Beaufort, SC Coworking Offices & Tech Incubator

May 2025 Newsletter

Hi Friends!

April was South Carolina Innovation Month–-and here in Beaufort, we just wrapped up our most exciting Techstars Startup Weekend yet! Over the course of 54 hours, we welcomed 38 attendees, heard 8 pitches, and watched 3 teams form around promising new business ideas. Congratulations to BetterMatch–-this year's winning team–-whose platform helps home maintenance professionals filter qualified leads using chatbot integration and Net Promoter Scores. We're excited to share that the BetterMatch team is still working together. Since the event, they've continued building their business, are rebranding their platform, and remain committed to bringing their idea to market. This kind of follow-through is exactly why we support early-stage founders–-from first pitch to long-term success. Read the full event recap and see photos from the weekend here.

Next up, we're now accepting early applications for our Fall Startup Incubator, powered by the Founder Institute. This 12-week accelerator is designed for aspiring tech entrepreneurs who want to go from idea to investable startup–-with structured support, global mentorship, and a proven curriculum. If you're ready to turn your idea into a business, apply now at fi.co/south-carolina. The early deadline is August 17.

Closer to home, we're excited to see continued momentum in our regional innovation ecosystem. Both TL+Co and TS Conductor have announced new operations in Beaufort and surrounding counties–-bringing jobs, investment, and energy to our growing tech corridor. Read the full press releases on our website for more on these exciting developments.

As we enter a new season of planning and strategy, we want to hear from you. We're inviting all members and prospective members to help shape the future of the BDC by participating in our upcoming Strategic Planning Input Workshop:

BDC Member Roundtable
Thursday, May 8
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Upstairs Hargray Conference Room

Whether you're a current or prospective member, your insights will help guide the Beaufort Digital Corridor's future priorities. This session will be highly interactive, member-focused, and designed to ensure your voice is part of the path forward.

As always, if you have news to share, milestones to celebrate, or would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, reach out to us at info@beaufortdigital.com. We love highlighting the work and wins of our member community.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. We look forward to building what's next–-together.

Stay Innovative,

Jess O'Brien

Executive Director at Beaufort Digital Corridor

Download my Digital Business Card

VIEW FULL NEWSLETTER HERE > 

Spring Art Exhibition Unveiled at BASEcamp Gallery Featuring Local Artist Lanier Bradberry

BASEcamp Gallery at the Beaufort Digital Corridor is blooming with new life this spring, showcasing vibrant works by local artist Lanier Bradberry. Those coworking at the tech incubator this season are experiencing a daily dose of fresh art.

Lining the walls of the Corridor are impressionistic paintings of ocean scenery and close-ups of sealife from Lanier Bradberry. Thirteen years a local, Lanier Bradberry is an artist hailing from the Peach State. Lanier's work can be seen around Beaufort and Bluffton, as she is the muralist behind the Fordham Mural adorning Beaufort Wine Bar and the painter behind the Marsh Collection at Collins Group Realty. She was also one of this year's Chalk It Up! Festival artists who colored the pavement with her 'Bay Street Reality' chalk design.

The Corridor invites all art lovers to tour the gallery and will soon hold an exhibition with an artist meet-and-greet. The gallery show happens on First Friday, June 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and event details are available at beaufortdigital.com/events. The first twenty-five attendees will enjoy light refreshments while browsing the gallery. Until the event, BDC members and the public are welcome to gaze upon the twenty pieces that went up on April 22nd.

"My experience with the Beaufort Arts Corridor has been far from ordinary," shares Lanier Bradberry. "This light, airy space is so inviting to hang artwork and get some work done as well. Angela and Jessica have been so incredibly helpful and supportive throughout this process. Progressing as a young artist, I feel very grateful to be a part of this community that is so passionate about the arts growing."

Lanier Bradberry is an emerging artist residing in Beaufort, South Carolina. She works in several disciplines, including painting, murals, photography, tie-dyeing, and printmaking. Lanier started creating and selling art professionally in 2017 and is attending the Studio Art program at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). She graduates this May with a Bachelor's of Fine Art.

GET TO KNOW THE ARTIST

TL+CO Business Solutions Selects Beaufort County to Establish First South Carolina Operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO), a business solutions provider, today announced it selects Beaufort County to establish the company's first South Carolina operation. The $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.____

Headquartered in Utah, TL+CO develops, integrates, and implements strategic actions that add value and increase bandwidth for clients. The company's business intelligence and strategic supply chain management services primarily serve the aerospace, defense, space and automotive sectors.____

TL+CO's new 15,000-square-foot facility, located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, will serve as a value-add distribution and kitting facility.____

Operations are expected to be online in April 2025. Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosolutions.com).____

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Beaufort County to assist with the costs of building construction and building improvements.____

QUOTES____

"We're thrilled to call Beaufort County home. The Lowcountry's skilled workforce, strong sense of community and pro-business environment made this an easy decision. One of the most compelling reasons to locate here is the steady pipeline of talent – especially the 800 service members who transition out of the military from local Marine bases each year. We look forward to growing in Beaufort County and contributing to its vibrant economic future."____

-TL+CO Business Solutions President and CEO Linda Martinez and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tim DiDonato____

"Recognizing South Carolina's competitive business environment and world-class workforce, TL+CO Business Solutions has chosen the right place to invest, creating 35 new jobs. We are proud to welcome TL+CO to Beaufort County and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come."____

-Gov. Henry McMaster____

"TL+CO Business Solutions' announcement today is further proof that South Carolina's pro business climate and dynamic workforce make our state an ideal site for new businesses. We look forward to partnering with TL+CO as it establishes operations in Beaufort County and continues to grow and thrive."____

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III____

"We are thrilled to welcome TL+CO Business Solutions to Beaufort County. Their decision to invest here reflects the strength of our workforce, the vibrancy of our community and the endless opportunities our region offers for business growth and innovation."____

-Beaufort County Council Chairwoman Alice Howard____

"SouthernCarolina Alliance salutes TL+CO for choosing Beaufort County as a home to their warehousing and distribution operations, which will be a great addition to the growing logistics industry in the region. We are grateful for the 35 jobs that will be created over the next five years, as each one represent a brighter future for someone in our region. SCA is pleased to support this project, and we congratulate Beaufort County on this announcement. We look forward to working with the company and Beaufort County to help TL+CO grow their operations in the coming years."____

-SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls____

FIVE FAST FACTS____

• TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO) selects Beaufort County to establish the company's first South Carolina operation.____

• The company's $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.____

• TL+CO is a business solutions provider.____

• The company will be located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, S.C.____

• Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosoltuions.com).____

About S.C. Commerce____

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation.As the state's lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state's long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy –- one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. **For more information, visit **www.sccommerce.com.____

MEDIA CONTACT:____

Kelly Coakley____

Director of Marketing and Communications____

South Carolina Department of Commerce____

(803) 737-1998____

kcoakley@sccommerce.com____

www.SCcommerce.com

BetterMatch Wins Top Prize at Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort 2025

BEAUFORT, S.C. –- A team of four entrepreneurs took home first place at Techstars Startup Weekend Beaufort 2025 after pitching a lead generation platform designed to streamline backend operations for home maintenance professionals. The three-day event, hosted by the Beaufort Digital Corridor, brought together 38 participants who pitched eight original startup ideas and formed three teams over the course of 54 hours.

The winning team, BetterMatch, proposed a modern alternative to platforms like Angie's List. Their concept uses chatbot integration and Net Promoter Scores to identify and qualify service leads, helping electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople reduce administrative workload and focus on their core business. To validate the idea, the team reached out to employees of Angie's List and gathered direct feedback on what works and what doesn't.

BetterMatch includes Connor Floyd, a computer science graduate from the University of South Carolina Beaufort; Tristan Vance, a public sector representative; Andres Marquez, a senior consultant in data engineering and tech innovation; and Jessica Macmillan, an advertising and editorial photographer.

The top prize package includes minimum viable product development sponsored by LowCountry Games; a VIP trip to Charleston with a private tour of the Charleston Digital Corridor and a class at the Charleston Learning Center; a four-week intellectual property advisory program through Longship Legal; a marketing strategy consultation with Soiree Social Media; a fellowship to the 14-week Founder Institute accelerator; a one-year membership to the Beaufort Digital Corridor; a pitch opportunity at an upcoming TechConnect event; and a feature on BDC's website and social media.

All event participants also received startup perks such as AWS credits through Brex, SaaS discounts through Deel, Google Cloud credits, and design tool discounts from Desygner. Additional giveaways included tech accessories provided by CaseFactor.io.

The event was organized by Jess O'Brien and Angela Coxe of the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Mentors included Rich Conte, Amy Doerflinger, Henrik de Gyor, and Eric Siano. Fourteen sponsors contributed to the success of the weekend including Technical College of the Lowcountry, AlphaGraphics, Beaufort County Economic Development Corp, Lowcountry Games, University of South Carolina Beaufort, City of Beaufort, South Carolina Research Authority, South Coast Cyber Center, 303 Associates, ABC Storage & Rental, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, Evolve Into Fitness & Nutrition, Piace Pizza, and ShellRing Aleworks.

Techstars Startup Weekend is designed to introduce aspiring entrepreneurs to the fast-paced world of startups. Participants gain hands-on experience building a company, working in teams, and pitching to judges.

The weekend is just the beginning of a longer entrepreneurial journey. Beaufort Digital Corridor, local organizer of the event, offers continued support through mentorship, networking, and programs such as the Founder Institute's 14-week pre-seed accelerator, which begins its next cohort on October 14, 2025. https://fi.co/south-carolina

Photos from the weekend are available on Facebook at Beaufort Digital Corridor Accelerators. For more information or to get involved, visit www.beaufortdigital.com/events.

Media Contact:
Jess O'Brien
Executive Director
Beaufort Digital Corridor
jess@beaufortdigital.com

TS Conductor selects Jasper Co. for new manufacturing facility, creating hundreds of jobs

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's office announced Thursday TS Conductor has selected Jasper County for the site of their second U.S. manufacturing facility.

This location is the company's first South Carolina operation.

The Governor's office says the company's $134 million investment will create 462 new jobs in Jasper County.

TS Conductor is a manufacturer of next-generation advanced conductors. They specialize in advanced conductor technology that enables utilities to double or triple transmission capacity while cutting costs for customers.

"What many people don't realize is our power grid is still relying on century old technology today," Jason Huang said, the company's Co-Founder and CEO. "With TS Conductor, you can triple the transmission capacity leveraging the same structure in the existing right out way. And, that is the fastest and cheapest way to get the grid modernized and take care of business."

TS Conductor's new 301,275-square-foot facility, located in Clarius Park Hardeeville, will manufacture advanced carbon-core conductors for use in transmission lines, including critical high-voltage direct current (HVDC) capacity.

This is the first of a three-phase expansion plan. As part of this investment, TS Conductor is also planning to add an additional one million square feet within Clarius Park Hardeeville in future phases.

Thursday, Gov. McMaster said this is exactly the direction he wants to see South Carolina moving in.

"We said power is what we want to do in South Carolina. We want to have more of it, we want to be able to get it to places quicker and easier, more safely, and at less expense," said Gov McMaster. "And that's why everything that he's doing and we're doing, fits together like a hand in a glove. It's perfect."

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $5.11 million Closing Fund grant to Jasper County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

With the decision to bring a second facility to the Lowcountry, Huang said the company will be able to better meet the needs of a growing community in the Southeast, hoping to help locals move to a more efficient and affordable model.

As news of this announcement spreads, Gov. McMaster is hopeful other industrial companies will choose to be TS Conductor's neighbors.

"This is the place to be. When one great one comes, that's the signal to others, and it attracts others, and they attract others, that's why South Carolina is booming," said Gov. McMaster.

Hardeeville's mayor, Harry Williams shared this investment will likely have impacts for generations to come.

"Imagine if you're in high school now and you look at the possibility for a great job in a field that you're invested in and you can stay here in your hometown. What an opportunity for our residents that never existed before," said Mayor Williams.

Operations are expected to begin by the end of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the TS Conductor team should visit the company's careers page.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Pitch Your Big Idea: Techstars Startup Weekend Returns to Beaufort, March 21–23

Beaufort, SC –- Techstars Startup Weekend, the globally recognized 3-day pitch competition, is returning to Beaufort for its fourth annual installment from March 21 to March 23, 2025. This dynamic weekend offers current and aspiring tech entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch ideas, form teams, and build startup concepts from the ground up with no prior experience required.

Participants will collaborate with industry mentors, refine their ideas, and compete for the grand prize package valued at $10,000, including the development of their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) sponsored by LowCountry Games. This unique prize ensures the winning team won't just leave with a concept–-they'll walk away with a tangible prototype to kickstart their startup journey.

**Event Details **

• Who Can Participate: Anyone 18 and older with a tech startup idea, no experience needed.

• When: March 21–23, 2025

• Where: Beaufort Digital Corridor, 500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort, SC 29902

• How to Register: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-techstars_-startup-weekend-beaufort

• Cost: Tickets are on sale now, with discounted rates for students and military. Registration closes on March 16, 2025. Students and military can use discount codes TSW25STUDENT and TSW25MILITARY, respectively, during checkout to receive $15 OFF tickets.

"Having an international event like this in Beaufort is a testament to our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Jess O'Brien, Executive Director of the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation. It's not just an opportunity for our community; it's a network that connects local talent with world-class mentorship and resources. This event drives innovation, builds relationships, and positions Beaufort as a rising hub for tech entrepreneurship."

Last year's event saw the success of MySafeCyber, which won the competition with its innovative solution for small business cybersecurity needs. This year's enhanced prize package sets the stage for even greater possibilities, ensuring participants have the resources to bring their ideas to life.

Hosted by the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation, Techstars Startup Weekend reflects the organization's mission to foster innovation, support tech entrepreneurs, and cultivate a thriving tech economy in the Lowcountry.

All-ages audience tickets are also available for those who want to cheer on participants and witness the innovative pitches during the final presentations.

Don't miss this chance to be part of an international movement that's making waves right here in Beaufort! Register today to secure your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-techstars_-startup-weekend-beaufort

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About Techstars Startup Weekend

Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup. In 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you'll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster – and, maybe even start that business.

About Techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas–-entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,400 companies with a combined market cap of more than $204B.

About Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation

Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation (BDCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advance digital literacy and empower diverse communities to thrive in high-wage tech industries, driving inclusive growth and innovation across the Beaufort community.

Connect with the Corridor:

facebook.com/beaufortdigital/

linkedin.com/company/beaufort-digital-corridor/

instagram.com/beaufortdigitalcorridor/