DEADLINE FOR THE 5TH COHORT: December 6, 2024
Propel Business Lab is a 12 week business accelerator program for emerging entrepreneurs of various experience levels focused on the particular challenges of doing business in the region, developed by the Palmetto Innovation Center in partnership . The program will host business development lessons alongside technology centric workshops with a focus on Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg and Orangeburg businesses with classes hosted at the Palmetto Innovation Center in Barnwell, Allendale campus of USC Salkehatchie, Orangeburg Regional Innovation Center and Voorhees University in Denmark.
Propel Cohort Schedules:
Barnwell Cohort – January 7th – March 25th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Allendale Cohort – April 8th – June 24th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Orangeburg Cohort – April 8th- June24th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Bamberg Cohort – July 8th – September 30th ( Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
We will accept up to 20 participants at each site with weekly sessions for 3 months (12 weeks). After completing these sessions, participants will have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for a grant of up to $10,000 for their business! Each participant will then have 6 months of follow up with one-on-one mentoring structured for the needs of their business.
Note that, participants can be from anywhere within the region (defined as Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties), however to compete in the pitch competition, their business must have measurable impact within the County for which they participate. For most that will mean that the Business will be in the same county where they live. If accepted into the program, there will be a $100 fee for participation due by the first class, which is an all inclusive fee for all 12 weeks of classes and 6 months of mentorship.
Participants will leave the program with:
1. A business plan and clear “elevator pitch.”
2. An understanding of where to secure financial resources for their business.
3. Exposure to basic financial management software and resources to get assistance.
4. A marketing plan and the ability to create their own marketing materials.
5. A website, a social media presence, and an understanding of where their business fits best in the contemporary digital landscape.
6. Preparation to talk about their business in a public pitch competition.
Classes for the 5th Cohort of Propel :
Barnwell Cohort (Innovation Center , 218 Main St) – January 7th – March 25th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Allendale Cohort (USC Salkehatchie Library, I-Carolina Lab) – April 8th – June 24th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Orangeburg Cohort (Orangeburg Regional Innovation Center)- April 8th- June 24th (Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
Bamberg Cohort (Voorhess University)- July 8th – September 30th ( Each Tuesday for 12 weeks)
DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 6, 2024
FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!
$100 per participant. This is due only if you are accepted into the program (the application process is FREE!) The actual costs of the program are significantly more than what is charged to participants (most costs are covered by a mix of grants and private donations), but we feel it is important that participants have some investment so the fee is required for all.
Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays 6-9pm:
in Barnwell at the Palmetto Innovation Center (January 7- March 25, 2025), In Allendale on the campus of USC Salkehatchie (April 8- June 25, 2025), in Orangeburg at the Orangeburg Regional Innovation Center (April 8 – June 25, 2025) and in Bamberg on the Voorhees University Campus in Denmark (July 8 – Sep 30, 2025).
This is an in-person program, with many hands on projects particularly when developing marketing materials, so unfortunately online attendance is not possible.
All materials will be provided, which may include use of a computer during class session. However if you have access to a laptop, we recommend using it throughout the program so that it can be setup with the applications for you to use with your business in the future.
Your first step is to apply for this program at the link above (It’s FREE to apply and $100 to participate, if you are selected). Once you complete the 12 weeks of coursework to support your business, you will then be able to participate in the pitch competition, if your business has measurable impact in the County where the classes are held (more about that below). The $10,000 grant award will be a part of this pitch competition at the end of the program. Note that there will be limited awards, so not every participant will be awarded funding. Selection of awardees will be made by an independent panel of regional business owners and leaders.
If you are familiar with popular TV program Shark Tank, that is a pitch competition. However our competition will be much more friendly than Shark Tank! The pitch competition will be a mix of an in-person event where you will give your “elevator pitch” in 3 minutes in front of the judges, as well as submit a package of your business plan and marketing materials. Our panel of judges will be local business owners and leaders who have a vested interest in the region, and they will make their decision based on all aspects of your presentation, including the business plan, marketing materials, and elevator pitch, all of which you will have support in developing as a part of the coursework within the 12 week program. We will work with you to ensure that you are prepared to do your best in this competition, because even if you don’t get the grant, all of your efforts will help you secure funding through other avenues! Note that to be a part of the pitch competition, your business must have measurable impact in one of the counties where classes are held (more on that below).
Participants can be from anywhere within the region (defined as Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton, and Orangeburg Counties), however to compete in the pitch competition, their business must have measurable impact or defined effect in the County where their classes are hosted. For most, this will mean that their business is located in the county and/or the business employs individuals in the county. However it could also mean a mobile business that regularly does business in the county. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure if your business will have measurable impact.
No! This application process is open to anyone from the region (defined as Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton, and Orangeburg Counties).