Early-Stage Business Initiative Partners With Charity Fund
The Upstate Upstarts program, an initiative promoting high-growth, early-stage companies in the Upstate, has launched an opportunity that allows investments from the community through charitable donations.
The Upstate Upstarts List features 100 companies developing innovative technologies and businesses. Venture Carolina, VentureSouth and the Appalachian Regional Commission worked to establish an investment fund aimed at helping the companies grow.
Upstate Upstarts is partnering with Abundance Capital to expand available funding. Abundance Capital, a nonprofit venture philanthropy platform based in Greenville, helps donors invest in their communities through charitable contributions. Though investors don’t earn a return for themselves, returns can be reinvested.
The new fund, created by Upstate Upstarts and Abundance Capital, is called the Upstate Upstarts Catalytic Fund.
Investors can support the Upstate Upstarts portfolio of entrepreneurs through tax-deductible charitable donations. Donors can contribute to a donor-advised fund hosted by Abundance, which will then invest in companies on the Upstate Upstarts List.
Abundance will invest in companies that are making a positive impact on the economy, environment and community.
“Investing in early-stage companies can be challenging,” said Margaret Gifford, co-founder of Abundance Capital. “The Upstate Upstarts Catalytic Fund provides a new avenue for individuals to use their charitable contributions to support local businesses.”
Those who already have a donor-advised fund can shift proceeds into the Upstate Upstarts Catalytic Fund, and Abundance can help those who want to set up a donor-advised fund, Gifford said.
Charlie Banks, Executive Director of Venture Carolina, said the Catalytic Fund offers a unique way for individuals to invest in new companies. “This initiative will enhance funding for startups and strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.
Companies that are part of the Upstate Upstarts List must be based in the Upstate, demonstrate high growth potential, and have at least $150,000 in annual recurring revenue or a minimum of eight employees.
Investors in the Upstate Upstarts Fund must meet SEC accreditation requirements. The Catalytic Fund is open to anyone who wants to make a charitable donation.
For information, go to www.abundancecap.org/uu-fund or www.upstateupstarts.com.
Abundance Capital is a nonprofit intermediary that helps people invest in their communities through donor-advised funds.
Upstate Upstarts is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of the Upstate through a curated list of emerging companies and an investment platform.
Young Adults With Disabilities Graduate From Employment Effort
The Barbara Stone Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports visionary and creative programs for individuals with disabilities, recently held a ceremony for the 15 graduates of the 2024 UP Professional Cohort.
Young adults complete a year-long professional development program, which aims to teach independence, self-advocacy, professionalism and job skills.
The UP Employment Initiative was begun in 2022 as a partnership among the Barbara Stone Foundation, Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group and Hospitality America to create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Barbara Stone Foundation created The UP Professional Cohort in 2023 for participants of the UP Employment Initiative and others seeking additional personal and professional development, leadership and soft skills, and job readiness.
Graduates of the 2024 UP Professional Cohort are Colin Brown, Andrew Clark, Taylor Eliason, Samuel Fitzgerald, Kadence Graham, Clara Hall, Amanda Hughey, Jake Kellett, Sophia Mauro, William Pearson, Cameron Sanders, Scott Shaner, Aidan Sisam, Hank Weiss and Allison Zehr.
“Many people living with disabilities desire independence, success, an opportunity to upskill, engagement with peers and meaningful employment,” said Lara Ceisel, Executive Director of the Barbara Stone Foundation. “The UP Professional Cohort supports these endeavors by increasing confidence and independence.”
The next UP Professional Cohort class begins this month. Interested individuals should contact Barbara Stone Foundation’s Employment Job Liaison, Hadlee Hoeksema, or Ceisel. Space is limited. For information and contacts, go to barbarastonefoundation.org/up-employment-initiative.
Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation has worked to influence community systems, policies, and culture to support equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Upstate.
Pendleton Foundation Seeks To Rebuild Site Of Black History
The Pendleton Foundation for Black History & Culture has launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild the façade of the Old Keese Barn.
The long-gone Keese Barn played a significant role in Pendleton’s history, as the first public gathering place and restaurant for African American residents during the early- and mid-1900s.
The Keese Barn Legacy Project will strive to replace a missing piece of Pendleton’s heritage and build a new gathering place.
“Mr. Keese’s business played a major role in the growth of and sense of communion within Pendleton’s Black community,” said Terence Hassan, Chair of the Pendleton Foundation for Black History & Culture.
“The site is just a stone’s throw from Farmers Hall, yet few know of its historic prominence. That’s why it is important for us to restore a structure that will be a fitting tribute to Mr. Keese’s vision and legacy.”
Built between 1900 and 1910, the original building was a general store in downtown Pendleton. Benjamin Horace Keese, a Black man, returned to his hometown in the Upstate after years working in Philadelphia. He transformed the barn for Pendleton’s Black residents, adding a restaurant, antique store, auction house, and a residence onto the general store.
The building became known as “The Hundreds” because of the scores of people who socialized and ate there. After Keese died in 1975, the structure fell into disrepair; Clemson University architecture students dismantled the ruins in 2003 and created a memorial on the site.
The Keese Barn Legacy Project seeks to restore the building’s legacy and create a new gathering place for Pendleton’s residents.
A façade will mirror the front of the long-gone Keese Barn. The project will have concessions, storage, and restrooms. The back of the façade will have a stage and gathering spot for the community and public or private events.
For information or to donate to the Keese Barn Legacy Project, email Terence Hassan at terencehassan@gmail.com; Deveraux Williams at Deveraux.williams@gmail.com; or go to www.blackhistorypendleton.org.
Kawonu Golf Club Hires Architect To Design Clubhouse
Kawonu Golf Club near Greenville has chosen Joel Newman, a partner in Thomas and Denzinger Architects of Beaufort, to design its clubhouse, lodging, training center and comfort stations.
Newman will join the architect of the golf course, Andrew Green, and the team behind Kawonu.
Newman has worked on projects such as Chechessee Creek Club in South Carolina, Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia, and Spring Island Club in Okatie near Beaufort. He has nearly three decades of experience.
Construction of the private golf course and amenities is expected to start this spring, with completion slated for 2027. It will be 25 miles from Greenville.
“Joel’s work stands out for its ability to balance practicality and beauty,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club.
“This partnership builds on our mission to assemble a world-class team,” he said.
Newman said his goal is to create a harmonious blend of form and function. “Each structure will be thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural beauty of the site while providing comfortable, inviting spaces for members and guests to gather, relax, and celebrate their shared passion for golf.”
Clemson University Manager Joins Hazardous Material Organization
The Institute for Hazardous Materials Management has named its 2025 executive committee, including a professional from Clemson University.
Members of the committee are Melissa Hamer, Chair, an environmental lawyer in Indiana; June Brock-Carroll, Vice Chair, Research Safety Hazardous Materials Manager at Clemson University; Jan Rosenberg, Treasurer, former Deputy Administrator of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations; and Morgan Hyson, Secretary, former staff member of IHMM who now works at the State Department.
Greenwood Capital Promotes Two
Greenwood Capital has promoted Callie Bradshaw to Associate Advisor and John B. Proctor Jr. to Advisor Portfolio Specialist.
Bradshaw joined the firm in 2022 as a Private Client Specialist. In her first year, she became licensed as a Registered Investment Advisor. She is working toward her Certified Financial Planner designation.
Bradshaw will work with senior advisors in her new role, contributing to personalized strategies that help clients achieve financial goals.
“Callie has shown an exceptional ability to connect with clients and provide tailored solutions that make a difference,” said Brian L. Disher, Director of Wealth Management.
Proctor was hired in 2021 as a Client Portfolio Specialist and worked with the Greenville team. He demonstrated analytical skills and a client-first approach that allowed him to flag potential issues and collaborate to solve problems before they occurred.
His new role will enable him to focus on optimizing individual investment strategies.
“John’s can-do attitude and innovative approach to portfolio management have been invaluable to our team,” said Will Bond, Senior Trading Manager.
During the past 40 years, Greenwood Capital has served individuals, families and organizations across South Carolina and the nation as an independent investment firm.
