Best Small Business Resources in the Charleston Area

Description

Charleston Digital Corridor provides a variety of services vital to the success of aspiring entrepreneurs who are experienced and have strategic goals. From spacious and varied coworking options to networking and finding the right funding sources as well as offering various education opportunities, Charleston Digital Corridor is a premier resource for entrepreneurs. While the organization caters mainly to technology startups, they are open to all entrepreneurs who are committed to their venture and have serious, actionable goals. This organization is privately funded and carefully selects startups through pitch competitions and interviews. 

Description

1 Million Cups is a national organization that fosters local entrepreneurial communities via weekly meetups. Charleston's meetings are held at The Schoolhouse (a local coworking space with a commercial kitchen). A great way to connect with this organization is on their Facebook page.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

InnoLabs is a coworking space accessible to entrepreneurs of any industry and stage. InnoLabs provides great networking space and pitch opportunities to help entrepreneurs network and be exposed to various funding and industry leaders.

Description

Local Works is an open space to foster community amongst entrepreneurs; with supporting local causes in mind, various food trucks and homely spaces are provided in the Local Works coworking options. They are primarily a coworking space but also host social networking and professional events. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Harbor provides flexible office spaces at varied price points, suitable for entrepreneurs in any stages of developing their businesses. In addition to the coworking space, the Harbor has various initiatives such as entrepreneur meet up events, as well as a 14-week accelerator program in addition to the numerous networking events available.

Restrictions

Programs are only open to scalable startups with high growth potential.