Cultivating Business Development in the Pee Dee

The FMU Kelley Center offers two different business incubation programs that both give entrepreneurs a place to cultivate their business within a collective community of support and resources. The Startup and Growth Incubator programs each provide a support system that accelerates the successful development and/or growth of start-ups and existing companies. Our incubator programs are designed to provide specific benefits that alleviate the stress of starting or growing a business to make the process easier while building a solid foundation for your business to thrive. No matter what your needs or goals are, our team is committed to your success.

Both of our facilities offer amenities that are included in the program fee.

• Reliable high speed internet
• Furnished private professional office
• Shared community space for working
• Meeting and conference rooms
• Technical office equipment (copier/scanner/shredder)

Eligibility

Both incubator program options are provided to a wide range of entrepreneurs in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina including Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon, Marion, Florence, Clarendon, Lee, Darlington, and Williamsburg counties.

Startup Incubator Program:

Individuals in the business start-up, pre-launch, or feasibility phase are eligible to be accepted into the Startup Incubator Program if requirements are met. This program is only offered at our Downtown Florence facility.

Growth Incubator Program:

Our Growth Incubator Program is available only at our Lake City facility for individuals looking for assistance with the growth of their existing business. Businesses must already be in operation for at least one year.

Note: All businesses interested in the joining a incubation program must meet eligibility requirements for each program option. Completed business plans are not necessary for acceptance but are preferred. Additionally, there are certain business types that are not compatible with FMU’s incubator programs and therefore will not be eligible for acceptance. 

Next Phase Development, LLC

“It has been a phenomenal experience in the business incubator program. I had no formal training in business, and this was like a one-year crash course in business education. They truly helped me work through all of the challenges I experienced as I purchased, developed, and opened my business in downtown Lake City. My goal is to provide support for other growing businesses with office and event space as well as show my investment and belief in Lake City.”

-Carla Angus, Next Phase Development

Acceptance Process 

The Kelley Center team will evaluate all interested businesses based on their suitability to the program.

1. Complete and submit the Client Intake Form.
2. Meet with Kelley Center Director and staff to discuss business goals and determine eligibility.
3. Review and sign Incubator Program Client Agreement. Agreement document includes:
   • Program/Facility Rules & Regulations
   • Confidentiality Agreement
   • Emergency Contact Form
   • FMU Media Release Form
4. Provide facility security deposit and first month’s program fee.

Upon acceptance into the program and completion of all steps, clients are given access to the facility and assigned their personal office space.

Startup Incubator Program

Starting a business isn’t easy. Let us help you start your business on solid footing. Our Startup Incubator Program gives entrepreneurs in the startup or ideation stage the infrastructure and dedicated technical support needed to focus on the most critical parts of their businesses. Once the one-year Incubation period is complete, you will move into Post Launch outside of the facility or, if needed, extend your stay by selecting our Post Advisory option.

Growth Incubator Program

The Growth Incubator Program objective is to provide the infrastructure needed for a business to scale up and accomplish transformative growth. It’s a cost-effective program that allows you to establish a brick-and-mortar base in our facility where you can enjoy your own private office, shared workspaces, and conference rooms; helping you to reduce operational expenses. Our program fee for incubation ranges from $300 to $350 per month which includes everything from limited business assistance, resource identification, support networking, and utilities.

Click the button below to start the application process. One of our Kelley Center Staff members will contact you to schedule a meeting after Intake Form has been reviewed.

Learn more about the past and present incubator clients by viewing our client directory.

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