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STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - MEET THE INTERNS

Marah Campbell '25

Marketing and Communications Fellow


A Business Administration major and 2024 Boot Camp Graduate, Marah has taken her new role in strides!


Her interest in Marketing Analytics and Strategy will be curtail to our team as we continue to grow and expand The Hill Institute's digital footprint.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARAH

Alice Tyszka '25

Creative Media Fellow


You may recognize Alice from her debut as a 2024 Paladin Pitch Finalist; we are honored to have her back on our roster in a different way this academic year.


A published author and English major, Alice brings the copywriting experience and creativity needed to transform our digital storytelling.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALICE

David Peral '27

Entrepreneurship Programs Fellow


A 2024 Boot Camp Graduate, David's project initiative in our programming made him an easy yes to our team!


David's positive attitude and attention to detail will be an asset to our team as we continue to push the bounds of our event and program user experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID

Abby Rogers '28

Entrepreneurship Programs Fellow


A Furman Freshman, Abby's "go-getter" attitude blew us out of the water from the moment she stepped foot into our office!


With a fascination in event planning and program management, Abby's proven event management skillset will be make her an invaluable asset to our team.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ABBY

CLASS E PODCAST

Starting Takes Hart: The Groundwork to a Holistic Enterprise


Discover the inspiring journey of Kristan Hart, a multi-passionate entrepreneur and the founder of Hart, Mind, Body and Soul, and Envy Hart Creations.


In the latest episode of the Class E Podcast, Kristan shares her path from overcoming personal struggles with mental health to building her own business.



Listen wherever you get your podcast

NEXT MONTH'S EVENTS

OCT

17

GVL Starts | DEMO DAY

Greenville One Center | 5:00 - 7:30 PM


In case you missed our highlight above... 20+ of Greenville’s most promising entrepreneurs will pitch for their chance to win one of three $5,000 start-up grants.

RSVP HERE
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WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR OUR SPONSORS

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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