Starting a Business in Greenville County: Your First Steps

Thinking about turning your passion into a paycheck? The journey of starting a business in Greenville County is exciting, but it's filled with common pitfalls that can stop a great idea in its tracks. From navigating government paperwork to securing funding, the initial steps you take are critical for long-term success. Many new entrepreneurs make one crucial mistake early on that can kill their chances of getting investment later.

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Weissmann, the Executive Director of NextGEN, an organization dedicated to guiding high-growth entrepreneurs in the Upstate. Eric shares his expert advice on how to launch your business on sure footing. We break down the exact steps you need to take to handle the legal and financial requirements, ensuring you're set up for success from day one. If you're a founder, or even a "wantrepreneur," this conversation is your roadmap to avoiding the most common and costly startup errors.

This episode provides a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to launch their venture. We begin by discussing the absolute first step every founder must take: separating personal and business finances to avoid future chaos. Eric highlights the essential small business resources Greenville SC has to offer, including the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Community Works, which provide foundational support for those at the very beginning of their journey.

A major focus of our conversation is on how to form a business entity SC correctly. Eric explains the critical differences between an LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp, and why choosing the wrong one can be a massive roadblock when you seek access to capital for startups. We learn that while it's possible to change your business structure later, it's like trying to build a basement after the house is already built - painful and expensive. Building the right legal and financial foundation from the start makes your company more investable and protects you from liability.

Beyond the paperwork, we explore the mindset and strategy needed to scale. This includes the importance of customer discovery - knowing where your 10th and 110th customers will come from - and having a solid plan for sales. Eric also demystifies access to capital for startups, explaining that it’s not always about big "Shark Tank" pitches. More often, it's about small business loans, lines of credit, and surprisingly, the strength of your personal credit score. Finally, we discuss how to plug into the vibrant Greenville startup ecosystem through platforms like StartupGVL, emphasizing that entrepreneurship doesn't have to be a lonely sport. Getting out from behind the keyboard and connecting with peers is one of the most powerful things you can do when starting a business in Greenville County.

About Our Guest:
Eric Weissmann is the Executive Director of NextGEN, an entrepreneur support organization that guides and supports high-growth, high-potential entrepreneurs and their businesses in Greenville and across the Upstate of South Carolina. Drawing from his experience working with hundreds of founders, Eric provides strategic advice to help businesses launch, grow, and scale successfully.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Starting a Business in Greenville
(02:47) The First Step: Separating Personal & Business Finances
(03:42) Key Resources: SBDC, SBA, & Community Works
(07:29) Choosing Your Business Structure: LLC vs. S-Corp for Investment
(09:32) The Cost of Fixing an Incorrect Business Structure
(11:55) Beyond Paperwork: Customer Discovery & Sales Strategy
(15:15) Access to Capital: The Surprising Role of Personal Credit
(17:59) How to Connect with the Greenville Startup Ecosystem
(20:22) The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Why Embracing Failure is Key

What's the biggest question you have about starting your own business? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Don't forget to like this video if you found it helpful, and subscribe for more conversations that empower our community.

#startingabusiness #greenvillesc #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #startupadvice #accesstocapital #businessowner #greenvillestartupecosystem #southcarolina #simplecivics

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