Spartanburg County’s
Small & Minority Business
Development Initiative

Power Up Spartanburg, led by OneSpartanburg, Inc. and funded by Spartanburg County, is a movement to transform Spartanburg County into the #1 place in the U.S. to start, run, and grow a small or minority business.

Get Connected

Access to
Capital & Space

Connections to financial resources and physical space are key resources small and minority businesses need to establish a foundation of success.

Power Up Funding made $10+ million in loans, and a pool of grant funding, available to small and minority businesses countywide. For the first two years, 30% of funds are reserved for minority-owned businesses.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) will serve as fiduciary agents for these small and minority business funding opportunities.
Launched
Developers and property owners will be engaged to identify and activate small-scale storefronts, and micro-office or micro-retail space in active downtowns across Spartanburg County.

Technical
Support

Beyond capital and space, a host of resources are needed to start, sustain, and grow a small or minority business.

Power Up Spartanburg will increase access to local small and minority business accelerators. Accelerators will be expanded to cover all parts of the county.
Launched
Vetted, committed subject matter experts are accessible guide the growth of small and minority businesses across Spartanburg County.
Launched
Power Up Spartanburg is connecting small and minority businesses to large employers, helping them become certified and creating the opportunity for transformational business growth.
Launched
Spartanburg County is a sister community for the renowned MIT Venture Mentoring Service, recruiting mentors trained to assist small and minority business owners participating in Power Up Spartanburg.
Launched

Social
Capital

Connections are critical, so impactful events and knowledgeable community champions will be available for small and minority businesses to learn from.

This event series connects small and minority businesses to local experts, small business success stories, and valuable networking sessions to further the impact of the initiative's resources.
Launched
A group of community captains countywide are part of an extensive contact and resource list, providing small and minority businesses the tips, contacts, and knowledge they need.
Launched

Resource Hub

Powered by Duke Energy, The Grid will empower small and minority business owners to make impactful connections, find critical information, and broaden their network. The Grid is designed to serve as a roadmap for starting, sustaining, growing, or exiting a small or minority business in Spartanburg.

Fall 2023

Upcoming Events

Power Up 101

Wed. April 24
9-10 AM
Power Up 101 is for small and minority business owners looking to utilize resources, maximize benefits, and learn best practices for their business.

Register
Power Up Spartanburg's 1-Year Anniversary

Mon., April 29
5-8 PM at FR8yard
Current and prospective small and minority business-owners are invited to join us April 29 to kick off US Small Business Week with a celebration of the first year of Power Up Spartanburg.. Get more information on the initiative's impact and learn more about newly-launched programs including access to subject matter experts, contract opportunities with large corporations, and more.

Register
Hiring 101

Thurs., May 2
11 AM-12:30 PM
This SBDC session will help you learn the essential strategies to attract and hire top talent, and how to build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business’ needs.

Register
Hiring 101

Thurs., May 2
2:30-4 PM
This SBDC session will help you learn the essential strategies to attract and hire top talent, and how to build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business’ needs.

Register
Doing Business with Milliken

Wed., May 8
8:30-9:30 AM
Milliken is committed to fostering small business success, so discover opportunities available to do business with Milliken Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity Kathy Verzina, and learn more about the 2024 Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Event.

Register
Business Finance Basics

Wed., May 15
9-10 AM
This event, in partnership with Truist, will equip you with the knowledge to build, manage, and safeguard your business for long-term success. You will dive into key elements of business finance basics, learning how to effectively manage cash flow, explore strategies for business expansion, and gain insights into business insurance.

Register
Power Up 101

Wed., May 29
9-10 AM
Power Up 101 is for small and minority business owners looking to utilize resources, maximize benefits, and learn best practices for their business.

Register
Separating Business & Personal Finances

Wed., June 5
1-2 PM
In this course, you will discover the importance of separating your business and personal finances for long-term success. Truist will equip you with practical strategies and insights to effectively manage your finances and set clear business goals. Plus, you will receive valuable resources to support your journey.

Register
Hiring 101

Thu., June 20
11 AM- 12:30 PM
This SBDC session will help you learn the essential strategies to attract and hire top talent, and how to build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business’ needs.

Register
Hiring 101

Thu., June 20
2:30-4 PM
This SBDC session will help you learn the essential strategies to attract and hire top talent, and how to build an effective hiring strategy tailored to your business’ needs.

Register