NEXT's 'Launchpad' aimed at helping startups — and ideas for startups

Think you’ve got a great idea for a business but not sure what to do with it? NEXT Upstate, an entrepreneurial support system, might have the answer.

NEXT on Feb. 11 announced NEXT Launchpad, a partnership-focused event aimed at showcasing, celebrating and giving lift to Greenville’s early-stage businesses. And, they’re throwing $25,000 in from South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) for the grand prize winner.

NEXT executive director Eric Weissmann told the Upstate Business Journal the idea is to plug startups in with a network of experts in various fields, all who have a desire to see Greenville’s already-thriving entrepreneurial scene move to the next level.

“[NEXT Launchpad] is intended to be a two-sided showcase,” he said. “On the one hand, you’ve got a bunch of cool and courageous startups who may not be getting a lot of exposure and, on the other hand, you’ve got a bunch of smart companies/agencies who are eager to help. Too often, one doesn’t know the other exists. NEXT Launchpad aims to fix that.”

Applicants can apply to receive support in the form of expertise and guidance in one — or all — of the following categories:

Design and branding (provider TBD)
Valuation (provided by VentureFirst)
Legal (provided by Wyche Law)
Human resources and team development (provided by Finding Great People)
Finance and accounting services (provided by Elliott Davis)
Seed capital (provided by SCRA)

To apply, visit https://nextsc.org/launchpad/. The application window closes 5 p.m. EST, Feb. 25. Finalists will be notified between March 11 and 18 about next steps. Winners will be announced at an awards and networking event (location TBD) on April 7.

Applicants can only win in one category and must be located in the Upstate — or have plans to locate to the Upstate.