Please give thought to the questions below to determine if you are a candidate for our program. If you are able to answer yes to 4 out of the 6 criteria below, you may be a great candidate for our program and should proceed to the application pages.

1. Our business is a South Carolina based entity, meaning we are based in SC or are committed to locate to the state with entity established and registered with the SC Secretary of State and at least 51% of payroll is/will be located in SC.
   
   
2. We consider our business to be an advanced-technology or knowledge-based business such as Alternative Energy, Advanced Materials, Automotive Technology, Engineering/Process Improvements, Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Biomedical, Military/Defense/Homeland Security, or Information Technology/Software.
   
   
3. We have a protected intellectual property position or a distinct competitive advantage. (Private investors like to see protectable, innovative technology and so do we. Your product should not be easy to replicate and should include intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents and trademarks.)
   
   
4. Our business model could potentially be high-impact in South Carolina. (We look for start-ups that can grow into sizable businesses in the State, creating high-wage earning jobs and revenues.)
   
   
5. We have already raised capital or invested seed money (not sweat equity!) in our business - sources include self, friends, family, banks, etc.
   
   
6. We are affiliated with MUSC, USC, or Clemson.

Yes, I think I might qualify. Proceed to the application.