Economic Opportunity
South Carolina Business Accelerator Upstate
Fueling Growth. Expanding Access. Powering Opportunity.
South Carolina Business Accelerator
Formerly known as the Minority Business Accelerator, the South Carolina Business Accelerator (SCBA) is the state’s leading program, helping high-potential entrepreneurs scale their businesses, expand their influence, and drive economic growth.
Together, we're cultivating a stronger, more inclusive economy—where business owners don’t just compete, they lead.
Get Involved
Entrepreneurs
If you're ready to scale your business, we’re prepared to help. Whether you're seeking strategic clarity, growth capital, or new partnerships, SCBA enables you to build your roadmap for success.
Corporate Partners
If you're looking to strengthen your supplier engagement, fuel innovation, and build a resilient economy, let’s work together.
Why SCBA
The SCBA is more than a business training program—it’s a growth engine for South Carolina’s most promising entrepreneurs.
Through this statewide collaboration between the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville Chambers, we help businesses build the strategy, connections, and confidence to scale.
A customized 3-year Strategic Growth Action Plan
Expert-led workshops and growth curriculum
1:1 business coaching and mentorship
Access to corporate partners & supplier engagement pipelines
A statewide network of entrepreneurs and champions of economic opportunity
More than a training program
Our Mission
To fast-track the growth of scalable businesses, while expanding economic access and building a stronger entrepreneurial community across South Carolina.
Our Impact Since 2012
150+
Businesses Accelerated Statewide
270+
Jobs Created or Retained Per Cohort Annually
$4.8M
in Government, Institutional, & Corporate Contracts Secured
$9.5M
in New Financing Secured
The SCBA is designed for established, high-potential businesses across South Carolina. Eligible companies typically meet these criteria:
- At least 2+ years in operation
- Annual revenue of $75,000+ (recommended)
- Utilizes financial software
- A strong desire and plan to scale operations, grow revenue, and expand jobs
- Commitment to completing the program requirements over the cohort period
SCBA supports businesses across multiple sectors, including but not limited to:
- Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- IT/Technology
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Logistics & Transportation
- Consumer Goods
- and other scalable industries.
We seek businesses with a clear growth trajectory and the potential to create a regional economic impact. To see if your company would be a good fit, reach out to [email protected].
Participants will complete an intensive curriculum designed to strengthen operations, increase profitability, and scale sustainably. You'll receive:
- A customized 3-year Strategic Growth Action Plan
- Hands-on workshops covering finance, operations, leadership, and growth strategy
- Dedicated business coaches and peer learning
- Access to regional and statewide corporate partners for supplier and contract opportunities
A statewide network of entrepreneurs and business champions
Corporate sponsors and grants heavily subsidize the program. A nominal participant fee will apply to ensure your commitment to the program.
Corporate partners play a critical role in helping accelerate economic opportunity by supporting diverse businesses through:
- Supplier engagement and procurement pipelines
- Mentorship and subject-matter expertise
- Financial sponsorship of the program
If your company is interested in driving inclusive business growth and accessing a pipeline of scalable suppliers, contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.
Sponsoring SCBA positions your company as a leader in inclusive economic growth. Benefits include:
- Access to scalable, qualified suppliers
- Visibility as an economic opportunity champion
- Direct impact on business growth and job creation in South Carolina
- Networking with other forward-thinking business leaders
Visit https://bit.ly/UpstateBA2026 and complete the interest form or application for your region. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and cohort slots are limited.
The SCBA Upstate is hosted in the Flywheel Coworking Space (25 Goldsmith Street, Greenville).