Startup (noun): a new business venture, or a new commercial or industrial project; young company typically financed and operated initially by one or more founders.

What’s the difference between startups and small businesses? It’s mostly determined by the way they are funded and how they grow – startups usually plan to scale their product or service while small businesses are more focused on keeping costs low.

This month, there are two major opportunities for startups + entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and connect with organizations that could potentially provide funding. This is the second year for both events, which focus on Greenville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – and both are a #MustDo if you’re in the startup scene or want to keep your finger on the pulse of it.

The goal of the NEXT Venture Pitch is for VC’s from all over the Southeast to learn more about living and working in the Upstate. Before this event was started, NEXT brought VC’s to the area for five years to showcase our tech scene + talented workforce.

Anyone can purchase a ticket and attend Venture Pitch on Nov. 16. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for our startup scene, watch 6 startups pitching fresh ideas, listen to panels with VC’s on investing in the Southeast and Growth CEO’s discussing how companies can succeed in today’s economy.

Last year, ChartSpan pitched at last year’s event, but there have not been any big startups to come out of this event (yet). This year, there will be startups from Myrtle Beach + Charleston in addition to the Upstate.

Some of the VC’s this year include: Accel Partners, Alerion Ventures, Bull City Venture Partners, Intel Capital, Noro Moseley Partners, Tech Stars Atlanta, Comporium Ventures

Here’s what else to expect during this half-day event.

VentureSouth Summit 2017 (happening Nov. 29 - 30) is geared more towards angel investors, economic developers, and portfolio companies. This two-day event includes workshops, education, updates on portfolio companies, networking, and VentureSouth’s monthly meeting. Check out the Summit Agenda here.