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 provided entrepreneurial support since 2012 and has the resources, contacts and proven results to help our HEROES become successful entrepreneurs.

Takes high-tech business growth to the next level by addressing two important service gaps: 

  • A direct approach in helping our “HERO” segment (a largely underserved segment of the Beaufort County population) become active entrepreneurs 

  • Addresses the lack of resources currently available to produce prototypes efficiently, affordably and quickly 

Currently, our local and regional economy is reliant on retail and service sectors, offering few high-tech opportunities. The HEROES Initiative was created to help diversify the economy by growing more technology-based businesses of all sizes

Marine Matt Gulick and His STARTUP

HEROES Program for the Don Ryan Center in Bluffton, SC
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