Beaufort, SC Coworking Offices & Tech Incubator

April 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

March brought forth an incredible showcase of our community's collaborative spirit during Beaufort Tech Week. One of our standout contributions to this weeklong festival was Techstars Startup Weekend, a high-octane pitch-a-thon that truly embodied the essence of innovation. We are thrilled to share the highlights of this event with you!

Let's talk numbers: 87 attendees, 15 brilliant ideas pitched, 3 dynamic teams formed, and the generous support of 16 sponsors. These statistics reflect not just participation but the collective energy and enthusiasm that fueled this remarkable weekend.

The competing teams showcased a diverse range of ideas, including BarkLink, Words of Beaufort, and MySafeCyber. BarkLink proposed a concept aimed at sourcing funding for animal shelters through crowdsourced dog food purchases, while Words of Beaufort presented an app designed to provide walking history lessons about Beaufort's rich heritage. MySafeCyber, a cybersecurity company focused on aiding small businesses with their cyber needs, emerged victorious.

The event was a resounding testament to Beaufort's thriving tech ecosystem, from groundbreaking startup pitches to the palpable buzz of our community coming together. It's a testament to the vibrant talent and innovative ideas that continue to shape the landscape of our city and beyond.

As we continue on this journey of growth and progress, we're eager to keep you informed about the latest developments and initiatives within the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Expect updates on local startups, upcoming events, and exciting opportunities for collaboration that showcase the remarkable strides we're making together.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to making Beaufort a beacon of innovation and growth.

Ready to join the ranks of tech professionals shaping the future? Become a member of Beaufort Digital Corridor today and gain access to exclusive networking events, cutting-edge resources, and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of our dynamic community! Join Us

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

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March 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

As we step into the vibrant month of March, I am thrilled to welcome you all to another exciting chapter in our journey of innovation and growth here in Beaufort. Can you feel the energy buzzing in the air? Our city is alive with the promise of what lies ahead.

March is a particularly special time for us as we gear up to celebrate Beaufort Tech Week from March 18th to 24th. This week-long series of events is a testament to our thriving innovation ecosystem, bringing together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to explore, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what's possible.

The finale of Beaufort Tech Week is our third annual Techstars_ Startup Weekend Beaufort event. This dynamic gathering is a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, where bright minds come together to transform ideas into reality. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer to the startup scene, this event promises inspiration, learning, and endless opportunities.

I encourage each and every one of you to mark your calendars, clear your schedules, and join us for what promises to be an exhilarating month filled with insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable networking opportunities.

Let's embrace the spirit of innovation, seize the opportunities before us, and continue to fuel the momentum of growth in our beloved Beaufort.

Here's to a March filled with endless possibilities!

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

My Digital Business Card

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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

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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

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