Recently, a group of forward-thinking community leaders set out to energize and empower small and minority businesses in Spartanburg. They saw a great need for reducing racial equity gaps in entrepreneurship and building a supportive small business environment, and they were fully prepared to make this mission a reality.

But first, they needed to create a movement. So, they called on our expertise in brand identity and messaging and our experience in boosting economic development to get the job done.

What’s in a name?

A lot of vital information – if you do it right. This initiative, led by OneSpartanburg, Inc. and funded by Spartanburg County, is all about momentum and keeping the energy flowing through Spartanburg’s small and minority business economy. It’s also about connecting a professional network of local business owners and the creative charge these collaborations can inspire. Using this strategy, we landed on Power Up Spartanburg. It’s dynamic, it’s electric, and it connects to a place that’s on the rise. As an extension of the name, we also created the tagline Energize / Extend / Empower, which is exactly what this movement strives to do.

Foundational Identity

We also gave Power Up Spartanburg a vibrant visual identity that will extend across various mediums, including initiative marketing (banners, reports, handouts, and presentations), a branded website, and an identity stamp to accompany other initiative brands.

Perfect positioning

The people behind this plan represent a visionary powerhouse of leaders who want to enhance small and minority businesses and put Spartanburg on the economic map. We wanted this can-do energy to be evident in more than just the name, so we developed a descriptor for Power Up Spartanburg that embodies the essence of what it is and what it means for the community.

“Spartanburg has been among the best in the nation at recruiting big business. But our small business recruitment and Black-owned business numbers are behind the national average. With Power Up Spartanburg, we’re going to be the best at growing and recruiting small, as well.”

– Allen Smith, CEO, OneSpartanburg, Inc.

“Every piece of this initiative is aimed at making Spartanburg County the best possible place to be an entrepreneur or small business owner. I’ve met with constituents across our county and there’s real excitement here. We’re ready to capitalize on that excitement and get to work on the goals of Power Up Spartanburg.”

– Jay Jenkins, Director of Small & Minority Business Development, OneSpartanburg, Inc.