Beaufort, SC Coworking Offices & Tech Incubator

Beaufort's Tech Renaissance: Local Visionaries Catapult Cybersecurity and Startup Innovations into the Spotlight During Beaufort Tech Week (March 18 - 24)

Beaufort, SC (February 7, 2024) - Get ready for an electrifying week of innovation and tech-driven excitement as Beaufort Tech Week returns from March 18th to 24th, 2024. The city's tech scene is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, fueled by the collaboration of local visionaries dedicated to elevating cybersecurity and startups.

Beaufort Tech Week begins with the South Coast Cyber Summit, hosted by the South Coast Cyber Center on March 18th and 19th. Secure your tickets at southcoastcybersummit.com.

Next, don't miss the inaugural Pitch Competition by EforAll on March 21st, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and innovation. Reserve your tickets at eforall.org.

The pinnacle event, the 3rd annual Techstars Startup Weekend, hosted by Beaufort Digital Corridor from March 22nd to 24th, promises an unforgettable experience. Featuring a pitch competition with industry influencers, secure your spot at techstarsbft.eventbrite.com to witness the birth of future disruptors.

Techstars Startup Weekend isn't just about ideas; winners receive $10,000 in value prizes, including a free year of office space at Beaufort Digital Corridor and a business starter kit from AlphaGraphics.

Coined by Jess O'Brien, Executive Director of Beaufort Digital Corridor, this celebration showcases the city's tech renaissance. "Beaufort Tech Week is the culmination of our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation," says O'Brien. "It's about shaping the future of Beaufort's talent and leadership."

This collaborative effort has extended beyond Beaufort, resonating in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Charleston, and beyond, solidifying Beaufort as a tech hub. Investor interest has surged, startups thrive, and Beaufort shines as a beacon of tech innovation.

Beaufort Tech Week isn't just an event; it's a testament to local partners, businesses, and the community's commitment to a thriving tech ecosystem. These efforts attract top talent, bolstering Beaufort's position in the tech industry.

Seize the opportunity to be part of Beaufort's Tech Renaissance during Beaufort Tech Week from March 18th to 24th, 2024. Don't watch; be part of the revolution. Learn more at beaufortdigital.com.

About Beaufort Digital Corridor

The Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) is a community-sourced tech incubator focused on creating a business, education, and socially attractive environment for tech entrepreneurs and companies. As a 501(c)(6) organization, the BDC provides training programs, builds an educated workforce, and serves as an entrepreneur support organization. For more details, visit www.beaufortdigital.com.

Let the Countdown Begin: Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort Launches March 22-24

Beaufort, SC (February 10, 2024) - The countdown begins as excitement builds for the imminent return of Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort, set to take place from March 22nd to 24th, 2024. With the event just around the corner, anticipation is mounting for a weekend of entrepreneurial energy and innovation. As local collaborators gear up to host this transformative experience, Beaufort's startup scene is primed for a weekend that promises to ignite creativity and propel aspiring entrepreneurs to new heights.

Techstars Startup Weekend transcends the realm of ordinary events–-it's an immersive journey into the world of startups. From students to seasoned entrepreneurs, all are welcome to participate in this three-day extravaganza, offering a unique platform to pitch ideas, network, attend enriching workshops, and receive mentorship from industry experts.

Participants will embark on a transformative journey, shaping lean canvas business plans, validating ideas, and honing pitches under the guidance of seasoned mentors. The pinnacle of the event, on March 24th, will witness a Lowcountry Supper, setting the stage for an exhilarating pitch competition. Prizes totaling $10,000, including a business starter kit sponsored by AlphaGraphics and a 1-year office space membership at the Beaufort Digital Corridor, await the winning team.

Reflecting on last year's success, Tatiana Zalapskaia, 2023 Techstars Winner for "Garnish," shared her experience, "We are making a killer pitch thanks to people who have actually started international companies before. I'm humbled and honored that these people offered me their expertise and believe in my idea."

Moreover, the event's impact transcends local boundaries. A former Techstars Tokyo Japan winner, now a SkyDrive employee, recognized the vibrancy and potential within Beaufort's tech ecosystem, further cementing its status as a burgeoning hub for innovation.

Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort will also feature a distinguished panel of judges comprising prominent entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, adding to the excitement and opportunity.

Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort welcomes participants aged 18 and above. Tickets are available starting at $25 per participant, with a limited number of free tickets allocated for college students. Secure your spot now at http://techstarsbft.eventbrite.com/.

For more information, visit beaufortdigital.com or contact info@beaufortdigital.com. Join us in igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship at Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort!

**Sponsor the Event: **Your support will not only make a lasting impact on the local entrepreneurial community but also position you as a champion of local startups and innovation. Download the sponsorship form here.

About Techstars Startup Weekend: Techstars Startup Weekend is an immersive foray into the world of startups, providing a platform to think, work, and build like a startup over 54 thrilling hours. It connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, co-founders, and sponsors to expedite business development. Founded in 2006, Techstars is on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to and benefit from the success of entrepreneurs. More information can be found at http://techstarsbft.eventbrite.com/.

About Beaufort Digital Corridor: The Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) is a community-sourced tech incubator focused on creating a business, education, and socially attractive environment for tech entrepreneurs and companies. As a 501(c)(6) organization, the BDC provides training programs, builds an educated workforce, and collaborates with the South Coast Cyber Center. For more details, visit www.beaufortdigital.com.

February 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

February is buzzing with entrepreneurial vibes as we dive into National Entrepreneurship Week! 🚀 We've got some cool programs lined up all month to boost your entrepreneurial spirit. And guess what? Our 3rd annual Techstars_ Startup Weekend Beaufort is just around the corner!

Techstars_ Startup Weekend is a fast-paced, 3-day immersion into the world of building startups. Meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders, and sponsors who will show you how to do more faster.

If you're wondering why you should be at Startup Weekend, here's the lowdown: epic networking, killer mentorship, and major exposure for your business. Last year's event was a blast, drawing in big-shot mentors and venture capitalists from hotspots like Atlanta, Charleston, Columbia, DC, and even Texas. It's not just a weekend; it's your ticket to taking your startup or business to the next level.

Don't miss out on the fun and opportunities! Let's make February the month of game-changing ideas and unforgettable connections.

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien, Executive Director

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE >

January 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

I hope you feel refreshed and ready to take on the New Year! We wrapped up 2023 with a record number of 91 unique programmatic events hosted by the Beaufort Digital Corridor, including our 2 signature events,_Techstars Startup Weekend and_Run Forrest Run 5K.

Along with our regularly scheduled programs, we took on the initiative of hosting in-house cyber certificate programs, helping to fill the gap of cybersecurity professionals in the workplace. Since the launch of our cyber certificate program in 2022, we've hosted a total of 76 scholarships for individuals seeking new career paths in cybersecurity!

Beyond that, we helped promote and participate in several educational partner events, including the Rise of Silicon Garden Community Career Event for high school students, AAUW Middle School Girls STEAM workshop, and Beaufort County School District's MedTech 7 and GenCyber programs for K-12 students.

Our members were given great exposure and opportunities to present as panelists and featured exhibitors at the following regional events:

GRIT Conference, PULSE Art + Tech Expo, Converge Conference, DIG South Tech Summit, and Techstars Startup Weekend.

And we were recognized for our community impact at the 2023 Beaufort Regional Chamber's Civitas award banquet, where we were honored with the Buzzworthy Award.

I'd like to take a moment to thank our members, board, and all our volunteers. With a staff of only 2 full-time employees, we could not do what we do without the support of this community. Whether it's your time, energy, membership, or contributions, you make up the most valuable part of this community!

As we head into a new year with new opportunities, I invite you to get involved. Check out our events calendar to take the first step.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Jess O'Brien, Executive Director

Read Full Newsletter HERE >

Creative Coast Opens Applications for 2024 Startup Stage Pitch Competition

The Creative Coast is now accepting applications for its 2024 Startup Stage business pitch competition. Up to 10 startups will be selected to pitch for a chance to win from a $10,000 prize pool. Startup Stage, presented in partnership with the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), will take place during the Creative Coast's annual GRIT Conference happening from February 29th to March 1st at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia.

During the event, startups will pitch to a panel of judges, including angel investors and venture capitalists. After all presentations, judges will take a vote to decide on the Startup Stage winners who will receive cash and prizes from the $10K pool.

Startup Stage is for companies located in North America, preferably from the southeastern United States and currently in the coastal region of Georgia, South Carolina, or northern Florida. The competition is open to innovative startups focusing on digital media, the gaming industry, climate tech, fintech, agri fintech, health tech, or logistics tech. Participating startups can be in the following stages: idea, prototype, users, or paying users. Founders are encouraged to apply whether their startup is incorporated or not and regardless of funding or revenue status.

Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm on January 31, 2024. Finalists will be notified within the week following. Learn more and apply by visiting https://thegritconference.com/startup-stage/.

Startup Stage is sponsored by ATDC. As Georgia's technology business incubator, ATDC assists entrepreneurs across the state from IDEA to commercial SUCCESS. To learn more about ATDC, visit https://atdc.org/.

With an expected attendance of 500+, the GRIT Conference will bring two full days of exciting and cutting-edge workshops, panels, and keynotes to Savannah on entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity topics. General admission tickets for the full conference are available now for $249 per ticket. VIP tickets, which include access to the VIP Lounge, a special sidecar lunch, and an invite to the VIP reception on the evening of February 28th, are available for $349 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at https://thegritconference.com/.

More About the GRIT Conference

The GRIT Conference is an event organized by The Creative Coast in Savannah, Georgia. The two-day conference features and connects leading designers, technologists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders from Savannah and beyond. Sessions showcase achievements in business, tech, and the arts, address our toughest challenges, and discuss emerging trends to give individuals access to new ideas and people to spark their momentum. Learn more at www.thegritconference.com.

About The Creative Coast

The Creative Coast is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the City of Savannah, the Georgia Southern Business Innovation Group, and the Advanced Technology Development Center. Our mission is to connect, support, and develop creative and technology entrepreneurs to impact our community's economy positively. We achieve our mission in Savannah through educational & social programs that connect and foster local innovation in large and small companies. To learn more about our organization, visit www.thecreativecoast.org.

December 2023 Newsletter

Dear BDC Community,

As we near the end of 2023, I'm excited to reflect on the impactful journey of the Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) since 2017. The BDC has become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in our region. Our unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem has created tangible influence in various dimensions.

This has translated into job creation, capital investment, and impactful partnerships with local businesses, enhancing the region's prosperity. We've planted seeds of innovation through CODEcamps and K-12 outreach events which have inspired countless young minds, shaping the aspirations of future tech enthusiasts and leaders. We've mentored college students, aspiring tech entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners through lunch & learns, hackathons, meetups, and mentorship programs. We've helped place entry-level and mid-career job seekers as well as transitioning military veterans into high-paying tech jobs in our region through resume building, coaching and introductions to new industries and industry leaders. The true success of the BDC lies in the immeasurable impact on individual lives and career paths. It's a transformative force instilling a culture of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, catalyzing positive change for years to come.

As we celebrate the impactful journey of the Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) throughout 2023, we invite you to strengthen our narrative with your insights. Help us substantiate our influence by participating in the 2023 BDC Member Wage Survey. Your input is vital, as it enables us to advocate for Beaufort's growing high-wage tech industry and attract employers to our region by telling a story using data from our members.

Please take a moment to contribute to this essential survey using the provided link below. Your company's information, combined with that of others, will shape an aggregated annual average wage and employment growth number, providing a comprehensive view of our collective impact.

Thank you for being an integral part of the BDC's success. Together, we can continue driving positive change in Beaufort's community.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Jess O'Brien, Executive Director

READ FULL NEWSLETTER