09 Jan Join for the Digital Corridor ribbon cutting ceremony!
Beaufort welcomes Digital Corridor as key effort to grow Lowcountry tech economy
The Beaufort Digital Corridor project formally opens its doors Jan. 12 to start helping small technology-related companies take flight.
The Beaufort Digital Corridor at 500 Carteret Street is an offshoot of the successful Charleston Digital Corridor. The ribbon cutting is set for Jan. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the renovated and upfitted offices at downtown’s 500 Carteret Street.
“The Beaufort Digital Corridor is the right idea at the right time and certainly the right place,” said Beaufort City Councilman Stephen Murray, a leader in setting up the new project. “Our Lowcountry lifestyle, our outdoor environment, our history and our determination all make us a perfect location for tech start-ups.
“With high speed Internet and all the ways to communicate that didn’t exist 20 years ago, it’s not necessary for most technology firms to be located in Atlanta, New York or other big cities. They can enjoy the Beaufort lifestyle and still get the job done,” Murray said.
The Beaufort Digital Corridor follows the lead of the Charleston Digital Corridor, which in 15 years has seen its tech economy grow from 18 companies in 2001 to 350+ companies in 2015. With an average wage of $69,580, pay at tech companies is almost twice the regional and state wages.
“We think there is absolutely a need for this type of incubator, not only to help new Lowcountry tech firms and people operating out of their homes get a good start, but also as a way to attract start-ups from other areas of country where it might be below freezing this time of year,” Beaufort City Manager Bill Prokop said.
“New businesses often need support and guidance to survive and then thrive, and that’s what the Beaufort Digital Corridor team will provide,” he said. “Their work in Charleston has been tremendously successful.”
The Beaufort Digital Corridor program manager is Karen Warner. She can be reached at info@beaufortdigital.com, 843-470-3506 or via the website at www.beaufortdigital.com.