What We Do

Nurturing Beaufort's Technology Entrepreneurs | The Beaufort Digital Corridor nurtures and promotes technology entrepreneurs. Our BASEcamp facility - located in downtown Beaufort - provides scalable office space for tech startups and coworking desks for remote workers. BDC offers networking opportunities, continuing education, and member-driven programs to help grow the tech economy in the Lowcountry.

Talent

Opportunities Abound
LowcountryWorks Tech Business Directory, Talent Portal, CODEcamp, Game On!, Live Work Mentor

Spaces

Get Working
Work Spaces, Scalable Offices, Coworking Desks, Conference Room, Event and Meeting Space

Community

Peer Networking
TECHconnect, BASEcamp Gallery, Fridays @ the Corridor, Coworking @ the Corridor, Beaufort Free Wi-fi

Capital

Accelerating Growth
Regional Tech Investors, Capital-related Education, Pitch Events, Looking to add to Investors List
STATS

Latest News

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Dec 5, 2024

Beaufort Digital Corridor Announces Partnership with World’s Largest Pre-seed Accelerator

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Dec. 5, 2024) – The Beaufort Digital Corridor has been selected to lead the South Carolina chapter of the Founder Institute, the world's largest pre-seed accelerator. This program is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs launch and scale tech companies and will now be available to South Carolina's startup community.

The initiative aims to strengthen South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing founders with access to global resources, expert mentorship, and a structured curriculum focused on building scalable business models.

"This is a transformative opportunity for our local entrepreneurs," said Jess O'Brien, Executive Director of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. "By partnering with the Founder Institute, we're equipping Beaufort's founders with the tools and support they need to succeed and compete in a global market."

The Founder Institute operates in over 90 countries and has helped launch more than 6,500 companies that have collectively raised over $1.85 billion in funding. Its structured 14-week program helps early-stage founders validate their ideas, develop scalable products, and prepare for growth and fundraising.

Through this partnership, South Carolina entrepreneurs gain access to a global network of mentors and resources, positioning the state as a hub for innovation and high-growth startups.

Kickoff Events Announced

To celebrate the launch of the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter, the Beaufort Digital Corridor will host several events designed to engage entrepreneurs, investors, and community members:

  • Jan. 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. – Meet the South Carolina Startup Ecosystem**
    **Participants will be introduced to South Carolina's entrepreneurial landscape and key players in the ecosystem.
  • Jan. 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. – What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research**
    **Learn what makes successful entrepreneurs thrive, based on Founder Institute's global research and data from over 6,500 startups.
  • Feb. 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – Startup Funding in South Carolina, Featuring Venture South**
    **This session will provide a deep dive into funding opportunities for startups, featuring insights from Venture South, one of the region's leading angel investment groups.
  • Feb. 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. – Speed Mentoring: Get Feedback and Network with Top South Carolina Mentors**
    **Connect with experienced mentors for rapid, actionable feedback on your startup ideas and expand your network in the local entrepreneurial community.
  • Mar. 21-23, 2025 – Techstars Startup Weekend**
    **Join a 54-hour immersive event where entrepreneurs, developers, and creatives collaborate to turn ideas into startups with guidance from experienced mentors.

Applications and Timeline

Applications for the first cohort of the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter will open in early 2025, with the program officially kicking off in April. Additional events and deadlines leading up to the launch include:

  • Mar. 9, 2025 – Founder Institute Early Admissions Deadline
  • Apr. 13, 2025 – Founder Institute Final Admissions Deadline
  • Apr. 28, 2025 – Founder Institute Accelerator Kickoff**

**

Building South Carolina's Tech Economy

The partnership with the Founder Institute offers South Carolina startups a unique opportunity to leverage a proven framework, connect with global networks, and gain the skills necessary to succeed in today's competitive market. The program's focus on early-stage founders fills a critical gap in the state's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For more information about the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter or to register for upcoming events, visithttps://fi.co/core.

About the Beaufort Digital Corridor

The Beaufort Digital Corridor is an initiative dedicated to supporting technology entrepreneurs in Beaufort County. Through education, mentorship, and community-building, the organization fosters innovation and helps create a vibrant local economy.

Nov 5, 2024

November 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

As we move into this season of giving, I want to recognize the incredible impact you've made. Thanks to your support and energy during the Run Forrest Run 5K, we raised approximately $18,000! Because of you, this award will not only strengthen our programs but also nucleate the formation of new initiatives under the BDC Foundation, like Launch Beaufort, our upcoming tech accelerator program designed to ignite local innovation and empower startups, with an exciting launch by the new year. Together, you're helping make Beaufort a thriving tech hub, one step at a time.

With Giving Tuesday coming up on December 3, we're excited to share that there are many ways to continue giving beyond financial support: By showing up to network, mentoring an emerging tech professional, joining our board, or even exploring our part-time coding instructor role, you're building and inspiring our community. Your involvement directly shapes the BDC's future, and it's the heart of everything we do.

Another way to create lasting impact is by completing our annual impact survey. Your feedback guides our initiatives and strengthens our story, allowing us to demonstrate our return on investment to funders and stakeholders. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey by December 31, 2024, so that we can keep serving you better.

Thank you for your commitment to Beaufort's future. Together, we're creating something truly transformative.

With gratitude,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

Download my Digital Business Card

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Sep 20, 2024

Beaufort Digital Corridor Calls for Volunteers for the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K

We're seeking dedicated community members to volunteer and contribute to the success of the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K. Volunteers are needed from October 3rd to 5th, 2024, to assist in various roles critical for the event's efficient running.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Loading Assistance: Help is needed to load various supplies into vehicles to transport to Freedom Park, 1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC.
  • Registration: Volunteers are needed to check in participants and register new runners.
  • Race Packet Distribution: Team members are needed to distribute race bibs and t-shirts, ensuring runners are race-ready. Volunteers signing up for this task should assist on both October 4th & 5th. Training for both days will be provided during October 4th's packet pick-up.
  • Pre-Race Setup: Help is needed to arrange tables, tents, and other essential equipment to create an inviting and organized race environment.
  • Replenishing Runners: Volunteers are needed to run replenishment stations, which involve handing out water and fruit to recharge runners.

Volunteer Signup:

Those enthusiastic about helping to create an event that embodies the spirit of community, encourages healthy living, and promotes the joy of running should sign up to volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/SC/Beaufort/2019RunForrestRun5k

Volunteers aren't just contributing their time; they're enhancing the race experience for all involved while supporting the greater mission of the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation. Sign up today!

Sep 6, 2024

September 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

As we head into a new season, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates on our progress and the road ahead. Over the past few months, we've been hard at work laying the foundation for Beaufort's tech ecosystem, and I'm thrilled to see the momentum building.

One of our biggest initiatives, the Launch Beaufort 12-week incubator program, is gearing up to begin. This program is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the journey of launching a startup–-from ideation to execution. We've been inspired by the enthusiasm from the community, and we're eager to see the innovative ideas that will emerge from this cohort.

To ensure the success of this program, we're calling on our experienced members to step up as mentors. Your guidance can make a tremendous difference in shaping the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in Beaufort. If you're interested in mentoring, please sign up–-your expertise is invaluable.

For those looking to participate in the incubator, the waitlist is open! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts, so don't miss your chance to be part of something transformative. We'll be announcing the date and time for an info session for all who are interested in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to building Beaufort's tech community. Together, we're making significant strides, and I'm excited about the impact we'll create in the months to come.

Sign up to mentor >

Join our waitlist >

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

My Digital Business Card

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Aug 13, 2024

August 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

I'm excited to share the latest updates on our talent development initiatives this August. Beaufort, SC has become one of the best talent incubators in the state of South Carolina, and we're proud to offer a variety of programs to help further grow our community's success this fall.

  • Aspiring tech entrepreneurs: Unlock your potential with our 12-week accelerator program. From crafting a solid business plan to mastering first-year financial projections, we're here to ensure your startup thrives. Join our waitlist to learn more.
  • Startup founders and business owners: Gain valuable insights at our Lunch & Learn on Intellectual Property Law on August 14th. Protect your innovations and secure your business's future. RSVP to attend.
  • Career seekers: Propel your career forward with a cybersecurity certification through our COMPTIA Sec+ training or add your talent profile to our career site LowcountryWorks.
  • **Remote Workers: **Expand your network outside of the house at TECHconnect, our vibrant networking event held every third Thursday of the month. RSVP to attend.
  • **ENCOREpreneurs: **Use your wealth of experience to make a significant impact. Join us as a mentor and help guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. Sign up to mentor.
  • **Child Prodigies: **Fuel your child's passion for technology with CODEcamp, our engaging series that teaches kids the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and coding using SCRATCH. Sign-up today.

As we advance with our fall initiatives, community support is more critical than ever. Consider sponsoring a scholarship for one of these programs and help us nurture tomorrow's leaders.

SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

My Digital Business Card

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Jul 16, 2024

Beaufort Digital Corridor Opens T-Shirt Design Contest for the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K T-Shirt Design Contest! This contest calls on creative minds to design a t-shirt that captures the charm and spirit of our annual Run Forrest Run 5K event. Inspired by the iconic film Forrest Gump, the winning design will be worn by participants, symbolizing their achievement and connection to this beloved race. We aim for a design that evokes nostalgia, motivation, and the joy of running, while celebrating the community and fun atmosphere of the event. You'll find all to guidelines to help you design the winning  T-shirt below:

Design Inspirations:

  • Iconic Movie Elements: Incorporate recognizable elements from Forrest Gump such as running shoes, the famous bench, the "Run Forrest Run" phrase, or Forrest's signature hat. These references should be subtle yet instantly recognizable to fans.
  • Nature and Adventure: Reflect the beautiful outdoors, the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge and the sense of adventure that Forrest experienced on his runs, with elements like trees, birds, and open roads.
  • Heart and Humor: Capture the lighthearted, inspirational, and heartwarming spirit of Forrest Gump. Think of playful and motivational elements that bring a smile to participants' faces and embody the film's charm.

Design Constraints:

  • Printing Method: Screen Printing via our vendor of choice.
  • Color Limitations: No limits on color usage.
  • T-Shirt Color: Designs should be on a white background. The final t-shirt color may be influenced by the winning design.

Design Area and Specs:

  • Design Area: Standard print area 12"x13.5" front of the shirt only.
  • T-Shirt Specs: SanMar White T-Shirt

Submission Timeline:

  • Submission Period: July 16 - August 31
  • Committee Review: Top 3 designs will be selected and posted for voting
  • Voting Period: September 3 - 8 via Facebook
  • Winner Announcement: September 9, 2 PM EST

Prize:

  • Winner Receives: $300 cash prize and 2 free race vouchers for the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K.

Approval Process:

  • Submission: Designs should be submitted through our Google Form.
  • Review: A committee will select the top 3 designs for public voting.
  • Voting: The community will vote for their favorite design on Facebook.
  • Final Selection: The design with the most votes will be the winner.

Communication:

  • Preferred Communication: Email
  • Email: info@beaufortdigital.com

We can't wait to see your creative designs and share them with our running community. Good luck to all participants!

SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN

Jul 3, 2024

Beaufort Women in Tech Makes Waves with Beaufort Lifestyle Magazine Article

We're excited to announce that the 2nd anniversary of our Beaufort Women in Tech Meetup is featured in the July issue of Beaufort Lifestyle magazine. We hope the article, which serves as a beacon for women in technology throughout the Lowcountry, helps those seeking support in their career discover the Beaufort Digital Corridor and ultimately find our supportive community of women in tech. Credit for crafting the story goes to Debra Hull, a friend of the BDC and vice president of Events of a Lifetime Productions, who excitedly agreed to write the piece. Check out the article today on page 44. Within the article, you'll read about our mission, how we've impacted the women in our community, and our future goals for Beaufort Women in Tech.

Upcoming Events

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Dec 16, 2024, 10:00am

DEMO DAY: May River High School Engineering Class Senior Design Projects

A Beaufort County Public School

This is an invitation from the May River High School - PLTW Engineering Program

To attend the Senior Design Project presentations for the Engineering and Design Course

Who should attend?

Any Local National Engineering, Design, Business leaders or Community Members interested in Engineering, Innovation or Design.

(The program will be a Trade Show Style presentation) Each Design Group will create a booth/table that will be used to communicate their solution to their perceived problem. Participants can visit each booth and interact, ask questions, and leave feedback for each group. Participants can visit between the hours of 10:00am to 12:30pm.

The Purpose of the Presentations:

The presentations will be in the traditional Trade Show Style format that will allow the students to set up a booth and explain their design projects.

Participants will be made up of Business, Educational, and Community leaders along with Parents and other Student guests.

These participants are potential future employers, references, or maybe even business partners or investors.

Students will post their Design Project Materials that consist of their groups Digital Engineering Notebook, Product and Presentation Exit Surveys, and their pre-recorded video presentations.

These media items will be made available before the trade show (December 16th), so participants can gain insight into the group's design process and allow the participants time to develop .

Participants will be asked to complete the short Presentation Exit Survey for each group they visited for the students to receive valuable real world feedback about their design projects.

EDD Projects being presented by the groups are:

Group 1 Thermal Regulator End Cap Adapter

Group 2 Plug-Plod

Group 3 Tennis Ball Launcher

Group 4 Athlecone

Group 5 Bottle Hose Attachment

Group 6 EZ Wash

Where:

Participants can visit the Student Design Groups at the

Beaufort Digital Corridor

500 Carteret St. Beaufort, SC

Time of the event: 10am to 12:30pm

Thank you for your help,

Mr. Cooper and the May River Senior PLTW Engineering Students

Cory C. Cooper

May River High School

PLTW Instructor

601 New Riverside Rd, SC 29910

Office Phone: 843-836-4070

Email: cory.cooper@beaufort.k12.sc.us

Dec 18, 2024, 12:00pm

Lunch, Learn & Earn | Community Commerce Unveiled: Boost Your Business

The co-op brand builder, Chuck Livecchi, visits the BDC to talk about a program created to help local businesses buy better and sell more. Chuck will introduce us to "Community Commerce", an economic development model and strategic marketing program. During the talk, you'll explore opportunities to encourage local economics with the help of social influencers. Learn how the program works, how influencers play a vital role in "Community Commerce," and the incentives available for influencers' contributions.

Reserve your seat today for this Lunch, Learn & Earn! Don't miss this opportunity to make the most of your lunch break in Downtown Beaufort, SC.

Dec 19, 2024, 5:30pm

TECHconnect | Town Hall Holiday Party

Join the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation for a festive evening to celebrate our tech community's progress and connect with fellow ecosystem supporters. Hear about new, exciting BDC programs, meet our board, bring your questions for a Q&A, and discover ways to get involved with the BDC. You'll enjoy networking with technology professionals, business professionals, and local politicians over a catered holiday reception. RSVP now to attend this free event open to the public and close the year on a high note.

Jan 7, 2025, 6:00pm

Cybersecurity Certification Course: COMPTIA Sec+ Prep

Are you interested in a career in cybersecurity? Our Cybersecurity Certificate Prep course for CompTIA Sec+ is the perfect next step. Our comprehensive course covers all the topics required for the Sec+ certification exam, including network security, compliance and operational security, and threats and vulnerabilities.

Our course is designed to be accessible to students of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. With our expert instructors and flexible online format, you can learn at your own pace and get the support you need to succeed.

Through our bootcamp-style course, you'll learn about network security, threat intelligence, risk management, and much more. Our online course allows you to complete the curriculum at your own pace, with weekly office hours available for additional support.

Don't wait to take the next step in your cybersecurity career. Enroll in our Cybersecurity Certificate prep course for CompTIA Sec+ today!

Enroll Now and Secure Your Future in Cybersecurity!

Jan 14, 2025, 10:00am

Coffee Convos at Corner Perk

Looking to spark your creativity and connect with a community of go-getters in Beaufort, SC? Welcome to Coffee Convos, where captivating discussions with tech professionals will leave you inspired! Coffee Convos presents the perfect opportunity to expand your network, discuss issues relevant to the tech industry, and acquire valuable information to steer your startup toward success. Modeled after Lean Coffee gatherings, we encourage everyone to bring a topic for us to discuss. This month, we're meeting at Corner Perk. Save your spot and join the conversation monthly on the second Tuesday.

Jan 14, 2025, 5:30pm

Pitch Practice

Pitch Practice presents an exclusive opportunity for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to hone their presentation skills, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and attract investors like pros!

We invite some of the best mentors in the Lowcountry to attend Pitch Practice. At any event, you may receive indispensable feedback from experienced mentors including Chad St. Onge, Eric Siano, Henrik de Gyor, Katherine Butkevich, Rich Conte, Rick & Ann Case, or Raquel Padgett. Our experts will provide constructive feedback to help you enhance your delivery, storytelling, and presentation effectiveness.

Whether you want to secure funding, gain partnerships, or improve your communication skills, this event will give you a competitive edge. From seasoned pros to those new to pitching, all are welcome. Register now because this event will help you advance your business.

Jan 17, 2025, 8:00am

Partner Event | CONVERGE: 2025 Lowcountry Economic Development Summit

Make plans now to join the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation on Friday, January 17th, 2025 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. for the fifth-annual CONVERGE Lowcountry Economic Development Summit.

CONVERGE is all about facilitating collaboration and working together to propel the local economy forward. Every year, hundreds of local business and government leaders and community members come together for a dynamic morning of networking and collaboration, inspired by a common vision of making the Lowcountry the best place in the country to live and do business.

Come network with local change agents and deal makers, hear updates about the latest successes throughout the region and what's on the economic development horizon, and more!