Harbor Entrepreneur Center experiences growth and launches global supply chain program
February 5, 2025
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center (HEC), a nonprofit innovation hub located in the Town of Mount Pleasant and home to more than 100 businesses, announced it is a recipient of a 2025 Relentless Challenge grant, presented by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The grant will fund the launch of HEC’s Supply Chain Accelerator program, which will launch this month.
Supporting the HEC’s mission of creating a collision among entrepreneurs, the new program will identify, nurture and accelerate companies focusing on supply chain-focused industries and businesses. The program will connect the community of startups, mentors, founders and organizations to build go-to-market strategies for implementers of groundbreaking solutions in the supply chain space.
“The Lowcountry is a natural location for nurturing and launching supply chain technologies and solutions,” shared Grady Johnson, the nonprofit’s executive director. “We look forward to working with state and local economic developers and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to solve the complex global, national and local supply chain challenges. We are thrilled to be chosen as one of the 2025 grant recipients.”
The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program for projects that foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem, specifically in high-growth entrepreneurship, talent development, access to risk capital and industry and higher education partnerships that may lead to commercialization of innovative products.
Since relocating to the Town of Mount Pleasant in 2023, HEC has made substantial contributions to the region, generating over 150 jobs and housing over 100 businesses with an average annual revenue of nearly $3 million each. Over 80% of the companies headquartered at the 30,000+ square foot facility report that their operations have expanded since relocating to the Mount Pleasant location.
“We truly value what HEC brings to Mount Pleasant and the region,” said Matt Brady, economic development officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant. “They’ve built something special here, and with the recent grant and new logistics-focused programming, their impact is only growing. Given that the South Carolina Ports Authority is headquartered in Mount Pleasant, the logistics piece is a perfect fit, and we see exciting opportunities ahead.”
The HEC moved into the building located at 11 eWall St., which once housed ATD, a company that moved its operations to New York City several years ago after an acquisition by Citigroup. A significant portion of the building, which sits on an 18-acre parcel, sat vacant for years. In 2023, HEC brought new energy to the campus and continues to hold a waiting list of businesses interested in moving into the center.
HEC welcomes companies in and outside the supply chain industry or with a supply chain focus to contact HEC regarding potential partnerships and tour its world-class incubation facility.
About Harbor Entrepreneur Center
Harbor Entrepreneur Center (HEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and advancing the Lowcountry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since its founding in 2013, HEC has supported more than 200 companies through its innovative programs, providing mentorship, education and resources to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. More than 100 companies are housed within HEC’s main facility in the Town of Mount Pleasant and its satellite office in West Ashley, creating a dynamic hub for innovation and collaboration. By cultivating a thriving startup community, HEC plays a vital role in driving economic growth and innovation at the local level and beyond. Learn more by visiting harborec.com.
