Support Us Button Widget

Greenville Entrepreneurs pitch in GVL Starts Demo Day

This eight-week program helps budding entrepreneurs learn the skills needed to pitch their product.

GVLtoday GVL Starts

The three winners with their normal-sized checks. | Photo by Jerry Pilewski

Table of Contents

Over the last eight weeks, 25+ GVL Starts entrepreneurs have worked towards their final class and presentation — Demo Day — on Thursday, Oct. 19. Five finalists pitched to local investors and an audience for a chance to win a $5,000 grant for their startup venture.

What is GVL Starts?

A program at Furman University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with local organizations like City of Greenville, Greenville Local Development Corporation + the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

GVL Starts teaches entrepreneurs the skills needed to build a successful startup, connects budding entrepreneurs and business owners with like-minded community members, thinkers and leaders + helps turn ideas into action.

This year’s finalists featured a range of products and services, from software technology to canned cocktails.

Here are the finalists:

  • Dr. Natalie Morse | Fearless Grad | This company helps college graduates get their PhD’s fully funded.
  • Dallas Freeman | Sparker | Sparker is an app that aims to eliminate small talk by connecting with your friends and comparing your interests.
  • Babette Jones | Six/Nineteen | These pre-canned cocktails help bring people together and gives back to the community.
  • Jennifer Oladipo | Stank Radio | With this platform, musicians have the support to turn their passion into a business.
  • Joe Whelchel | Hire Warriors | Think of Angie’s List, but everyone is an active-duty or retired veteran or first responder.

Drum roll, please — and the winners are:

  • Dr. Natalie Morse | Fearless Grad
  • Babette Jones | Six/Nineteen
More from GVLtoday
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
We went to the experts to find out what pairs best with sweet, gummy, salty, and everything in between.
Born in Greenville and still made in Mauldin, Duke’s Mayonnaise now ranks No. 2 in the US, proving its thick, tangy Southern recipe — and Greenville roots — are here to stay, even as its following and renown continue to grow.
The sun may be setting early, but Greenville still has plenty to do.
The City of Greenville is drafting a long-term plan to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, improve safety, and promote alternative modes of transportation.
New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”
Submit your Halloween photos for a chance to be featured in GVLtoday.
Exercise your right to vote for city leadership + bookmark our guide to help you prepare to head to the polls for the Municipal Election in Greenville on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Greenville.
At the Greenville Chamber’s Greenville Greats panel, Artisphere, euphoria, and the City of Greenville talked about the “secret sauce” that makes these major events happen.