The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA), strengthening efforts to expand South Carolina’s small business and innovation ecosystem. Announced on November 4, the funding supports BCSIA’s work in providing early-stage founders with access to capital, technical tools, and mentorship.
Based at Benedict College, BCSIA focuses on preparing entrepreneurs to compete in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital technology. Since launching in 2023, the accelerator has supported more than 30 early-stage founders across the state, helping them develop and scale new ventures.
“The Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator is proud to collaborate with dynamic ecosystem builders in technology and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge tools to help early-stage founders build and scale,” said Millicent B. Lann, Program Director of BCSIA.
Wells Fargo Foundation Vice President for Philanthropy and Community Impact Pamela T. Bryant highlighted the accelerator’s statewide impact, noting that small businesses remain central to South Carolina’s long-term economic strength. “A strong and vibrant economy depends on the presence and vitality of small businesses. Wells Fargo is proud to support the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator in providing tools and resources that help small business owners grow and thrive,” she said.
The partnership reinforces Benedict College’s broader effort to build an inclusive innovation pipeline and expand entrepreneurial access in communities across South Carolina.
