SCDCA: Tips to navigate tax-free weekend August 7-9,2020

Whether you are buying back-to-school items for virtual or in-person school attendance, take advantage of tax-free weekend this weekend, August 7-9, 2020. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging consumers to navigate this ...

SCAM ALERT: Be in the know about the latest phone scam

The Bluffton Police Department has received several calls from residents reporting an unknown person calling, claiming to be an officer with the Bluffton Police Department. Once on the phone, the unknown caller says the victim missed Grand Jury and now ha...

NWS National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Warning issued for our area

The National Weather Service has issued a TROPICAL STORM WARNING for our area. This means tropical-storm force winds are expected sometime within the next 36 hours, as well as significant amounts of rain. 

In preparation, please see the following:...

NWS National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Watch issued for our area

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), Isaias has weakened to a tropical storm; however, it is expected to re-strengthen to a hurricane overnight as it approaches the southeast coast of Florida.A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is in effect for our ar...

Emergency Management Division creates videos on hurricane preparedness

Hurricane Season is upon us. In order for the community to be prepared, the Town of Bluffton’s Emergency Management Division is providing videos on what families can do now, before a storm strikes. 

In previous years, the Town’...

What is the difference between an Excessive Heat Watch, Warning, or Advisory?

A common question that we get asked is “what is the difference between an Excessive Heat Watch and Warning, and how do they differ from a Heat Advisory?”Below are the answers:EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCHAn Excessive Heat Watch is issued when t...

Bluffton Police Department postpones National Night Out event

The Bluffton Police Department’s National Night Out event was scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

"This decision was a difficult one, but we believe it is the right one. We are saddened that our community an...

Mike Hostilo partners with the Town for the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Virtual 5K

The Town of Bluffton is excited to announce the partnership with the Mike Hostilo Law Firm for this year’s Bluffton Lutzie 43 Virtual 5K. 

“We are excited to have Mike’s law firm involved this year. Everyone knows his...

Jobs

Volunteer

Explorer Program

Innovator Startup Opportunities

Are you an entrepreneur with a business idea or an early stage startup on the brink of taking your business to the next level?

Existing Business Growth Programs

Now, more than ever, the DRCI is here to help take established businesses to the next level. In addition to our work with entrepreneurs, we’re here to help businesses of all sizes and stages continue to grow.

Membership Options for You

Become part of our vibrant business community and gain access to the resources, programs and services proven to help entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses of all sizes thrive.

Mentors Making a Difference

We believe in the power of a great mentor – which is why we created a Mentorship Program unlike any other in the region. We actively work to pair innovators with a mentor for their specific industry and needs.

Opening Up The Books

Building Resilient and Financially Strong Businesses Through the DRCI and the Small Business Economic Resiliency Program

The effects of the COVID-19 crisis on small businesses continue to impact business owners and entrepreneurs throughout our region – with businesses not only terribly impacted by the disruption brought on by the pandemic, but now facing unique ch...

DRCI offers free membership, flex space at The HUB and comprehensive resource guide

As part of the Small Business Economic Resiliency Plan approved by the Bluffton Town Council in April, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) is offering FREE membership for a year.

As part of the Small Business Economic Resiliency Plan approved by the Bluffton Town Council in April, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) is expanding its mission, and taking on an important role in helping to assist small businesses through the ec...

Don Ryan Center for Innovation: SBA Loans for Small Businesses 101

Small businesses have been hit hard by mandatory closures and safety measures required to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Small businesses have been hit hard by mandatory closures and safety measures required to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). But businesses have a growing number of resources and relief programs to turn to. The U.S. Small Business Administrati...

Free webinars offer insight, tips for all businesses

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation will host two free Zoom webinars in May, geared to provide strategic business insight and tips for professionals throughout all industries. The webinars will be held May 7 and 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation will host two free Zoom webinars in May, geared to provide strategic business insight and tips for professionals throughout all industries. The webinars will be held May 7 and 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

The first webinar is &...

Don Ryan Center for Innovation: How to Manage your Credit and Finances in a Crisis

It’s been a tough few weeks for, well, the world as we navigate a new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s been a tough few weeks for, well, the world as we navigate a new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the current situation may cause worry, staying calm and taking actions to protect your health and financial well-being will help yo...

Don Ryan Center For Innovation Offers Two Upcoming Free May Zoom Webinars For Businesses On May 7th

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation will be hosting two free Zoom Webinars in May, geared to provide strategic business insight and tips for professionals throughout all industries.

Staff Report From Low Country CEO

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation will be hosting two free Zoom Webinars in May, geared to provide strategic business insight and tips for professionals throughout all industries.  The two free Zoom Webinars will...

Greenbug is reclaiming the Lowcountry’s yards

Their idea for cedar-enhanced personal sprays blossomed into something bigger when the couple connected with the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton, joining as innovators in 2012.

Elongator inventors rev up the auto industry

“It opened up a lot of doors. David had a lot of connections with a lot of these state agencies, and we found this manufacturer because of the Don Ryan Center,” DeSimone said. “We never would have gotten there without them.”

Work anywhere

Advances in technology have made it possible for many professionals to work from almost anywhere.

Biz Pitch

BizPitch was sponsored by SunTrust Bank and hosted by SCORE Lowcountry, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, and The Don Ryan Center for Innovation.

Merger of Bluffton economic groups targets ‘one-stop shop’ for development

Bluffton’s two public economic development organizations are becoming one.

Small Business Budgeting: Tips for Making a Budget You’ll Stick To

One of the most important aspects of running a small business is managing your bottom line -- which is a great deal easier if you have a working budget.

A well-planned and carefully managed budget allows you to track every aspect of your cash flow, from your monthly profits to annual expenses, and how much revenue you need to keep your business going. By putting these numbers on paper, you’re mo...

Tips for Securing Start-up Funding

If you’re an entrepreneur in the planning stages of starting your own business, it’s likely that securing the funds to launch your company is one of your top priorities.

Whether you’re about to launch your first business, or you’re a seasoned business owner about to start a new venture, there are a number of steps you should take – and resources you can uncover – in order to raise t...

How Do You REALLY Run a Small Business? You’ve Launched Your Company. Now What?

There are millions of books, magazines, articles and websites that teach you how to start a small business. You can learn how to get started, write a business plan, market your product or service, create social media campaigns - you name it.

Once you’ve launched your business though, it’s not as easy to find that same level of “how to” information when it comes to actually running your business.  However, what you do in the months and years fol...

How to Prioritize When Everything is a Priority

Everything seems equally important and time-sensitive. So how can you prioritize when everything is a priority?

All small business owners know the importance of setting goals and reaching them. But between the constant stream of incoming emails, unexpected issues that arise daily and 20 tasks that need to be done, well, yesterday, it can be hard to know where to st...

SBA Disaster Loan Program Updates

If you have not applied for an EIDL Loan, the portal is now open on the SBA website for new applications.

If you have not applied for an EIDL Loan, the portal is now open on the SBA website for new applications.

The EIDL process is two steps:

1. You first receive an advance (equal to $1K per employee).

2. If you qualify, you will receive an email from SBA offeri...

The HUB

Irony is a weird thing. For the past three years plans for the DRCI having its own space have been in the works.

Irony is a weird thing.  For the past three years plans for the DRCI having its own space have been in the works.  From our first days as an occupant at CareCore (now EviCore), to a “temporary” trailer that lasted 2+ ...

SC Small Businesses Now Eligible for SBA Disaster Assistance

While there are certainly significant challenges being faced by all of us, we are also encouraged by the many ways in which our community is also showing how we support one another.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering South Carolina low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  If you ...

Bluffton hosts three public hearings during August 11 Town Council Meeting

Bluffton’s Town Council will host three public hearings within the August 11 Town Council meeting which gives residents an opportunity to comment on proposed amendments to the Town of Bluffton Code of Ordinances which includes:

• Proposed amendment...

Mayor's Message - August 5, 2020

Dear Bluffton,

We are in month 5 of the pandemic and despite logistical changes, the business of the Town of Bluffton continues unabated.

This version of my newsletter will be a potpourri of updates from multiple Town activities or activities which may affe...

SCDCA: Tips to navigate tax-free weekend August 7-9,2020

Whether you are buying back-to-school items for virtual or in-person school attendance, take advantage of tax-free weekend this weekend, August 7-9, 2020. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging consumers to navigate this ...

New deadline for U.S. Census – September 30, 2020

State and federal money doesn’t follow the need, it follows the numbers.

The U.S. Census announced its new deadline is September 30 versus the end of October.

The U.S. Census is the one-stop-shop data source for how communities are funded through ...

SCAM ALERT: Be in the know about the latest phone scam

The Bluffton Police Department has received several calls from residents reporting an unknown person calling, claiming to be an officer with the Bluffton Police Department. Once on the phone, the unknown caller says the victim missed Grand Jury and now ha...

Power outage information as it relates to our area

In the event you lose power -- please see the information below to report the outage, as well as stay "in the know" as to when it might be restored.Dominion Energy📞Power Outage: 1-888-333-4465🌐 Outage Map: https://www.Dominio...

Town begins sewer project in Historic District (Pritchard Street)

The Town of Bluffton has awarded a construction contract to Jordan Construction of Hilton Head, Inc. to install sanitary sewer on Pritchard Street. This is the first of six phases of sewer construction in Bluffton’s Historic District. This first...

Town offices to close at noon due to Isaias

Town of Bluffton offices will be closed at noon today due to Tropical Storm Isaias. Town staff will still be working remotely throughout the business day and storm activity.

Please keep abreast to the updated storm information via the Town’s webs...

NWS National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Warning issued for our area

The National Weather Service has issued a TROPICAL STORM WARNING for our area. This means tropical-storm force winds are expected sometime within the next 36 hours, as well as significant amounts of rain. 

In preparation, please see the following:...

NWS National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Watch issued for our area

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), Isaias has weakened to a tropical storm; however, it is expected to re-strengthen to a hurricane overnight as it approaches the southeast coast of Florida.A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is in effect for our ar...

Emergency Management Division creates videos on hurricane preparedness

Hurricane Season is upon us. In order for the community to be prepared, the Town of Bluffton’s Emergency Management Division is providing videos on what families can do now, before a storm strikes. 

In previous years, the Town’...

Mayor's Message - July 29, 2020

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Dear Bluffton,

Governor Henry McMaster held a 4 p.m. media conference today announcing all remaining businesses which are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may reopen Monday. The caveat: masks must be worn. These businesses...

School Board approves delaying 2020-21 start date to Sept. 8

 The Beaufort County Board of Education on Tuesday approved a revised 2020-21 school calendar that delays the first day of school from August 17 until September 8. 

Gov. Henry McMaster endorsed a Sept. 8 opening day during a recent news c...

Town meetings to remain virtual in August

The Town of Bluffton’s public meeting schedule for August is listed below.

The following meetings will be held. All public meetings will be held via Zoom and will broadcast on the Town of Bluffton Government’s Facebook page.

• Town Council...

Bluffton Police Department postpones National Night Out event

In an effort to keep the Bluffton community healthy and prevent spreading the coronavirus, the Bluffton Police Department is postponing its anticipated and popular National Night Out event. It was scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 5 p.m. &nd...

Mayor's Message - July 22, 2020

Dear Bluffton, 

We all continue to live in a phase of uncertainty. I just want to acknowledge everyone in our community who continues to adjust their plans and align themselves with best practices to help control the infection rate. As we walk thr...

Mayor's Message - July 15, 2020

Mike Hostilo partners with the Town for the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Virtual 5K

The Town of Bluffton is excited to announce the partnership with the Mike Hostilo Law Firm for this year’s Bluffton Lutzie 43 Virtual 5K.

“We are excited to have Mike’s law firm involved this year. Everyone knows his commerci...

Town hosts two public hearings during July 14 Town Council meeting

There are two public hearings within the July 14 Town Council meeting which gives residents an opportunity to comment on proposed amendments to the Town of Bluffton Code of Ordinances 1) proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance, uses by di...

Can we count on you? Fill out the U.S. Census today!

State and federal money doesn’t follow the need, it follows the numbers. 

The U.S. Census is the one-stop-shop data source for how communities are funded through state and federal programs, how lines are drawn for U.S. House of Represent...

COVID-19 Information

Town of Bluffton leaders remain in close communication with federal, state and regional officials including representatives the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and area healthcare ...

COVID-19: Ways to Help

Ways to Help Your Neighbors and/or Donate

• Donate to Help4Hope, which is providing meals to laid-off community workers and providing our restaurants with business
• Donate to Bible Missionary Baptist Church’s God’s Heart, which is ...

2020 Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual, according to an outlook released by the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project.

The group led by Dr. Phil Klotzbach calls for 16 named storms, eight hurricanes an...