Columbia, SC, November 4, 2025, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced a $50,000 grant to the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA) to support its ongoing efforts to expand economic development across the State of South Carolina.
The BCSIA, housed at Benedict College, is dedicated to empowering early-stage entrepreneurs through access to capital, mentorship, and advanced technology resources. The new grant from Wells Fargo will help the Accelerator continue its mission of strengthening South Carolina’s innovation and small business ecosystem.
“The Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator is proud to collaborate with dynamic ecosystem builders in technology and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies to help early-stage founders build and scale,” said Millicent B. Lann, Program Director of the BCSIA.
Lann noted that since its inception in 2023, the Accelerator has supported more than 30 early-stage founders throughout South Carolina.
Pamela T. Bryant, Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Impact in South Carolina Impact for the Wells Fargo Foundation shared her enthusiasm for the partnership:
“A strong and vibrant economy depends on the presence and vitality of small businesses. Wells Fargo is proud to support the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator in providing tools and resources that help small business owners grow and thrive.”
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About the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA)
Launched in 2023, the BCSIA is an investment accelerator that aims to “empower and elevate South Carolina founders from around the state. The accelerator is part of Benedict College’s effort to create an innovation pipeline reaching every corner of the state and to address the venture‑capital access to early-stage entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the BCSIA has helped 30 early‑stage founders launch and scale promising businesses, and its programming is supported by corporate partners such as Wells Fargo Foundation, and others. Learn more about our program and how you can get involved at bc-sia.org.
The Wells Fargo Foundation
Wells Fargo is focused on building thriving communities with financially resilient families, vibrant small businesses and places to call home.