Several firms sign on to SC Launch! partner program

By Sheila Watson
Staff Writer

SC Launch!, a South Carolina Research Authority collaboration, has signed on several firms for its Partner Program to support knowledge-economy startup companies throughout the state.

“One mission of SC Launch! is to identify, nurture and grow high-impact knowledge-based companies in South Carolina,” said Dave McNamara, SC Launch! director and senior vice president of operations of SCRA’s Public Interest Research Sector.

SC Launch! provides funding to companies with potential and collaborates with established organizations willing to help create an ecosystem of support that will help ensure success for startups, McNamara said.

The SC Launch! Partner Program enrolls mature organizations that are willing to provide advice, mentoring, support and services to SC Launch! client companies on favorable terms.

SC Launch! partners receive early access to SC Launch!-supported, emerging growth companies. The partners gain further visibility through the SC Launch! Web site, networking and exhibit opportunities at entrepreneurial conferences, trade shows and seminars.

In return, as young SC Launch!-supported companies strengthen and mature, the program encourages them to continue working with the partners on a more engaged basis.

“Through these interactions, the SC Launch! partner program will create a symbiotic environment that will give all participants an opportunity to prosper,” McNamara said.

In seeking partners for the program, SCRA looks for experienced companies and organizations that are committed to helping create a knowledge economy in South Carolina and have a desire to see the client companies succeed. Client companies typically are early stage but have high growth potential and need services at special preferred, discounted or deferred rates, as well as the experience of an expert staff and a nurturing environment.

Professional service partners fall into categories of accounting, business services, financial services, human resources/staffing, information technology, insurance, legal, marketing/advertising and telecommunications.

The initial focus of the program is on professional partnerships in the legal, financial services and accounting sectors.

The Columbia office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough law firm is one of the companies accepted into the program.

“Our firm believes strongly in the mission of SC Launch! with respect to nurturing and growing high-impact knowledge-based companies in South Carolina,” said Dan Fritze, a partner with Nelson Mullins’ Columbia office. “With that mission in mind, we’re excited about the opportunity to participate. We believe it’s a perfect opportunity for our attorneys to use their expertise to work with companies toward that mission.”

The selection process for the program includes evaluations of the following criteria:

• Quality, innovativeness and affordability of services offered to SC Launch! client companies.

• Strategic fit of services offered with the objectives of the SC Launch! program.

• Years of experience in an expert business area.

• References and reputation.

• Demonstrated commitment to SC Launch! and the state of South Carolina.

The partners currently accepted into the program include the state Chamber of Commerce, the S.C. Export Consortium and the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Financial services firms that have been accepted include BB&T, Wachovia and Carolina First. Accounting firms include the offices of Elliott Davis and Bauknight Pietras and Stormer P.A. Several attorneys and legal firms have also signed on including: Michael D. Layman; Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough; McNair Law Firm; Willcox Buyck and Williams; Wyche Law Firm; Dority and Manning; and Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak and Stewart.

McNamara noted that SC Launch! takes the concept of partnership seriously.

“In order for us to be successful in this endeavor, our partners must also be successful,” he said. “It is our hope and desire that these companies will grow into successful enterprises that will in turn contribute to the growth of South Carolina’s economy.”