Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Build in SE (Southeast), the organization co-founded by Monique Villa, former Chief Investment Officer at Launch Tennessee, recently published a listing of federal and state programs supporting start-ups in the Southeast. We are sharing the list of state programs with our readers.

Alabama:

• Innovate Alabama: A $25 million state-backed initiative to support start-ups and innovation. Innovate Alabama offers various programs and funding opportunities to foster entrepreneurship in the state. Website: innovatealabama.org
• Alabama Launchpad: A program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama that provides funding and mentorship to start-ups. Alabama Launchpad offers pitch competitions and support for early stage companies. Website: alabamalaunchpad.com

Florida:

• Florida Opportunity Fund: A $150 million state-backed venture capital fund. The fund invests in technology and growth companies across Florida to stimulate economic development. Website: floridaopportunityfund.com
• Space Florida: Supports aerospace-related economic development in the state. Space Florida offers various programs and resources to attract and grow aerospace businesses. Website: spaceflorida.gov
• Florida High Tech Corridor Council: A regional economic development initiative of three research universities. The council supports high-tech industry growth and innovation across central Florida. Website: floridahightech.com

Georgia:

• Invest Georgia: A state-funded investment program to fuel Georgia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Invest Georgia partners with venture capital firms to support high-growth start-ups in the state. Website: investgeorgia.net
• Georgia Research Alliance (GRA): Supports the commercialization of university research. GRA invests in promising research and helps transform discoveries into commercial products and companies. Website: gra.org
• Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC): A technology incubator at Georgia Tech. ATDC offers coaching, curriculum, community, and capital to help entrepreneurs launch successful companies. Website: atdc.org

Kentucky:

• KY Innovation: The state’s initiative to support high-tech, high-growth businesses. KY Innovation offers various programs and funding opportunities for innovative start-ups. Website: kyinnovation.com/
• Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit (KSBTC): Provides tax credits to small businesses that create and maintain jobs. KSBTC incentivizes business growth and employment in the state. Website: ced.ky.gov/entrepreneurship/KSBCI
• Keyhorse Capital: Supported by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Keyhorse invests seed and early stage venture capital focused on supporting a thriving community of entrepreneurs willing to build and scale innovative companies and bring value to Kentucky. Website: keyhorse.vc/

Mississippi:

• Innovate Mississippi: A non-profit organization that supports technology-based economic development. Innovate Mississippi offers various programs and resources for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Website: innovate.ms
• Mississippi Seed Fund: Provides early stage capital to innovative startups. The fund aims to support high-growth potential companies in Mississippi. Website: innovate.ms/mississippi-seed-fund

North Carolina:

• NCInvest: The Rural Center’s NC Venture Capital Program, branded as NCInvest, supports early-stage, high-growth small businesses in North Carolina, primarily through equity investments. Website: ncruralcenter.org/ssbci/nc-venture-capital-program/
• One North Carolina Small Business Program: Matches federal SBIR/STTR grants for technology development. This program helps North Carolina companies leverage federal funding for innovation. Website: nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/technology-funds/one-north-carolina-small-business-program
• North Carolina Biotechnology Center: Provides loans and grants to life science companies. The center supports the growth of North Carolina’s biotechnology industry through various funding and support programs. Website: ncbiotech.org/

South Carolina:

• SC Launch: A program of SCRA that provides mentoring, grants, and investments to early-stage companies. SC Launch supports innovative startups across various industries in South Carolina. Website: www.scra.org/sc-launch/
• Palmetto Seed Capital Fund: A state-sponsored venture capital fund supporting early-stage South Carolina companies. The fund aims to foster innovation and job creation in the state. Website: scra.org/funding/

Tennessee:

• Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN): A public-private partnership supporting entrepreneurs across the state. LaunchTN offers various programs, funding opportunities, and resources for start-ups. Website: launchtn.org
• InvestTN: A $70 million state-backed venture capital program. InvestTN aims to support high-growth start-ups and attract more venture capital to Tennessee. Website: investtn.org
• Tennessee Small Business Development Centers: Provides free business consulting and training. These centers offer support to entrepreneurs, and small businesses across Tennessee. Website: tsbdc.org

Virginia:

• Virginia Venture Partners (VVP): A state-backed venture capital program investing in early-stage technology companies. VVP provides equity investments to support Virginia-based start-ups with high growth potential. Website: virginiaipc.org/virginia-venture-partners-vvp/
• Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA): Offers loans, loan guarantees, and other financing options to small businesses in Virginia. VSBFA aims to increase small businesses’ access to capital for growth and expansion. Website: sbsd.virginia.gov/virginia-small-business-financing-authority/
• Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF): Supports early-stage commercialization of promising technologies in key industries. CCF provides grants to help move innovative ideas from the lab to the market. Website: virginiaipc.org/commonwealth-commercialization-fund-ccf/

West Virginia:

• LG NOVA West Virginia: A $700 million investment program supporting tech start-ups and other projects in the state. This initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth in West Virginia. Website: www.lgnova.com/news/west-virginia-and-lg-announce-strategic-initiative-to-grow-new-tech-ventures-in-the-state
• West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP): Provides loan guarantees to small businesses, helping them secure financing from participating lenders. WVCAP aims to increase access to capital for West Virginia businesses. Website: wvjit.wv.gov/wvcap/
• TechConnect West Virginia: A non-profit organization promoting innovation-based economic development. TechConnect offers various programs and resources to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in the state. Website: techconnectwv.org

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