As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2019 ECOSYSTEM partner, Startup High Country. SHC is actively shaping the entrepreneurial culture of the High Country through events, programs, media, storytelling, and intentional networking. They empower entrepreneurs by guaranteeing access to vital resources and tools essential for their success.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
SHC is a community-led organization whose mission is to create more high-growth businesses, high-paying jobs, and a stronger culture for ventures in the High Country of NC.
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We are actively shaping the entrepreneurial culture of the High Country to instill a positive image and supportive environment for high-growth ventures in the area. We do this through events, programs, media, storytelling, and intentional networking so that big-thinking entrepreneurs can see that high-growth, scalable businesses are possible to build in the High Country, and that the proper resources and tools are available to help them succeed.
What can those reading this do to support your company? How can they help?
They can invest in affordable housing solutions and also put pressure on ASU to contribute to solving the problem along with the wider community.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Our area (Boone, NC and surrounding High Country) experienced enormous change during the pandemic. The result has been a huge lack in housing options, a high cost-of-living without matching pay raises, a lack of a workforce (our unemployment rate is under 3%), and very few options for childcare. It is difficult to raise a flag and say “hey entrepreneurs, come start your business here!” with these blatant barriers existing.
How has the NCIDEA #ECOSYSTEM grant helped your organization?
The grant has been enormously helpful. Firstly, it helped our organization establish credibility and authority. And secondly, it has provided crucial funding to hire the proper part-time staff that keeps our organization functioning. With a dedicated team we are able to consistently produce events, programs, media, and spend time on the multitude of tasks that help us achieve our mission.
Who benefits from your organization’s work?
Entrepreneurs have reported receiving enormous benefit from coming to our events. They are making meaningful connections through networking opportunities, and are hugely impacted by the positive culture we are building around entrepreneurship. Our programs are a direct benefit to them as well.
A local Angel Investment Fund, High Country Impact Fund, also benefits from our work in helping more entrepreneurs prepare for pitches, and think on larger, high-growth scales.
Published April 16, 2024
Submission Provided by: Samantha Wright (Community Director)
As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2019 ECOSYSTEM partner, Startup High Country. SHC is actively shaping the entrepreneurial culture of the High Country through events, programs, media, storytelling, and intentional networking. They empower entrepreneurs by guaranteeing access to vital resources and tools essential for their success.
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Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
SHC is a community-led organization whose mission is to create more high-growth businesses, high-paying jobs, and a stronger culture for ventures in the High Country of NC.
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We are actively shaping the entrepreneurial culture of the High Country to instill a positive image and supportive environment for high-growth ventures in the area. We do this through events, programs, media, storytelling, and intentional networking so that big-thinking entrepreneurs can see that high-growth, scalable businesses are possible to build in the High Country, and that the proper resources and tools are available to help them succeed.
What can those reading this do to support your company? How can they help?
They can invest in affordable housing solutions and also put pressure on ASU to contribute to solving the problem along with the wider community.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Our area (Boone, NC and surrounding High Country) experienced enormous change during the pandemic. The result has been a huge lack in housing options, a high cost-of-living without matching pay raises, a lack of a workforce (our unemployment rate is under 3%), and very few options for childcare. It is difficult to raise a flag and say “hey entrepreneurs, come start your business here!” with these blatant barriers existing.
How has the NC IDEA #ECOSYSTEM grant helped your organization?
The grant has been enormously helpful. Firstly, it helped our organization establish credibility and authority. And secondly, it has provided crucial funding to hire the proper part-time staff that keeps our organization functioning. With a dedicated team we are able to consistently produce events, programs, media, and spend time on the multitude of tasks that help us achieve our mission.
Who benefits from your organization’s work?
Entrepreneurs have reported receiving enormous benefit from coming to our events. They are making meaningful connections through networking opportunities, and are hugely impacted by the positive culture we are building around entrepreneurship. Our programs are a direct benefit to them as well.
A local Angel Investment Fund, High Country Impact Fund, also benefits from our work in helping more entrepreneurs prepare for pitches, and think on larger, high-growth scales.
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Published April 16, 2024
Submission Provided by: Samantha Wright (Community Director)
