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Furman’s GVL Starts fuels new wave of Greenville entrepreneurs
Bryan Davis, executive director of Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, left, and Eric Cooperman, senior director of entrepreneurship programs at the Hill Institute, host the GVL Starts Venture Showcase at the One Center in downtown Greenville on Oct. 23. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
Greenville’s newest slate of founders had their moment in the spotlight recently at the GVL Starts Venture Showcase, with three finalists each winning a $5,000 startup grant from Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
GVL Starts is a 9-week program that takes entrepreneurs’ ideas and supports their development with training, connections and access to the capital needed to successfully launch. It’s a bridge between Furman and Greenville’s robust business community, and since 2021 has helped support the launch and growth of more than 100 ventures.
Amid cold drinks, food and bumping tunes from “DJ Chief,” the Venture Showcase brought Furman and the greater business community together Oct. 21 at the Greenville One Center.
Competition was stiff this year with 36 entrepreneurs making a pitch in the GVL Starts Venture Showcase, a signature program for The Hill Institute. Three could walk away with $5,000 grants. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
“Throughout GVL Starts, we focus on practical execution, customer discovery, business models, finance and a clear ask,” said Eric Cooperman, senior director of entrepreneurship programs for the Hill Institute. “The Venture Showcase puts that work on stage in front of mentors, partners and capital, which accelerates real next steps.”
Three winners emerged, cinching $5,000 grants for their business ventures. Karly Cunningham pitched Good Dogs of Greenville, a mobile app where users can explore dog-friendly business and attractions in Greenville, South Carolina. Jared Arter, founder of HOWDY!, stitched together his own custom handmade bag business, and is teaching classes on how to make crossbody and tote bags. Oratia’s Chad Hensel offers workplaces a way to onboard new employees through AI role-play to train the team on customer profiles, products, services and more.
“I’m constantly in awe of our founders’ grit and perseverance; they lean into the entrepreneur’s mindset, do the hard work and keep moving when it’s not easy,” Cooperman said. “That spirit, paired with a structured program and a supportive network, is how GVL Starts shows up in Greenville’s startup community, helping turn ideas into companies that create revenue, jobs and momentum in the Upstate.”
