The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) at Anderson University has received a generous grant from Truist Foundation to support the continued expansion of educational programming, resources, and outreach efforts designed to strengthen family-owned, small businesses across South Carolina.
The grant will help the Institute broaden its impact by providing family business leaders with access to expert education, peer learning opportunities, governance and succession planning resources, and strategic guidance that supports long-term business continuity and family legacy.
Family-owned businesses represent a vital segment of South Carolina’s economy, employing thousands of people and contributing significantly to the economic health and vitality of communities throughout the state.
Truist Foundation’s support will help ensure these businesses are better equipped to navigate the unique challenges associated with leadership transitions, family dynamics, ownership continuity, and sustainable growth.
“We are deeply grateful to Truist Foundation for its continued commitment to strengthening South Carolina’s business community,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. “Family-owned businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy. This generous investment will enable us to expand our reach, deliver impactful educational programming, and provide family business leaders with the tools and resources they need to preserve both their enterprises and their family legacies for future generations.”
The grant reflects a shared commitment between the Truist Foundation and FEISC to support entrepreneurship, economic mobility, small businesses and community prosperity throughout South Carolina.
Jonathan Chavis, Truist’s market president, noted the significant role family businesses play in driving regional economic growth.
“Across the Upstate and throughout South Carolina, family-owned businesses are creating jobs, fostering innovation and investing back into their communities,” said Chavis. “Supporting Anderson University and the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute reflects Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities by helping these businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities and remain successful for generations to come.”
About The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at Anderson University exists to educate, connect, and inspire family-owned businesses through world-class programming, peer networks, and practical resources. The Institute helps family enterprises address issues such as succession planning, governance, leadership development, family dynamics, strategic growth, and business continuity.
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truistfoundation.org.