SCRA FAQ’s

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On average, <40% of the companies that apply for membership are accepted. Because SCRA has finite resources, and to contribute to the betterment of our state as effectively as possible, we choose to focus on and accept companies we believe to have the acceptable risk, validated business and growth model(s), and greatest impact to the state.

We are looking for companies that align with the SCRA Membership Criteria (link). Many companies apply to the program. Our criteria permit only select companies, with the potential to become highly impactful enterprises within South Carolina, to be accepted.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you will be notified your submission does not currently meet membership expectations.

If you are eligible for memberships, then you will be invited to create an account with SCRA’s online portal and complete a formal membership application. Then you will be scheduled for a pitch and after being approved for membership, you will be asked to sign the Terms of Membership, completing the process!

  • Coaching and other support from SCRA staff and Alliance Partners
  • Participation in SCRA-sponsored networking events
  • SCRA marketing and promotion of major company successes
  • Opportunity to apply for a variety of grants
  • Possible partnerships with industry and/or academia facilitated and funded by SCRA
  • Potential eligibility for investments from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.

We have additional support we want to provide from our Ecosystem Partners!

Funding Resources

If you are searching for initial external funding resources, we encourage you to go to ecosystem organizations like Founders Institute or Ten at the Top to review options for numerous capital resources. If pursuing a SBIR/STTR Phase 1 for commercialization or product development, we recommend contacting 3PhaseSC to provide assistance.

External Advice

For guidance and advice for navigating your entrepreneur journey, we recommend the South Carolina Small Business Development Center, SCORE, or your local economic development agency to provide the best assistance.

Pre-MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Entrepreneurs with a “proof of concept” or an “idea” are too early for our program. We suggest working with the South Carolina Small Business Development Center, or consider contacting a local start-up incubator.

Annually, all SCRA Member Companies are required to complete the Annual Economic Impact Assessment.

Grant Recipients must complete a Final Grant Report at the conclusion of any grant received from SCRA.

Investment Recipients must provide quarterly financials until the company exits or completes investment payments.

Grants are invitation only given to SCRA Member Companies, Academic Institutions/Researchers, and Industry Partners.