DEADLINE FOR THE 4TH COHORT: APRIL 22, 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 with USC Salkehatchie’s Leadership Institute. The program will host business development lessons alongside technology centric workshops with a focus on businesses that have impact on Barnwell and Allendale Counties. Participants can take part in classes at the Palmetto Innovation Center in Barnwell or on the Allendale campus of USC Salkehatchie.
We will accept up to 20 participants at each site (40 total) in 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, Hampton, and Colleton Counties), however to compete in the pitch competition, their business must have measurable impact on Barnwell or Allendale Counties. 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 4th Cohort will be held May 14 – Aug 8, 2024. You can choose to attend at either location:
Tuesdays 6-9pm in Barnwell: Palmetto Innovation Center, 218 Main Street
Thursdays 6-9pm in Allendale: USC Salkehatchie Library, I-Carolina Lab
DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 22, 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 May 14 – August 8, 2024. You can choice to attend at either location:
Tuesdays 6-9pm in Barnwell: Palmetto Innovation Center, 218 Main Street
Thursdays 6-9pm in Allendale: USC Salkehatchie Library, I-Carolina Lab
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 (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 Barnwell or Allendale Counties (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 a panel of regional business owners.
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 5 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 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 Barnwell or Allendale Counties (more on that below).
Participants can be from anywhere within the region (defined as Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton, and Colleton Counties), however to compete in the pitch competition, their business must have measurable impact or defined effect on Barnwell or Allendale Counties. For most, this will mean that their business is located in either county and/or they employee individuals in either county.
No! This application process is open to anyone from the region (defined as Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton, and Colleton Counties).