SPARTANBURG—The Economic Futures Group, a division of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, announced today in a press conference the formation of an Entrepreneurial Systems Program for all of Spartanburg County.

The program is designed to utilize the area’s best assets towards assisting start-up businesses launch successful ventures through the partnership of the newly formed Spartanburg Area Entrepreneurial Council.  John Bauknight, one of Spartanburg’s most successful entrepreneurs, will serve as Chairman of the Council. 

“The Spartanburg Entrepreneurial Partnership (SEP) is the result of my Liberty Fellows project, and would not have been made possible without a collaborative effort between The Chamber, Spartanburg Community College, USC Upstate and many of our wonderful business leaders in Spartanburg,” says Bauknight, President of Longleaf Holdings, USA.  “This is an effort that has taken three years to bring to this point. By combining the resources and facilities of each organization we have an opportunity to put Spartanburg on the map for Entrepreneurship.”

The Entrepreneurial Council is comprised of successful business leaders in corporate, legal, accounting and educational fields, offering expert advice, mentoring, funding and strategic planning pro bono providing a complete support structure for fledgling entrepreneurs.  These services are offered directly through Steven Hahn, the Economic Futures Group’s Director of Entrepreneurial Systems.

Steven Hahn has several years of business consulting experience in many industries and has started two successful businesses—GudFud, a marshmallow candy company with distribution in all 50 states and MXT Golf, a global industry leader in the field of custom golf club fitting technology.  His expertise in both corporate and entrepreneurial arenas will prove valuable in guiding startups from inception to launch in the Upstate market.

“I am extremely honored to have been asked to help build a proactive entrepreneurial development program for Spartanburg County,” says Hahn.  “I am confident that with the assets our county has in place and the support we have been given by the business community we can achieve our goals.”

“This collaborative effort we’re announcing today between the Chamber, The George, Spartanburg Community College and the Economic Futures Group (EFG), continues our focus on promoting and expanding economic development,” says Russ Weber, President of Integral Solutions Group and Chairman of the Economic Futures Group’s Board of Directors. “The EFG will continue to concentrate our efforts and resources on economic development opportunities for ALL of the citizens of Spartanburg County.”

The program is actively involved with more than 20 entrepreneurial projects to date.  Anyone interested in learning more about the program or becoming involved with the Entrepreneurial Council is encouraged to contact Steven Hahn at (864)594-5040 or by email at shahn@spartanburgchamber.com.