A woman speaking at a podium during an event, with colorful balloons in the background.

Who we serve

As a joint venture between the University of South Carolina Upstate's George Dean Johnson College of Business and Economics and the Northside of Spartanburg, Start:ME Spartanburg serves residents of Spartanburg County.

The Northside Development Group is a purpose-built community network composed of a diverse group of people investing time, skills, and money to create a safe and strong Northside community.

The history and development of the Northside over the last 15 years are crucial in shaping how the community will progress beyond its current state toward the Northside of the future.

True neighborhood revitalization rarely happens by accident. It demands the efforts of many people, the support of local institutions and government, and a shared vision within the community. In the case of the Northside, a good number of these elements are in place.

Indeed, while the complete story of the Northside’s revitalization will likely take a decade to write, it is already noteworthy for the remarkable convening of residents, institutions, organizations, and non-profits that, perhaps for the first time in the city’s history, have joined together for a singular purpose – the comprehensive transformation of a neighborhood long beset by poverty and its associated challenges.

​Initiatives like Start:ME Spartanburg is just one of many ways that the Northside community continue to rally it’s people, resources, and network to build a better community.

Click the button below for more information on the Northside and its initiatives.

Meet the team
History
Five women standing together at an indoor event, smiling for the camera. The background shows other attendees and hanging balloons.
Group of diverse women and a few men smiling for a photo during an event, standing in front of a backdrop with the text 'start:ME' and colorful balloons.
Four women engaged in conversation at a networking event, with a sign reading 'Start Me Istanbul' visible in the background.
A woman in a bright blue dress with glasses and a name tag stands at the front of a classroom, smiling and gesturing with her arms open. A woman in a red blouse stands beside her, listening. Several students sit facing the speakers, with the classroo
A woman in a black blazer and brown pants holding a large bouquet of flowers is smiling and talking to another woman in a brown outfit. There is a woman in the background with long hair and a striped shirt, clapping. The setting is a celebration or e
People sitting in a classroom, engaged in conversations, with two women standing at the front near a whiteboard.