SCRA’S SC Launch Recognized as National Non-Profit of the Year

SC Launch, an SCRA affiliate, has been named Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the 2011 American Business Awards. This national award, known as The Stevie Award, recognized SC Launch for their role in leading collaborative entrepreneurial and economic development efforts.

“SC Launch is overwhelmed to receive such an honor from the American Business Awards,” said SCRA Executive Vice President and SC Launch Executive Director Dave McNamara. “I would like to thank our staff, our investment board and our outstanding resource partners for their hard work and dedication in building our program.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award for our collaborative work in technology-based economic development,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “The SC Launch program continues to identify and support emerging technology businesses in South Carolina, and we are pleased to be recognized on a national scale. We are committed to advancing South Carolina’s Knowledge Economy, and I am confident that SC Launch, along with other SCRA operations, will continue to help companies succeed through our partnership efforts.”

Since its inception by SCRA in 2006, and with initial funding of $12 million in SCRA earnings, SC Launch has supported and funded 188 start-ups in SC, helped draw 11 business relocation landing parties to the state, provided business services to 230 early stage technology companies in SC through a powerful Resource Network and helped position emerging South Carolina Knowledge Economy companies to secure more than $130 million in follow-on funding from angel, venture and other private capital sources. SC Launch has been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for leadership in entrepreneurial support and technology-based economic development.

The Stevie Awards recognize the achievements of organizations and business people worldwide and are judged by an international network of leading business principals. The name for the Stevie Award is derived from the name Stephen, which means “crowned” In Greek. For more information on the Stevie Awards, please visit The