How did the Beaufort Digital Corridor get started?
With Beaufort’s proximity to Charleston and Savannah, both with tech-related industry and influx of visitors to the region, it made sense to create a ‘tech hub’ with resources for entrepreneurs looking for adaptable, affordable office space, and coworking for visitors and those working remotely. Remote workers needing a space to touch down is becoming more and more prevalent.
When did the business open?
The Beaufort Digital Corridor (BDC) opened its BASEcamp office location in downtown Beaufort in January 2017. Shelley Barratt came on in late 2017 to manage the BDC and the local Board of Directors came online in January 2018.
What were you doing before you joined the BDC?
I have a background in and around tech in business admin, human resources, and operations, as well as some hospitality industry experience. The BDC was a natural fit. The Board of Directors all come from tech and entrepreneurial backgrounds.
What has BDC been doing since it opened?
We have been building out the various programs that make sense for our area, like TECHconnect, Fridays at the Corridor and BASEcamp Gallery– all of which bring people and business in the door. Growth has occurred mostly organically with consistent presence along with the cool tech companies at BASEcamp.
What is the Best thing about BDC?
The best thing about running the BDC is the adventure surrounding innovation–right here in our community! The energy is palpable when you walk in the door at BASEcamp –everyone is focused on their project, and it is refreshing to host coworkers that are visiting or cruising through town via car, boat or ship.
What is the best thing about living in Beaufort?
The best things –the natural beauty of the coastal river and its flora and fauna, the mild climate, the history and the diversity of people and their shared love of this place. Every day I walk through town and notice tourists oohing and ahhing, I have to remind myself “I live here.”
What do you want your guests and clients to take away or remember about you?
We want guests and clients to think of us as another aspect of why Beaufort is such a special place to visit, live and work. There’s more to our community that meets the eye, including tech resource that contribute to our diveresity and inform our education so that we can stay competitive and relevant in today and tomorrow’s world.
Learn more about the Beaufort Digital Corridor by visiting their website at https://www.beaufortdigital.com/