Startups + Entrepreneurs
Fueled by an innovation mindset and can-do spirit, Richland County is a thriving hub for startups and entrepreneurs. With access to forward-thinking partners and resources, a supportive network of growth experts, and startup alumni to share their experiences, this is the ecosystem you need to help launch and scale your big idea.
- Boyd Innovation Center launched in Columbia, SC to support high growth/high tech (HGHT) startups
- Numerous innovative startups have become national and global names, like Integer Technologies, Vän Robotics, PROOF Hard Ice Cream, and DPX Technologies
- Columbia, SC has been recognized as a top U.S. city for low startup costs and “Surge City” for startup growth
major startups and entrepreneurs
Form builder for websites
PPE + medical supply distribution
AI-powered truck dispatching technology
Educational robotics (ABii) + AI learning for K-5
Biological testing products + agents
Applied research + product development for national security
Blow-fill-seal(BFS) sterile + non-sterile pharmaceuticals
fast facts
Rapid
tech growth in the past 5 years
city with the lowest startup costs in the U.S.
Top 1/3
startup ecosystems in the U.S.
#1
state in the South for startups + #2 in the U.S.
SUCCESS STORIES
Industry Stats
Dedicated accelerator and startup aid available through higher ed institutions, like Midlands Technical College, Benedict College and USC
USC is ranked among top-patent producing universities in the world
Numerous coworking spaces to support fledgling operations and provide networking opportunities and connections
SCRA’s SC Launch supports the commercialization of start-ups and provides formation support throughout the state
RESOURCES
Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Benedict College
Faber Entrepreneurship Center and Center for Executive Succession
University of South Carolina
Boyd Innovation Center,
powered by GrowCo
Women’s Business Center of South Carolina (WBC)
Columbia College
Enterprise Campus + Business Accelerator
Midlands Technical College
Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity
SOCO
1 Million Cups (1MC)