SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards

14 projects across the state awarded grants to support innovation and entrepreneurship

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) announced the recipients of its 2026 Relentless Challenge grants, which totaled more than $760,000 granted to 14 projects across the state.

The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program and is South Carolina’s call to action for innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial impact. Aligned with the Launch to Legacy brand, S.C. Commerce’s vision to support businesses at every stage and position the state as the new home for American innovation, the 2026 Relentless Challenge supports two complementary tracks: traditional small business and innovation.

While distinct in focus, both tracks share a common thread: empowering South Carolina’s businesses to launch, grow and innovate for long-term success. Traditional small businesses form the backbone of local economies and play a vital role in sustained economic growth. Innovation-driven companies, whether new or well-established, contribute to future advancement through R&D and product innovation. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem where stability and disruption coexist, enabling businesses to thrive and fueling statewide prosperity.

“South Carolina’s economic strength is built on both the small businesses that sustain our communities and the innovators shaping our future,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Through the Relentless Challenge and these 14 projects, we are investing in entrepreneurs and companies whose ideas will drive growth, advance innovation and create opportunity across our state.”

2026 Relentless Challenge grant recipient projects are due to begin in the first quarter of this year. The 14 recipient projects are listed below:

• BlacQuity – Lowcountry Black Business Capital & Growth Initiative (LBBCGI)

• Center for Opportunity and Entrepreneurial Advancement (COEA) – Launch in 60 Marketplace

• Clemson University Division of Research – Bridging STEM and Entrepreneurship: A Paired Course Model for Commercialization Readiness

• Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties, Inc. – Aiken Venture Lab

• eMYRge – eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge (GTAC)

• Entrepreneurship For All – Capital Ready Lowcountry: Advancing Financial Opportunities and Connections for Small Businesses

• Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce – The Network: Minority Business Accelerator Alumni Program

• GrowCo Columbia Inc. – Boyd Innovation Center – GrowCo Fund: Establishing a Non-Profit Investments Fund for Scalable South Carolina Startups

• Increasing H.O.P.E – Ready to Grow: One-to-One Business Accelerator

• Lowcountry Local First – Lowcountry Kiva Hub

• Navigating from Good to Great Foundation – Columbia Chamber of Commerce – Wendell Jones Leadership Institute Growth Blueprint Midlands Business Accelerator

• NextGEN – Fix My Pitch

• Southern Palmetto Foundation – Propel Omni-Path: Digital Strategies for Rural Retail Business Success

• The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University – The Future Catalyst Project

About S.C. Commerce

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle — allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.