Beaufort, SC Coworking Offices & Tech Incubator

June 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we head into the summer months, many of us are thinking about sunshine, rest, and well-earned time away. But at the Beaufort Digital Corridor, this is when we're gearing up–-with intention–-for the year ahead.

As we close out our fiscal year on June 30, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we've accomplished together–-and invite you to help us carry that momentum forward.

Thanks to your support, this year we:

• Awarded69 cybersecurity scholarships
• Supported109 startups and remote workers
• Hosted102 training workshops and events
• Welcomed13 new businesses to Beaufort
• Incubated16 app and game developers
• Added43 new mentors and venture partners to our network

Each of these milestones represents the heartbeat of our mission: nurturing Beaufort's tech talent, growing our innovation economy, and creating opportunities right here at home.

Now, as we step into a new fiscal year, we're committed to deepening our impact–-through hands-on training, mentorship, startup support, and inclusive pathways into the digital workforce.

As we look to our next chapter, we need your help to keep this momentum going.

Your gift–-especially a monthly donation–-helps us:

• Expand local tech training
• Support startups that grow our economy
• Equip the workforce of tomorrow

MAKE A DONATION

You'll be joining a growing group of supporters who believe in a vibrant, resilient Beaufort. The deadline is June 30–-help us enter the new fiscal year strong.

With deep gratitude,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

Download my Digital Business Card

VIEW FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Important Summer Schedule Update: Coffee Convos and Pitch Practice

We're taking a short summer break from hosting Coffee Convos and Pitch Practice during June and July. Both programs are scheduled to return on August 12 (the second Tuesday of the month). In the meantime, there are two ways you can stay engaged with us:

• Join our Coffee Convos WhatsApp Group to keep the conversation flowing.
• Attend Founder Institute's Pitch Practice Events to keep those pitches sharp!

Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy your summer!

May 2025 Newsletter

Hi Friends!

April was South Carolina Innovation Month–-and here in Beaufort, we just wrapped up our most exciting Techstars Startup Weekend yet! Over the course of 54 hours, we welcomed 38 attendees, heard 8 pitches, and watched 3 teams form around promising new business ideas. Congratulations to BetterMatch–-this year's winning team–-whose platform helps home maintenance professionals filter qualified leads using chatbot integration and Net Promoter Scores. We're excited to share that the BetterMatch team is still working together. Since the event, they've continued building their business, are rebranding their platform, and remain committed to bringing their idea to market. This kind of follow-through is exactly why we support early-stage founders–-from first pitch to long-term success. Read the full event recap and see photos from the weekend here.

Next up, we're now accepting early applications for our Fall Startup Incubator, powered by the Founder Institute. This 12-week accelerator is designed for aspiring tech entrepreneurs who want to go from idea to investable startup–-with structured support, global mentorship, and a proven curriculum. If you're ready to turn your idea into a business, apply now at fi.co/south-carolina. The early deadline is August 17.

Closer to home, we're excited to see continued momentum in our regional innovation ecosystem. Both TL+Co and TS Conductor have announced new operations in Beaufort and surrounding counties–-bringing jobs, investment, and energy to our growing tech corridor. Read the full press releases on our website for more on these exciting developments.

As we enter a new season of planning and strategy, we want to hear from you. We're inviting all members and prospective members to help shape the future of the BDC by participating in our upcoming Strategic Planning Input Workshop:

BDC Member Roundtable
Thursday, May 8
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Upstairs Hargray Conference Room

Whether you're a current or prospective member, your insights will help guide the Beaufort Digital Corridor's future priorities. This session will be highly interactive, member-focused, and designed to ensure your voice is part of the path forward.

As always, if you have news to share, milestones to celebrate, or would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, reach out to us at info@beaufortdigital.com. We love highlighting the work and wins of our member community.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. We look forward to building what's next–-together.

Stay Innovative,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

Download my Digital Business Card

VIEW FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Spring Art Exhibition Unveiled at BASEcamp Gallery Featuring Local Artist Lanier Bradberry

BASEcamp Gallery at the Beaufort Digital Corridor is blooming with new life this spring, showcasing vibrant works by local artist Lanier Bradberry. Those coworking at the tech incubator this season are experiencing a daily dose of fresh art.

Lining the walls of the Corridor are impressionistic paintings of ocean scenery and close-ups of sealife from Lanier Bradberry. Thirteen years a local, Lanier Bradberry is an artist hailing from the Peach State. Lanier's work can be seen around Beaufort and Bluffton, as she is the muralist behind the Fordham Mural adorning Beaufort Wine Bar and the painter behind the Marsh Collection at Collins Group Realty. She was also one of this year's Chalk It Up! Festival artists who colored the pavement with her 'Bay Street Reality' chalk design.

The Corridor invites all art lovers to tour the gallery and will soon hold an exhibition with an artist meet-and-greet. The gallery show happens on First Friday, June 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and event details are available at beaufortdigital.com/events. The first twenty-five attendees will enjoy light refreshments while browsing the gallery. Until the event, BDC members and the public are welcome to gaze upon the twenty pieces that went up on April 22nd.

"My experience with the Beaufort Arts Corridor has been far from ordinary," shares Lanier Bradberry. "This light, airy space is so inviting to hang artwork and get some work done as well. Angela and Jessica have been so incredibly helpful and supportive throughout this process. Progressing as a young artist, I feel very grateful to be a part of this community that is so passionate about the arts growing."

Lanier Bradberry is an emerging artist residing in Beaufort, South Carolina. She works in several disciplines, including painting, murals, photography, tie-dyeing, and printmaking. Lanier started creating and selling art professionally in 2017 and is attending the Studio Art program at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). She graduates this May with a Bachelor's of Fine Art.

GET TO KNOW THE ARTIST

TL+CO Business Solutions Selects Beaufort County to Establish First South Carolina Operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO), a business solutions provider, today announced it selects Beaufort County to establish the company's first South Carolina operation. The $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.____

Headquartered in Utah, TL+CO develops, integrates, and implements strategic actions that add value and increase bandwidth for clients. The company's business intelligence and strategic supply chain management services primarily serve the aerospace, defense, space and automotive sectors.____

TL+CO's new 15,000-square-foot facility, located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, will serve as a value-add distribution and kitting facility.____

Operations are expected to be online in April 2025. Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosolutions.com).____

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Beaufort County to assist with the costs of building construction and building improvements.____

QUOTES____

"We're thrilled to call Beaufort County home. The Lowcountry's skilled workforce, strong sense of community and pro-business environment made this an easy decision. One of the most compelling reasons to locate here is the steady pipeline of talent – especially the 800 service members who transition out of the military from local Marine bases each year. We look forward to growing in Beaufort County and contributing to its vibrant economic future."____

-TL+CO Business Solutions President and CEO Linda Martinez and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tim DiDonato____

"Recognizing South Carolina's competitive business environment and world-class workforce, TL+CO Business Solutions has chosen the right place to invest, creating 35 new jobs. We are proud to welcome TL+CO to Beaufort County and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come."____

-Gov. Henry McMaster____

"TL+CO Business Solutions' announcement today is further proof that South Carolina's pro business climate and dynamic workforce make our state an ideal site for new businesses. We look forward to partnering with TL+CO as it establishes operations in Beaufort County and continues to grow and thrive."____

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III____

"We are thrilled to welcome TL+CO Business Solutions to Beaufort County. Their decision to invest here reflects the strength of our workforce, the vibrancy of our community and the endless opportunities our region offers for business growth and innovation."____

-Beaufort County Council Chairwoman Alice Howard____

"SouthernCarolina Alliance salutes TL+CO for choosing Beaufort County as a home to their warehousing and distribution operations, which will be a great addition to the growing logistics industry in the region. We are grateful for the 35 jobs that will be created over the next five years, as each one represent a brighter future for someone in our region. SCA is pleased to support this project, and we congratulate Beaufort County on this announcement. We look forward to working with the company and Beaufort County to help TL+CO grow their operations in the coming years."____

-SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls____

FIVE FAST FACTS____

• TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO) selects Beaufort County to establish the company's first South Carolina operation.____

• The company's $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.____

• TL+CO is a business solutions provider.____

• The company will be located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, S.C.____

• Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosoltuions.com).____

About S.C. Commerce____

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation.As the state's lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state's long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy –- one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. **For more information, visit **www.sccommerce.com.____

MEDIA CONTACT:____

Kelly Coakley____

Director of Marketing and Communications____

South Carolina Department of Commerce____

(803) 737-1998____

kcoakley@sccommerce.com____

www.SCcommerce.com

BetterMatch Wins Top Prize at Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort 2025

BEAUFORT, S.C. –- A team of four entrepreneurs took home first place at Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort 2025 after pitching a lead generation platform designed to streamline backend operations for home maintenance professionals. The three-day event, hosted by the Beaufort Digital Corridor, brought together 38 participants who pitched eight original startup ideas and formed three teams over the course of 54 hours.

The winning team, BetterMatch, proposed a modern alternative to platforms like Angie's List. Their concept uses chatbot integration and Net Promoter Scores to identify and qualify service leads, helping electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople reduce administrative workload and focus on their core business. To validate the idea, the team reached out to employees of Angie's List and gathered direct feedback on what works and what doesn't.

BetterMatch includes Connor Floyd, a computer science graduate from the University of South Carolina Beaufort; Tristan Vance, a public sector representative; Andres Marquez, a senior consultant in data engineering and tech innovation; and Jessica Macmillan, an advertising and editorial photographer.

The top prize package includes minimum viable product development sponsored by LowCountry Games; a VIP trip to Charleston with a private tour of the Charleston Digital Corridor and a class at the Charleston Learning Center; a four-week intellectual property advisory program through Longship Legal; a marketing strategy consultation with Soiree Social Media; a fellowship to the 14-week Founder Institute accelerator; a one-year membership to the Beaufort Digital Corridor; a pitch opportunity at an upcoming TechConnect event; and a feature on BDC's website and social media.

All event participants also received startup perks such as AWS credits through Brex, SaaS discounts through Deel, Google Cloud credits, and design tool discounts from Desygner. Additional giveaways included tech accessories provided by CaseFactor.io.

The event was organized by Jess O'Brien and Angela Coxe of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Mentors included Rich Conte, Amy Doerflinger, Henrik de Gyor, and Eric Siano. Fourteen sponsors contributed to the success of the weekend including Technical College of the Lowcountry, AlphaGraphics, Beaufort County Economic Development Corp, Lowcountry Games, University of South Carolina Beaufort, City of Beaufort, South Carolina Research Authority, South Coast Cyber Center, 303 Associates, ABC Storage & Rental, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, Evolve Into Fitness & Nutrition, Piace Pizza, and ShellRing Aleworks.

Techstars Startup Weekend is designed to introduce aspiring entrepreneurs to the fast-paced world of startups. Participants gain hands-on experience building a company, working in teams, and pitching to judges.

The weekend is just the beginning of a longer entrepreneurial journey. Beaufort Digital Corridor, local organizer of the event, offers continued support through mentorship, networking, and programs such as the Founder Institute's 14-week pre-seed accelerator, which begins its next cohort on October 14, 2025. https://fi.co/south-carolina

Photos from the weekend are available on Facebook at Beaufort Digital Corridor Accelerators. For more information or to get involved, visit www.beaufortdigital.com/events.

Media Contact:
Jess O'Brien
Executive Director
Beaufort Digital Corridor
jess@beaufortdigital.com