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 > 

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 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

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)