Meet the most innovative Entrepreneurs, Founders & Business Owners at Launchfest on Sept. 27!
Get ready to celebrate entrepreneurship in the Lowcountry at the highly anticipated Dig South Launchfest held in partnership with the Harbor Entrepreneur Center and followed by the Founders’ Ball.
This two-part event will be held on Friday, September 27 at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center at 11 eWall Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.
Launchfest is free to attend but registration is required. The Founders’ Ball will immediately follow Launchfest at the same location and requires a ticket for entry.
CONTACT | SPONSOR DECK | APPLY TO EXHIBIT | APPLY TO PITCH
“Launchfest is a match made in startup heaven,” said Dig South CEO and founder Stanfield Gray. “Dig South is known for strongly boosting tech-driven economic development and our team is thrilled to create the Lowcountry’s most essential gathering of small businesses in partnership with The Harbor Entrepreneur Center.”
“The Harbor Entrepreneur Center is thrilled to partner with Dig South to celebrate entrepreneurism with Launchfest,” said Grady Johnson, Executive Director of HEC. “Launchfest will capture the fun and excitement of starting a new business and is the perfect addition to the annual Founders’ Ball and the Entrepreneur-of-the-Year award.”
Launchfest Agenda
2:00–5:30 PM – Dig South Launchfest in partnership with Harbor Entrepreneur Center
- Pitch Battle: Watch entrepreneurs pitch their groundbreaking ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition, with $5000 in prizes up for grabs.
- Exhibitors & Demonstrations: Discover innovative products and services from local businesses.
- Workshops: Participate in business and marketing workshops designed to help your venture succeed.
- Food Trucks & Cash Bar: Enjoy delicious food and refreshing beverages.
- Live Music & Games: Experience live entertainment and fun activities throughout the afternoon.
5:30–9:00 PM – Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s Founders’ Ball (Ticketed Event)
- Founders’ Ball: Celebrate the achievements of the Lowcountry’s business community with a night of food, beverages, live entertainment, and surprises.
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Witness the presentation of the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Sponsor & Exhibit at Launchfest – Download Deck
Launchfest offers fantastic opportunities to connect with local business owners, founders, and community members, and showcase your brand to an engaged and dynamic audience.
Designed for everyone from “mom & pops” to scalable startups, Launchfest will feature workshops, demonstrations, exhibitors, food trucks, live music, a cash bar, games, and Launchfest Pitch Battle!
Be a part of this celebration of entrepreneurship and community, and help us foster innovation and growth in our region.
Contact us Today
| Stanfield Gray Founder & CEO, Dig South Stanfield@digsouth.com 843-478-1167 | Mellonie Truong VP, Partnerships, Dig South Mellonie@digsouth.com | Grady Johnson Executive Director Harbor Entrepreneur Center grady@harborec.com 843-209-3751 |
Apply to Give a Workshop, Demo or Speak at Launchfest Here
Launchfest will offer business, technology, marketing, entrepreneurship, fundraising and other sessions devoted to helping entrepreneurs, founders and business owners grow and scale their companies. Apply today and we will contact you asap.
Apply to Compete in the Launchfest Pitch Battle Here
The ultimate Shark Tank-style tournament where innovation meets competition!
Entrepreneurs are invited to step into the arena and pitch their groundbreaking ideas to seasoned investors and the Lowcountry business community. With $5000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to turn your vision into reality and win big!
How It Works: Tournament Style
- Compete in a knockout-style tournament where only the best pitches survive each round.
- Game Elimination: Following each pitch round, contestants must complete a game challenge to survive. Think cornhole, VR games, and archery.
- Entry Fee: $250. This entry fee gives you access to invaluable feedback, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a shot at the grand prize.
- Prize Pool: Win up to $5000 in cash & prizes.
Ready to enter and make your mark? The arena awaits!
Why Attend Launchfest?
Whether you own a small business or are considering launching one this year, Launchfest offers something for everyone. From “mom & pops” to scalable startups, attendees will find valuable resources, networking opportunities, and inspiration. The event will feature a dynamic lineup of workshops, demonstrations, exhibitors, food trucks, live music, and games. Bring your ideas for brainstorming and join your fellow business owners, founders, and neighbors in this celebration of entrepreneurship and community.
About Dig South
Dig South is the South’s Tech Hub providing the contacts, content and capital for companies to launch, scale and succeed across the region. Launched in 2012 to connect the South’s most scalable startups to leading global brands, Dig South produces Dig South Ai Summit, Dig South Tech Summit, Launchfest, and the year-round Dig Nation member community.
About the Harbor Entrepreneur Center
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center is a 501c3 dedicated to Collision! between entrepreneurs in the Lowcountry by providing events, resources, mentorship, and access to capital. The HEC’s annual Founders’ Ball celebrates the achievements of local entrepreneurs and their contributions to economic development.
