Two new opportunities for Charleston entrepreneurs
According to
Under30CEO Charleston ranks third as a top city for young entrepreneurs in the small cities category (Small Cities: Population 100,000 – 250,000.
)
You have a great idea for a
new business and you recognize you can benefit from both mentoring and funding. How do you find the resources to help you achieve your goal?
Two new Charleston area options are available to both entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The Harbor – Charleston’s Business Accelerator
My colleague Patrick Bryant, who is an entrepreneur many times over – who is one of the partners in
Go To Team and other enterprises – is working with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Mount Pleasant to support the emergence of new enterprise in the Lowcountry.
Patrick wrote this week about his new concept
Do you know anyone thinking about starting a business? The Harbor – Charleston’s Business Accelerator is looking for 8 great start-up companies!
The start-ups are going to get free work space, internet, power, daily access to me and John Osborne, entrepreneur mentorship, 90 minutes of curriculum each week, and when they graduate a pitch event to investors. It will be a 14 week commitment with each start-up working 40 hours (or more) per week starting Jan. 2ending at the pitch event April 10th.
Here is the link to learn more: http://theharboraccelerator.com/.
Because Patrick is passionate about entrepreneurialism and Charleston and he’s got the chops to prove it, this opportunity is one which I’d highly recommend.
Patrick recently told me that The Harbor came together quickly to fill a need which he and others identified.
If you have a serious business concept which you want to work diligently to start, and want mentorship from truly experienced business people, as well as an environment where you will be nurtured and guided, check out The Harbor Accelerator.
Funding opportunities
Funding start-ups can be difficult. Local banks which have always been a good source of funding, are very careful and evaluate new business plans with a far more critical eye than prior to the economic downturn. Just because your concept has potential, shows a demonstrated demand and can identify a good target market doesn’t mean you’ll get funding.
Enter the local crowdfunding opportunity CrowdfundingCHS which seeks emerging businesses and provides them an opportunity to raise funds. Other crowdfunding platforms exist such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. (Check out this
list of crowdfunders from Forbes.com.) However, what is unique is that FundingCharleston is a local platform for Charleston entrepreneurs. FundingCHS is offering a workshop aimed at helping businesses achieve crowdfunding success.
CrowdfundingCHS Presents:
An Open Forum on How to increase your Campaign Success
Monday, October 21, 2013 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Presented by fundingcharleston.com
Who is it for?
–Anyone running a campaign or thinking of running a campaign
Why come?
–Learn from those who have run or are currently running campaigns
Key takeaways?
–Social media tools, Branding concepts, and Inside Scoop on Crowdfunding
Space is limited – RSVP Today! (via EventBrite)
Hosted by fundingcharleston at Biz Inc. off Houston Northcutt Blvd across from Village Pointe Shopping Center
100 Ann Edwards Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
SCORE classes
Another longstanding opportunity for locals wanting mentorship and advice is
SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives.) We support SCORE in many ways – including hosting their website as our donation to entrepreneurship – and by presenting at SCORE workshops from time to time.
SCORE workshops aide new business owners and developers gain the business skills they need and write business plans.
Make it happen
With so many great opportunities, and the business positive environment in the Charleston area, you can succeed. All it takes is a really good concept, funding, vision, hard work and you will be off and running.
Need assistance with public relations and marketing for your new business?
Check out our package of services for start-ups.
Tell us, what was most helpful to you when you started your new business?