Propel Business Lab
Introducing Propel Business Lab:
A Game-Changer for Small Business Owners
Propel Business Lab is a 12 week business accelerator program for emerging entrepreneurs of various experience levels focused on the particular challenges of doing business in the region, developed by the Palmetto Innovation Center. Whether you are launching a new venture or looking to strengthen an existing business, Propel gives the tools, support, and momentum to grow with confidence.
Participants will leave the program with:
1. A business plan and clear “elevator pitch.”
2. An understanding of where to secure financial resources for their business.
3. Exposure to basic financial management software and resources to get assistance.
4. A marketing plan and the ability to create their own marketing materials.
5. A website, a social media presence, and an understanding of where their business fits best in the contemporary digital landscape.
6. Preparation to talk about their business in a public pitch competition, where you have the chance to win $5,000 grant!
Program Details:
September 2 - November 18
Classes are held on Tuesday from 5pm – 8pm
Cost: $100
Location: Tri-County Technical College – Oconee Campus
552 Education Way, Westminster, SC 29693
Apply Today!
Registration Deadline: August 15th
Class Facilitator:
Dr. Ronnie Booth
Ronnie Booth served as the president of Tri-County Technical College from 2003 to 2019, leading the college through unprecedented growth and innovation. Under his leadership, TCTC became a model for student success, workforce development, and community partnership across the Upstate. His dedication to education and economic advancement continues to leave a lasting impact on the region.
Sponsorship Opportunity
$5,000 Title Sponsor
- Logo recognition on all Pitch Competition materials
- Logo recognition on Propel Business Lab social media, marketing, & advertising
- Logo on winner’s plaque
- Recognition at Pitch Competition
- Invitation to serve as a judge
$2,500 Startup Sponsor
- Logo recognition on all Pitch Competition materials
- Logo recognition on Propel Business Lab social media and marketing
- Recognition at Pitch Competition
- Invitation to serve as a judge
$1,000 Launch Sponsor
- Logo recognition on all Pitch Competition materials
- Logo recognition on Propel Business Lab social media and marketing
- Recognition at Pitch Competition
$500 Seed Sponsor
- Logo recognition on all Pitch Competition materials
- Logo recognition on Propel Business Lab social media
- Recognition at Pitch Competition
Brought To You By:
HOMETOWN is Oconee County’s Innovation, Training & Co-Working Center, proudly located in downtown Seneca—our county’s first official HOMETOWN location. Propel Business Lab is the inaugural digital skills learning opportunity launched through the center, designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners.
416. E. Main Street, Seneca SC 29678
2025 Propel Business Lab Sponsors
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
$100 per participant. This is due only if you are accepted into the program (the application process is FREE!) The actual costs of the program are significantly more than what is charged to participants (most costs are covered by a mix of grants and private donations), but we feel it is important that participants have some investment so the fee is required for all.
Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 5:00–8:00 PM at Tri-County Technical College – Oconee Campus, 552 Education Way, Westminster, SC 29693.
This is an in-person program with many hands-on projects, particularly during the marketing development portion. As such, regular online attendance is not available. To participate in the pitch competition, students must attend all 12 sessions.
We understand that things can come up, so participants are allowed to attend one session remotely if needed.
Your first step is to apply for this program at the link above (It’s FREE to apply and $100 to participate, if you are selected). Once you complete the 12 weeks of coursework to support your business, you will then be able to participate in the pitch competition, if your business has measurable impact in the County where the classes are held (more about that below). The $5,000 grant award will be a part of this pitch competition at the end of the program. Note that there will be limited awards, so not every participant will be awarded funding. Selection of awardees will be made by an independent panel of regional business owners and leaders.
No! This application process is open to anyone from the Oconee County region.