Best Small Business Resources in the Bluffton Area

Starting a business is a life-changing experience. South Carolina has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Bluffton area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in South Carolina.
Resources Available in your Area
Hilton Head Area SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
BASEcamp
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
BASEcamp is a coworking space for startups, offering monthly leases on private offices or shared desks. Daily or weekly passes are also available for individual entrepreneurs. The private offices are geared towards tech-related startups while the shared coworking spaces are suitable for any professional in need of a desk.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Beaufort County Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Bluffton library offers access to research material useful when researching a business. Their media labs host many technology education events and have public use computers and 3D printers open for use. Meeting rooms are available for reservation as well. The library also provides access to several databases and print resources which may be of interest when doing research.
Restrictions
A library card may be needed to access certain services and is only available to people living in Beaufort County.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
120 Palmetto Way
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-255-6501
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 9 am - 7 pm
FRI: 9 am - 5 pm
SAT: 10 am - 5 pm
Bluffton SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
The Don Ryan Center for Innovation
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Don Ryan Center for Innovation provides holistic help and support to entrepreneurs with demonstrated drive and potential. Their incubation program accepts candidates by application and accepted entrepreneurs pay fees to have access to services and office space offered by the center for an estimated 12-18 month cycle. The center provides a range of support tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
102 Progressive St.
Bluffton , SC 29910
843-540-0405
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 10 am - 4 pm
FRI: 9 am - 1 pm