FOR THE TECH-TARGETING
The South Carolina Research Authority’s (SCRA) objective is to “fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy.” They provide companies within the region resources that can help them scale better and faster. To become a member company of the SCRA, your company must be located and registered in South Carolina, and 51% of your payroll employees must be from the region.
Being a member of the authority gives access to SC Facilities, SC Academic Innovations, and SC Launch. Together, these programs give entrepreneurs funding, workspaces, mentorship, and technical expertise. These include high-quality laboratories and administrative workspaces for tech-based startups.
If you're focused on the industrial sector, note that SCRA’s SC Industry Solutions program facilitates and funds partnerships between and among startups, industry, and academia.
FOR THE STILL-DREAMING
The Midlands Technical College Center for Entrepreneurial Success wants to help ideators become their own bosses. The center is perfect for people who want to start from the absolute basics and get it right in the long run. It is designed to equip people who have nothing but ideas with the skills and tools they need to scale their ideas.
Participants have the opportunity to enroll in this program alongside their two-year degree or as a stand-alone program. After a placement test, they will take physical, virtual, or hybrid classes. Example modules include entrepreneurial leadership, customer service techniques, microcomputer application and business opportunity analysis.
After completing the program, most participants start their own businesses, work for established businesses and corporations or build tech startups.