Logo for Don Ryan Center for Innovation with the word 'Heroes' in bold white letters on an orange background.
A shield-shaped emblem divided vertically into black and orange halves. The top features the word 'HEROES' in bold white letters. Below are stylized white and black bar graphs on each side, with the words 'Don Ryan' in large white letters and 'Center for Innovation' beneath in smaller white and orange text. There are two stars at the bottom, one white and one black.

A Unique, Entrepreneurial Program for Military, Veterans, and First Responders.

EMPOWER

HEROES helps military personnel and veterans turn their skills and experience into successful entrepreneurial paths.

GUIDE

We provide support, connections, and resources to help participants explore ideas, build confidence, and launch viable businesses.

STRENGTHEN

By empowering HEROES to start and grow companies, the program boosts local opportunity, innovation, and long-term economic resilience.

SCHEDULE A CALL

WHY HEROES?

The DRCI has supported entrepreneurs since 2012, with the resources, connections, and proven results to help our HEROES build successful businesses.

The HEROES Initiative advances high-tech growth by serving our underserved HERO population with direct entrepreneurial support and by filling a critical gap in affordable, efficient prototyping resources. In a region heavily reliant on retail and service industries, it aims to diversify the local economy by growing technology-based businesses of all sizes.

Operation Patriots FOB — commonly called OPFOB — is a 268-acre outdoor retreat and nonprofit in Ridgeland, South Carolina that offers free recreational activities and peer support to veterans, active duty service members, first responders, and their families to build camaraderie and purpose. 

Founded by a Marine veteran, its mission is to foster healing and community connection through nature-based experiences like hunting, fishing, and trail riding while helping address mental health challenges and reduce suicide among those who have served.