S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation to launch Pen to Paper Tour

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation today announced a Pen to Paper Tour of various innovation and incubator locations across the state. With six dates already scheduled, the tour will allow the Office of Innovation staff to connect with local members of the state’s innovation ecosystem through pre-scheduled, full-day visits.

“We know innovation doesn’t happen in a single office, single building or even with a single person. It takes connections and collaboration,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “It’s this notion that inspired the Office of Innovation’s Pen to Paper Tour, and I know that our staff looks forward to connecting with entrepreneurs and innovators from across the state.”

Community members are invited to coordinate individual meetings or can simply drop by the locations to discuss their ideas, share what they’re working on or obtain information regarding statewide resources. Each visit will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the scheduled day.  

Although additional dates will be scheduled in the coming weeks, the following Pen to Paper Tour stops have been confirmed:

• January 28, 2019: Gould Incubator in Florence, S.C.
• February 11, 2019: bGEN Incubator in Gaffney, S.C.
• February 25, 2019: Spark Center S.C. in Spartanburg, S.C.
• March 11, 2019: S.C. Women’s Business Center at Columbia College in Columbia, S.C.
• March 25, 2019: Clemson University Center for Automotive Research in Greenville, S.C.

Those looking for more information on the Pen to Paper Tour or seeking to schedule a visit from a member of the Office of Innovation staff are encouraged to contact the office’s director, Laura Corder, at [email protected].