About the Innovation Hub Grant Program

Grant funding will support a wide range of programming activities, including mentorship programs, pitch competitions, technical workshops, investor matchmaking events, and specialized training in areas such as product development, go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and intellectual property. The goal is to create an environment where innovative companies can rapidly advance their technologies, attract follow-on investment, and scale operations within South Carolina. Interested applicants, can ask questions and/or submit Letters of Intent (template here) at innovationhubs@scra.org.

Award Information

  • Eligibility: ESOs, NGOs, incubators, accelerators, and economic development organizations: non-profit organizations directly tied to innovation and entrepreneurship activities that contribute to regional economic development. Must actively participate in your Regional Innovation Hub Council. Cannot Participate: anyone associated with foreign entities of concern, investors, or industry. For-profit organizations.
  • Criteria: Proposals must show how a specific ecosystem resource (program, facility access, pilot site, or shared service) fills a critical regional gap and measurably grows the entrepreneur pipeline, with preference for deep technology areas. Preferred Proposals: demonstrate the ability to attract matching dollars or in-kind support. *Priority consideration given to those who demonstrate match commitment(s).
  • Use of Funds: To build or expand an existing ecosystem program that builds/fills a pipeline resource gap for high-tech/growth startups and aspiring founders. Not allowed: equity investments, lobbying, unrelated capital expenses, salary, construction, property, legal; allowable ICR up to 15% unless otherwise approved by the Review Board; in line with federal de minimus. Preference towards direct-to-program applications.