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Find similar grantsRelentless Challenge Grant Program is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce. Funds projects fostering innovation ecosystems, including high-growth entrepreneurship and talent development.
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SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards | South Carolina Department of Commerce SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards 14 projects across the state awarded grants to support innovation and entrepreneurship COLUMBIA, S. C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.
C. Commerce) today 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 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
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Organizations in South Carolina. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $75,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Relentless Challenge Grant Program is funded by South Carolina Department of Commerce. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in South Carolina. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Fall Funding Round (Community Enrichment & Local Priorities) is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration Division. Most Community Development Program funds are awarded competitively, usually through two funding rounds per year. This fall funding round focuses on Community Enrichment & Local Priorities.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Business Development and Ready to Go Program is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration Division. Business Development and Ready to Go Program funds are awarded on a rolling basis. This grant provides federal funding to local units of government for community development initiatives.
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