The DRCI Growth Program: Growing With Bluffton
Since 2012, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) has been a stalwart supporter of local enterprises. Over the years, it has extended its assistance to over 300 companies, demonstrating its commitment to the community. Notably, more than 70 of these enterprises have become participants in our structured programs: STARTUP and GROWTH. Of particular intrigue is our GROWTH program, a recent addition spanning merely three years. This initiative is tailored for well-established and prosperous companies that have operated for multiple years. Success, however, does not equate to complacency; continuous advancement remains imperative for sustained prosperity.
Initially, the anticipation was that about three companies annually would join the GROWTH program. Our projection presumed a greater influx into the STARTUP program, given the constant emergence of new ventures. While this assumption holds validity, it is with immense satisfaction that we reveal the number of GROWTH-affiliated enterprises has more than doubled our initial estimation.
This is a testament to the flourishing commerce in Bluffton and its environs. As these businesses expand, their requisites evolve, necessitating fresh approaches, refined skill sets, and innovative methodologies. They seek mentors with adeptness in managing business expansion, and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation steps in to fulfill this role.
Many of the firms in the GROWTH program boast recognizable names. Several of these, with roots in Bluffton spanning decades, were once the endeavors of solitary individuals. The growth these entities have experienced is a testament to the dedication, investment, and hard work of these pioneers. In parallel to the Town of Bluffton, these companies have outpaced their own expectations, a phenomenon that is often considered a welcome challenge.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that even favorable challenges warrant attention. In other words, even a “good problem” is a problem. This perspective may elude those who haven’t trod the entrepreneurial path. It’s easy to assume that managing such challenges will be enjoyable, but in truth, seeking assistance becomes vital in navigating them. This is where the Don Ryan Center for Innovation becomes an indispensable asset.
Drawing upon over a decade of collaboration with numerous companies, the DRCI boasts a staff and mentor pool comprised of seasoned entrepreneurs. Many among them have steered their own businesses for extensive periods. Their collective expertise provides invaluable guidance for companies on a trajectory of GROWTH. When navigating uncharted territories, the presence of an experienced guide is reassuring. Whether encountering unforeseen expansion, operational complexities, market entry, service diversification, succession planning, or other multifaceted challenges—the “good problems”—the Don Ryan Center for Innovation stands ready to provide significant support.
For more insights, visit donryancenter.com and embark on a journey toward fortified growth.
