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 > 

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.

July 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

I am thrilled to share exciting news from a very productive summer for our organization. We kicked off the season with our 2nd annual Beaufort Women in Tech Anniversary, celebrating the incredible contributions and achievements of women in the tech industry. This event was a testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive tech community.

Building off this momentum, we are pleased to introduce two new board members and one new staff member to our team. Please join us in welcoming Amy Doerflinger, Gary Baldwin, and Jasmine Vargas. Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts and bring fresh perspectives to our initiatives. You can learn more about each of them in the newsletter below.

Speaking of changes to the board, we would also like to announce Rich Conte as our new Chair-Elect. Rich brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission, and we are excited to have him in this new leadership role. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chair, Melissa Venable, for her exceptional leadership and contributions over the past three years. Melissa's guidance has been instrumental in shaping the BDC, and we are deeply grateful for her service.

Perhaps the most significant development this summer is the launch of our charitable foundation, Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation. The Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation (BDCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing digital literacy and fostering economic empowerment through education and talent development. Our mission is to provide accessible educational pathways and opportunities for individuals to upskill and thrive in high-wage tech jobs, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, we aim to drive innovation and prosperity in the Beaufort community. Read the full press release here.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we need your support. We have set an initial fundraising goal of $10,000 to kickstart our programs and initiatives. Your generous contribution will play a vital role in making our vision a reality. Be one of our first donors and help us create a more inclusive and prosperous economy for everyone in Beaufort.

To donate, please visit https://givebutter.com/bdcfoundation. Your support will make a significant impact on the lives of many aspiring tech professionals in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the mission of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Together, we can drive innovation, foster diversity, and create lasting economic growth.

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

My Digital Business Card

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Beaufort Digital Corridor Launches Foundation to Drive Digital Literacy and Economic Empowerment

Beaufort, SC, June 28, 2024 – Today, the Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) announces the launch of the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation (BDCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing digital literacy and fostering economic empowerment through education and talent development in the Beaufort community.

The Foundation's mission, encapsulated by the theme "A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats," underscores its commitment to ensuring that every member of the community thrives in the digital age.

"This Foundation marks a pivotal moment for the Beaufort Digital Corridor," said Jess O'Brien, Executive Director of the BDC. "Our mission is clear: to provide comprehensive support and educational opportunities that prepare individuals for success in high-demand tech fields. By launching this 501(c)(3), we address the immediate need for digital skills while laying the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity. We envision a future where every individual navigates and excels in the digital landscape. Investing in talent development not only empowers individuals but also strengthens our local economy."

This new 501(c)(3) charitable Foundation complements the BDC's 501(c)(6) Membership Organization, which empowers tech startups with talent, space, community, and capital support. While the Membership Organization supports business interests, the Foundation focuses on individual development, ensuring community members thrive in the digital age.

The Foundation's launch responds to technology's evolving impact on industries and job opportunities. Through tax-deductible donations and grants, the Foundation funds community programs such as digital skills workshops, coding boot camps, and mentorship programs for aspiring tech professionals and digital learners of all ages.

To kick off, the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation sets an initial fundraising goal of $10,000. Contributions will launch educational programs, mentorship, and skills development workshops bridging the technology skills gap.

"We invite the community to join us in building a more inclusive and prosperous Beaufort," added Jess O'Brien. Together, we strengthen a tech ecosystem that benefits everyone."

To donate to the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation, visit https://givebutter.com/bdcfoundation.

About Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation:

Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. (EIN: 99-2686137)

The Beaufort Digital Corridor Announces Its Run Forrest Run 5K Returns for the Fourth Year

The Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) is excited to announce that its annual fundraiser, the Run Forrest Run 5K, returns on October 5th, 2024. Captivating Forrest Gump fans and avid runners alike, this is the race's fourth year opening the famous Woods Memorial Bridge to all who, like Forrest, just feel like running. Registration is now open, and EARLY BIRD TICKETS are selling quickly.

The Run Forrest Run 5K leads runners through beautiful, historic Downtown Beaufort. The race, which begins on Bay Street, takes racers over the same iconic bridge Gump treks across in the Forrest Gump movie. This family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, pets, and children of all ages to participate. All attending are encouraged to don their best Forrest Gump getup and race to the finish line in hopes of claiming the Fastest Forrest Award.

The Run Forrest Run 5K serves as the BDC's grandest fundraiser. All proceeds support programs that provide accessible educational pathways and opportunities for individuals to upskill and thrive in high-wage tech jobs. Last year, the race drew in just over 500 runners from across the Lowcountry and neighboring states. The Corridor hopes to surpass those numbers this year to support its new charitable foundation. Additionally, those interested in supporting our mission further can give a tax-deductible donation to the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation (BDCF) which is the new 501(c)(3) arm of the BDC. The BDCF is dedicated to advancing economic growth and social equity by empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology. Donate HERE to support this mission.

Runners can join the Beaufort Triple Crown Race Series (BTC) which supports three local nonprofits. The BTC, which includes the Run Forrest Run 5K, is a collection of races hosted in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the LowCountry and Holy Trinity Classical Christian School. The series comprises the Swing Bridge Run happening November 2nd and the Turkey Trot 5K scheduled for November 28th. Dedicated runners can sign up HERE to participate in all three races and support multiple impactful organizations.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you're interested in sponsoring the 2024 Run Forrest Run 5K, please send a completed sponsorship form to info@beaufortdigital.com.

Moments from the 2023 Run Forrest Run 5K

June 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends of the BDC,

As we transition into summer, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the profound impact we are making in our community. At the Beaufort Digital Corridor, we believe in the power of collective growth and the idea that "a rising tide lifts all boats". This principle guides our mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement throughout Beaufort.

In May, we wrapped up an extraordinary program at Whale Branch Early College High School that exemplifies this philosophy. Our pilot initiative, CybStart, aimed to empower young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tech industry. Over the course of 1 week, we worked closely with students in 3 separate IT Fundamentals classes, guiding them through the essentials of entrepreneurship and technology, impacting a total of 45 students.

CybStart is more than just an educational program; it is a launchpad for future leaders and innovators. We provided these dedicated students with hands-on training in pitching startups, conducting market validation, and developing lean canvases. Additionally, the program emphasized the importance of soft skills, pairing them with entrepreneurial know-how to ensure these young entrepreneurs are well-rounded and ready to lead.

The results were nothing short of inspiring. Students who participated in CybStart displayed remarkable creativity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. They learned not only to create viable business models but also to communicate their ideas effectively and work collaboratively. By the end of the program, each student had developed a unique startup concept, ready to be further refined and potentially brought to market.

As we reflect on this success, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners, supporters, and the broader Beaufort community. Your continued support and belief in our mission enable us to create such impactful programs and opportunities. Together, we are cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that benefits everyone.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum and expand our reach, offering more programs that empower individuals and drive community growth. We believe that by lifting each other up, we can achieve extraordinary things.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Your support is invaluable, and together, we will continue to elevate our community, proving that indeed, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Cheers,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

My Digital Business Card

READ FULL NEWSLETTER HERE >