USC/ COL UMBI A
TECHNOL OGY
Presented by William Kirkland
1225 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201
803-545-4423
usc-columbiaincubator.org
I NCUBATOR
The Incubator
Nurtures the
Midlands’
Entrepreneurs
and Their New
Companies
ABOUT US
The USC / Columbia Technology Incubator is a
nonprofit corporation sponsored by University of South
Carolina, Midlands Technical College, the City of
Columbia and other area governments. Materially, the
incubator is supported by businesses and private
donors. It is currently home to 40 startup companies.
(19 New companies 2012)
Since our inception in 1998, we have provided
opportunities for entrepreneurs to commercialize their
ideas, produced successful, financially viable and
freestanding businesses and created hundreds of
additional jobs in the community. We want high-tech,
high-growth companies that can benefit from all the
Incubator partners including USC and Midlands
Technical College with manufacturing startup facilities.
Incubator’s
Midlands
Ecosystem
COMPANY TYPES
Technology and innovation across a variety of
fields. We are currently host to a diverse group
of promising companies.
Biomedical
Biochemistry
Engineering
Computer Science
Social Media
Pharmaceuticals
Web Development
Software Development
IT Support
Life Sciences
Media Arts
Geographic Information Systems
Global Sourcing
Healthcare
Music Technology
Video Production
Mobile Wireless Solutions
App Development
Insurance
Disease Management
Competitively Low Rental Rate ($11.75 sqft)
Basic Furniture Provided
Free Utilities
Facility Maintenance
Free High Speed Internet
Unlimited Color Printing/Scanner/Fax
1 9inx12in Mailbox
Internal/External Security
Meeting/Conference Rooms:
Teleconferencing
Presentation Projector
Free Resident and Guest Parking
FACILITY AMENITIES
FINANCIALS
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As the flagship Incubator for the
state of South Carolina, we strive to
provide all of our innovative
companies with these services:
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Collaborative Entrepreneurial Environment
Annual Review Sessions
On Demand Customized Coaching
Business Consulting
Grant Writing Assistance
Negotiation Counseling
Monthly Informative Newsletter
SERVICES
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Leadership Advice
Personalized Mentor Selection Program
Administrative Assistance
Midlands Technical Institute Staff & Professors
Visiting Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
Center for Entrepreneurial & Technological
Innovation
Networking Opportunities
Access to University of South Carolina
Resources:
• Moore School of Business
• Engineering School
• The Carolina Agency (Marketing & Ad/PR
Resource)
• Blatt Fitness Center
• Talented Interns
Access to Our Service Provided Network
Small Business Development Center
RECRUITMENT
Companies come from a variety of outlets
Our pipeline includes businesses from:
• University of South Carolina & Midlands Technical College professors, students and staff
• USC Colleges office hours
• Entrepreneurs discovered during CETi events
• South Carolina Small Business Development Center
• Community Outreach
Landing Parties
We work to attract companies located in the United States and internationally that wish to move or open a
subsidy in the Midlands. These companies, known as Landing Parties, are housed in the city of Columbia’s
International Business Center located in the Incubator to assist with their transition and to mentor their growth.
NEW AFFILIATE PROGRAM
An Incubator Without Walls
This new outreach program allows existing and developing
companies to leverage all the Incubator’s in-depth business
consulting services and resources without becoming tenants .
Who is this for?
•This provides startups a minimal risk entry point into entrepreneurship to
see if business ownership is the right choice for them.
•Already have an office? Affiliates receive facility amenities without
requiring leased space.
•Financial hurdles are obstacles all businesses endure. This resource keeps
overhead low while providing an invaluable resource.
Benefits
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Entrepreneur Consulting
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2 Monthly 1 hour sessions
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Quarterly review sessions
Shared use of office equipment
Free internet access while in the building
Ability to reserve conference rooms 48 hours in advance
Free admittance to CETi, Incubator & SBDC events
Referrals to industry providers
Subscription to Incubator E-blasts/E-news
Ability to apply for full Incubator status
Center for Entrepreneurial & Technological Innovation
Start! Series:
A monthly networking and learning event featuring trending startup topics, dynamic speakers and great
content for early stage companies.
Over 300 attendees, open to the entire startup community
Topics range from innovation, SBIR/STTRs, Crowd funding, pitch practice and speed networking.
Incubator after-hours Networking:
A monthly networking event exclusive to incubator companies to create connections and build a stronger
social fabric amongst the incubator.
Tech Commercialization 101:
An introductory course for research faculty at USC to introduce the strategies, tactics, and resources available
for successfully commercializing university-spawned technologies.
FastTrac:
A 10 week startup training program focused on early stage technology companies that includes the
fundamentals of new venture formation, subject matter experts, exposure to real list entrepreneurs and
concept validation.
PROGRAMS
Center for Entrepreneurial & Technological Innovation
Founders Forum:
A monthly peer to peer support group for early stage CEOs to share knowledge, experiences, and solve
problems in a confidential environment.
•15 participants, invitation only
•All early stage companies (less than $5 Million in revenues)
•All sectors welcome
Venture Mentoring Program:
A structured mentors program connecting promising startups to mentors, coaches and subject matter experts
to provide guidance and connections for growth
Resource Providers Network:
This feature will allow access to professional services geared towards early early stage companies such as
lawyers, accountants, business planners and other resources. The network includes regular “expert days”
where the incubator hosts service providers on site to provide free consultations.
USC Proving Ground:
An entrepreneurial challenge where student-led teams submit innovative business concepts and compete for
more than $40,000 in funding and support.
PROGRAMS
Target: Incubator & Affiliate companies
$500K
Investors: Local accredited investors: $5-10K individual investment
Management team consist of Attorney, CFO, 3 business leaders
Management Fee $0
Administrative fee TBD (PT Admin assistant)
NEW SEED FUND