Columbia, SC, November 4, 2024 — Benedict College, in partnership with Catalyst Labs, is proud to present the third cohort of companies to complete the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator at Demo Day on November 6th in the Little Theater 5pm-7:00pm, in the Fine Arts Building on the campus of Benedict College, located at 1600 Harden St., Columbia, SC.
The accelerator program aims to empower and uplift entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds across South Carolina. The program marks a significant milestone in fostering a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem, providing aspiring entrepreneurs the resources, support, and opportunities to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses.
This showcase is the first such event since the Wells Fargo Foundation announced its $100,000 investment last month. Join us for our demo day as you will hear remarks from Pam Bryant, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo, Millicent Lann, and Program Director of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelertor, about their excitement around the partnership.
“The partnership with Catalyst Labs brings substantial expertise to South Carolina,” shared Dr. Tracy Dunn, Dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Catalyst Labs as our accelerator partner. Having an experienced operator [Shondra Washington, CEO] and a talented South Carolinian [Harold Hughes, CXO] return to contribute expertise that benefits the state is especially rewarding.”
“Our commitment is to empower and elevate founders from diverse backgrounds across South Carolina. Our mission is clear: to offer the resources, support, and opportunities needed to transform entrepreneurial visions into thriving businesses,” said Shondra Washington, CEO of Catalyst Labs.
In 2022, Benedict College received $525,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce to organize, launch, and manage a statewide investment accelerator program for underrepresented and minority entrepreneurs in the early stages of their ventures across South Carolina. This funding, provided through the EDA’s Build to Scale program, supports initiatives to accelerate tech entrepreneurship by broadening inclusive access to startup support and capital.
You can register to support the BCSIA here: https://lu.ma/gxr8y16r
For more information about how you or your organization can support the accelerator, please contact Millicent Lann, Program Director at 803.705.3256 or millicent.lann@benedict.edu. Or visit www.bc-sia.org, to apply and learn more about this robust program.