Who We Are:
An Economic Development Department of the Town of Bluffton.
What We Do:
Provide Startup and Growth assistance to Beaufort and Jasper County entrepreneurs. We give guidance to anyone that needs support when starting or running a business.
INNOVATOR IMPACT
200+ Companies Served
The Don Ryan Center for Innovation is a service of the Town of Bluffton
OUR MISSION
To provide small business development to innovators, start-ups and early stage businesses launch. To grow their companies and provide the resources and experienced business guidance needed to help them achieve their goals – and help create a vibrant entrepreneurial business climate throughout the region.
OUR VISION
Create a vibrant entrepreneurial business climate within the region through economic development emphasizing organic, sustainable growth. Enhance the economic vitality, diversity, and dynamism of the region.
Programs
Our business incubator program was developed in collaboration with Clemson University and local business experts who understand the industries and economic landscape startups face upon entering the market. With programs typically lasting 12 months to 3 years, our innovators have unparalleled access to information, mentorship, and communities to prepare them every step of the way.
The HUB
The new home of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, the HUB at Buckwalter is an exciting new space to meet the growing needs of our innovators and the business community. This co-working space allows us to expand our networking events and opportunities for members, accelerating the creation of entrepreneurial ventures, knowledge-based jobs and innovative business solutions.
Mentors
The Don Ryan Center for Innovation has built a core group of mentors who provide advice and guidance to entrepreneurs in the program. These mentors volunteer their time to support DRCI Innovators throughout all phases of their business. With their help, DRCI Program companies have access to the information they need to grow their businesses and develop strong leadership skills.
Membership
Building a sense of community is crucial to creating an innovative environment, and that means serving entrepreneurs both in and outside of our program. From our monthly Pre-START program, our popular “Zoom the Room” events, and a wealth of online resources we make it a priority to provide opportunities to our members every month and throughout the year.
News
DRCI Announces HEROES Initiative
Bluffton's Don Ryan Center for Innovation is launching a program dedicated to helping active and retired veterans, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel develop as entrepreneurs. Learn more.
DRCI Announces Partnership With City of Hardeeville
Check out this great WHHI-TV interview with Mayor Harry Williams as he discusses our partnership and how Hardeeville business owners will benefit. Business Owners in Hardeeville- take advantage of your FREE membership today! Learn more.
Hilton Head Monthly Highlights DRCI March 2021 Events
Read the latest issue of Hilton Head Monthly to view DRCI's upcoming events - including Zoom the Room, The Power of Vision, and Unleash the Power of LinkedIn. Learn more.