Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator

11/04/2025

Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator Receives $50,000 Grant From The Wells Fargo Foundation

Columbia, SC, November 4, 2025, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced a $50,000 grant to the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA) to

08/28/2025

Repost from

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the South Carolina AI Showcase! We’re incredibly grateful to our amazing partners BCSIA, , and for helping us bring this event to life. A huge shout out to all our incredible speakers who shared their expertise and insights, and to everyone who came out to support the South Carolina AI community. Events like this are only possible because of collaboration and community - thank you for making it such a success! 🤝

07/31/2025

Introducing Cohort 5!

Catalyst Labs presents the next group of bold, visionary entrepreneurs selected for the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA)!

From tech innovators to media moguls and everything in between, these dynamic founders are ready to lead, disrupt, and elevate industries across the board.

👏 Let’s celebrate and support the incredible members of Cohort 5!

07/07/2025

Calling all innovators, tech enthusiasts, and AI professionals!
Join us for the South Carolina AI Showcase + Community Meetup - a first-of-its-kind event spotlighting SC-based AI startups and the vibrant ecosystem growing around them!

📍 NextGEN Tech Hub – Greenville, SC
📅 August 19, 2025
🕓 4 PM – 6 PM

What to Expect:
✅ 4–6 AI Startup Demos
✅ Panel on SC’s AI Ecosystem
✅ Open Networking & Collaboration

🔗 RSVP now: https://lu.ma/cvfyowc5

Let’s connect, collaborate, and build the future of AI in South Carolina!

06/09/2025

🚨 Deadline Extended! 🚨

Apply now to join the FINAL cohort of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA) presented by Catalyst Labs!

This is your last chance to elevate your business with expert mentorship, funding opportunities, and powerful networking.

🕛 Applications now close at midnight on 6/30!

Don’t wait — Apply today!

🔗 https://bc-sia.org/application-form/

06/04/2025

Benedict College Shines Spotlight on Innovation at Demo Day for Cohort #4

Benedict College proudly opened its doors to innovation and entrepreneurship as it hosted Demo Day for Cohort #4 of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA). The event celebrated the achievements of seven dynamic early-stage founders from across South Carolina.

Featured photo: From left to right – Dean Tracy Dunn, Benedict College; Shondra Washington, Catalyst Labs; Jennifer Spears, The Africa Violet Tea Co; Ashley

05/12/2025

Thank you to our partners!

04/11/2025

You're invited to celebrate our Cohort 4 Founders of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator!

On Tuesday, May 6 from 5–7 PM EST, join us at The Little Theater in Columbia, SC for the BCSIA Cohort 4 Demo Day, presented by Catalyst Labs and Benedict College.

After 12 weeks of growth, mentorship, and community building, these founders will be ready to share what they’ve built—and where they’re headed next.

Meet the founders:
🔹 Georgina Dukes-Harris | Swishvo
🔹 Chaste Inegbedion | Sanicle
🔹 Jennifer K. Spears | The African Violet Tea Co
🔹 Louv Ford & Dez Gerald | ACRELS
🔹 Michele Dugar & Shonta Williams | JiLuna
🔹 Ashley McCall | Welloe Health
🔹 Kaylan Joseph | Glamour Bae
🔹 JJ | JJ's Learning Academy

Whether you're an investor, community builder, or supporter — this is where you want to be.

🔗 https://lu.ma/c4demoday

03/18/2025

Melissa Pegus is a startup investor with a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving successful exits. She invests through UpVentures Capital and the Future Economy Fund, focusing on high-growth opportunities and emerging industries. As Head of Reitler Labs, Melissa provides strategic guidance to founders on go-to-market ex*****on, capital raising, and exit advisory. Previously, she led Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans powered by JP Morgan and has guided numerous companies from inception to exit. Melissa is passionate about helping founders access capital, customers, and community to scale their ventures.

03/17/2025

Applications are open NOW, and spots are limited!

Why Apply?

- Access to mentorship and funding guidance
- Tools to scale your business
- Networking with industry leaders

This 12 Week Accelerator in partnership with Benedict College starts June 3!

📅 Apply by April 21st: https://bc-sia.org/apply-today

Proudly supported by:

03/03/2025

We’re beyond excited to introduce the founders who made it into Cohort 4 of the BCSIA!

These entrepreneurs are ready to take a hard look at their businesses and learn what it’ll take to get them to where they need to be. We can’t wait to support them along the way.

A big congratulations to:

🔹 Georgina Dukes-Harris, Co-Founder & CEO of Swishvo (Health Tech)
🔹 Chaste Inegbedion, Chief Period Officer of Sanicle (Femtech)
🔹 Jennifer K. Spears, Founder of The African Violet Tea Co. (Food & Beverage)
🔹 Louv Ford, Founder of ACRELS (Real Estate)
🔹 Michele Dugar, Co-Founder of JiLuna (Health Tech)
🔹 Ashley McCall, Founder of Welloe Health (Health Tech)
🔹 Kaylan Joseph, Founder & CEO of GlamourBae (Beauty)
🔹 JJ, Founder of JJ’s Learning Academy (Education)

If any of these founders spark interest—whether it’s as a mentor, sponsor, partner, or investor—we have plenty of opportunities over the next 12 weeks to get involved. It takes a village to make magic happen, and we’re here for it!

01/11/2025

There’s STILL time!