FOR ACCELERATION + REPRESENTATION
The Greenville Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator helps high-potential minority business enterprises (MBEs) grow and scale while connecting them to resources, as well as to companies looking to increase their minority supplier base.
The solutions-driven, year-long program includes a rigorous curriculum, development of a three-year strategic business plan, targeted training in areas like scaling to size and building capacity, one-on-one mentoring and coaching, guidance from financial experts, and connections to top prospects and markets.
Participants will also connect with diversity supplier programs and learn more about how to achieve federal MBE certification. The program is open to established businesses employing at least one full-time staff member and owned by women, racial minorities, or veterans, as well as those operating in low-to-moderate income communities.
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.