Why Entrepreneurs Love to Do Business in Greenville, NC
Why do business in Greenville, NC? The Greenville-Pitt County region has long been an economic engine for eastern North Carolina. The region is home to strong industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device and supplies manufacturing, and emerging technology.
In addition to these mainstays, the region’s entrepreneurial arm helps drive opportunity and innovation, and further diversifies its economy.
Why Launch a Business in Greenville, NC?
Entrepreneurs choose to launch and grow a business in Greenville, NC, for many reasons – think community support, affordability, business resources, networking opportunities, etc. North Carolina native Tiana Berryman is the perfect example of someone who decided to open a business in the region and is now thriving.
In 2023, she and her husband, Kevin, opened a children’s play space called Sprouts Playground & Studio, which embraces both sensory exposure and joyous playtime. The center is geared toward children up to age 6 and has become a popular spot for play dates, birthday parties, dance lessons and music therapy.
Prior to launching Sprouts, Berryman received a master of public administration degree from East Carolina University (ECU) in 2013 and went on to launch a successful career in the field.
What opportunities did you see in Greenville-Pitt County when you considered starting a play space for children?
When we first envisioned Sprouts Playground & Studio, we recognized a growing need in Greenville for a family-friendly space that catered to both the physical and creative development of children. Greenville is a vibrant community with a young, diverse population, and it became clear that there was a gap in services that blend active play with play-based learning.
As Greenville continues to grow, especially with a strong presence of students and young professionals from ECU, we knew there was an opportunity to provide a unique space that combines fitness, creativity and social interaction. Our goal was to create a place where parents could feel confident their children were being stimulated in a safe and supportive environment while also having fun.
With a career in government administration, what gave you the confidence to start a business outside of that field?
Greenville is an ideal place to establish and grow a business. This city offers a combination of unique factors that make it a great place for businesses like ours to thrive.
One of the strongest factors is Greenville’s dynamic, family-oriented community. Greenville’s commitment to fostering a strong community means people are eager to support local businesses that serve their needs. With that being said, we absolutely benefited from the wisdom and guidance of local business leaders who were incredibly supportive as we took those first steps.
What resources or support did you take advantage of in the region?
Specifically, we reached out to organizations like Monday Solutions Group (which helps leaders discover and maximize their primary strengths), financial consultant Influx of Wealth, and Koinonia Christian Center Church, all of which were instrumental in helping us structure our business, refine our ideas and stay motivated during the early stages. These resources offered valuable insight into local business dynamics and strategies that helped us build a solid foundation for Sprouts.
Why do you think entrepreneurs are finding success in Greenville-Pitt County?
The presence of ECU adds an extra layer of vibrancy to the city. ECU brings in a diverse, educated and energetic population contributing to the local workforce and economy. We’ve looked to students for talent and innovation. As both ECU alumni and longtime residents, we understand the importance of building connections within this community, and the university itself has been an important part of that.
What are other advantages of launching a business in Greenville-Pitt County?
Greenville also offers a collaborative business environment, where local entrepreneurs are eager to support each other. We’ve had the privilege of learning from other local business owners and creating business-to-business sales opportunities.
Greenville’s relatively low cost of living and business-friendly climate make it an attractive place for entrepreneurs. Being a local family and proud ECU Pirates, we’re grateful to contribute to the continued success and development of our beloved community.
Get to Know Greenville
Want to learn more about living and working in Greenville, NC? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greenville-Pitt County, North Carolina.