Clemson Renaissance Center - Entrepreneurs
Renaissance Fellows Program
The Renaissance Fellows program will focus on a small group of carefully recruited high-potential entrepreneurs who have definite ideas for developing wealth creating start-up firms in the Greenville area. Some will be identified by Greenville executives from within their own organizations. These spin-out start-ups will be associated with well-defined ideas for products or services that have emerged within firms but do not fit the main mission of the firms. Others will be identified by Greenville business, government and education leaders. Each participant, screened by a Center advisory committee made up of business and community leaders, will engage in 12 months of tailored activities. The fledgling start-up entrepreneurs will be mentored by local executives and engage in prescribed educational and problem solving activities, matched with venture capital providers, and assisted in building and finally launching a Greenville-based enterprise.
Entrepreneurs Forum
Entrepreneurship is the Renaissance Center’s central theme. The Entrepreneurs Forum, led by seasoned entrepreneurs, will become a statewide network of small, mentored discussion groups that meet regularly to build knowledge, solve common problems, and bridge the high-risk gorge that stands between the typical successful startup and the path that leads to profitable steady-state growth. The Forum will become a distinguishing feature of entrepreneurship in South Carolina. The Renaissance Center will coordinate Forum activities and serve as a clearinghouse for contacts and information.