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Columbia Business Monthly

City of Greenville Launches National Economic Development Initiative

Sep 02, 2021 11:21AM ● By David Dykes

The city of Greenville on Sept. 2, 2021, said it was taking a major step forward in elevating its national economic development profile with the launch of “From Here You Can Change the World” national brand marketing initiative. 

Mayor Knox White, City Manager John McDonough and speakers from the business, educational and economic development communities were joined by more than 250 guests at the official launch kick-off event in downtown Greenville.

City officials said From Here You Can Change the World will speak directly to entrepreneurs and innovators to encourage them to keep, start, and grow their businesses in Greenville by promoting its dedication to understanding the entrepreneurial mindset and providing the integrated resources needed to fuel their success.

Developed with the support of local business and economic development groups, the marketing initiative will promote the city’s collaborative, supportive and pro-business entrepreneurial ecosystem, city officials said.

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

City officials said From Here You Can Change the World will educate company founders, both local and national, about available tools, including funding resources, incubators and accelerator programs, coaching and mentorship opportunities, networking events, business start-up and growth resources, economic development organizations and dozens of co-working spaces.

It 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 officials said.

“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 entrepreneurs, McDonough said.

The campaign kicked off with an event featuring speakers who included White, McDonough, 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 Merle Johnson, the city of Greenville's director of economic development. 

It also featured testimonials from local entrepreneurs. Guests included more than 250 local business, government, economic development and educational leaders.

“Greenville knows how to get things done,” said Merle Johnson. “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.”

City officials said From Here You Can Change the World seeks to capitalize on Greenville’s growing reputation as a destination of choice and is framed through the perspective of entrepreneurs already thriving in Greenville, using their stories to illustrate what’s possible here.

It also showcases the city's quality of life, cultural amenities, cost of living and the environment, in addition to what city officials say founders will get locally.

From Here You Can Change the World initiatives include:

  • A website with testimonials, resources, events, programming, jobs, etc.
  • Local and national advertising.
  • Entrepreneur and founder profiles.
  • Social media channels.
  • Local and national public relations and media outreach.
  • Content delivery, including a planned newsletter, podcasts, and a blog.
  • Branded collateral and presentation materials for prospects and media targets.
For more information, go to www.youcangreenvillesc.com.