Francis Marion University’s Kelley Center for Economic Development has been dedicated to the economic growth of the Pee Dee Region through small business support/incubation and various regional economic development initiatives since 2016. Our goal is to provide small business support initiatives and services to cultivate business growth that makes a lasting impact on economic development.

FMU’s business community outreach program previously partnered with the City of Florence and was known as the North Dargan Innovation Center (NDIC) from October 2016 to January 2019. NDIC established a proven track record of fostering growth for start-ups and existing businesses through incubation, business assistance, and training classes.

The mission of our incubation programs is to provide a place to start and cultivate businesses within a collective community of support. We offer two different programs for incubation with eligibility qualifiers for each option. Our incubation programs are designed to provide specific benefits depending on the stage your business is in, whether you are looking to start or to grow.

Visit our Business Incubation page to learn more about the Startup and Growth Incubator Programs.

A variety of workshops, continuing education courses, and networking events are scheduled every month to provide relevant information to small businesses and entrepreneurs. For convenience, events are hosted at both locations in Lake City and Florence. See calendar below to register for upcoming events.

Click the button below to sign up for our monthly events newsletter.

Learn more about the past and present clients of the FMU Incubator Program by viewing our client directory.

Business Plan Questionnaire 
Kelley Center Brochure
SC Small Business Development Center
U.S. Small Business Administration
SCORE