Maybe you've got the business plan. Maybe you've got half a logo, three possible names, and an idea you swear could work.

Either way, Charleston-area entrepreneurs don't have to build alone.

From startup grants and free mentoring to accelerators, classes, and pitch opportunities, we've rounded up resources that can help you launch an idea or grow the business you already have. Bookmark this one — future CEO you may thank us.

Make your pitch

Venture Atlanta | Road trip, anyone? South Carolina founders are eligible to apply to pitch at Venture Atlanta, a Southeast-focused venture conference taking place Wednesday, Oct. 14-Thursday, Oct. 15 in Atlanta. Applications are free and close Friday, Aug. 7, giving founders just a few days to throw their hats in the ring. Eligible early-stage companies may also be considered for Startup Showcase Live and its $475,000 investment prize.

Catalyst by Beemok | Got a pitch? Charleston-based Catalyst by Beemok has extended its application deadline to Monday, Aug. 31, giving founders more time to throw their hats in the ring. Selected early-stage companies can compete for up to $2 million in potential investment funding, with the live pitch competition set for Thursday, Nov. 12.

Catalyst by Beemok competition student winners — A hole lot of potential. Young entrepreneurs put their sourdough bagel business to the test at last year’s Catalyst by Beemok competition, and came out winners. | Photo courtesy of Beemok

Learn how to build the business

Community Business Academy | Class is in session. Lowcountry Local First's 13-week Community Business Academy covers the nuts and bolts of business planning and management. The fall cohort begins Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Culinary Institute of Charleston and has an emphasis on food entrepreneurship, although founders from all industries can apply. Applications close Sunday, Aug. 9, and scholarships are available.

Talk it out with an expert — for free

SC Small Business Development Centers | Not sure whether you need a business plan, financing, market research, or simply someone who knows what comes next? The SC SBDC offers free, private one-on-one consulting, plus seminars and resources for both prospective and existing small business owners.

SCORE Charleston | Here's another reason not to Google your way through every business decision. SCORE connects entrepreneurs with free business mentors and hosts workshops throughout the year. Coming up immediately: a free virtual Small Business Finance workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 12 p.m. covering cash flow, financing, payments, and other money matters.

Find funding

SCRA startup funding | Building something in tech or innovation? South Carolina Research Authority member companies may qualify for several rolling funding opportunities. Its Startup and Academic Startup Grants offer up to $25,000, while eligible companies can receive up to $50,000 through Acceleration and Federal Matching grants.

CLIMB Fund | Venture capital isn't the answer for every business. Charleston-based nonprofit lender CLIMB Fund works with small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking financing, including borrowers who may have trouble qualifying through conventional lenders.

Get into the startup scene

Harbor Entrepreneur Center | Need more than a coffee shop and Wi-Fi to get that company moving? The Mount Pleasant-based Harbor Entrepreneur Center offers accelerator programming, mentorship, technical assistance, and a community of fellow founders.

And that support system is growing. Harbor recently received new funding to expand its accelerator across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, with plans for larger cohorts, additional mentors, and more assistance with areas like product-market fit, sales, and capital readiness.

ESO Network | Harbor also recently teamed up with entrepreneur centers in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville to create a statewide network. Members of participating organizations can access benefits at the other locations, including drop-in workspace and discounted conference rooms. Translation: Your startup's network just got a little bigger.

Keep an eye on this new resource

Charleston Metro Chamber Business Creation platform | The Charleston Metro Chamber is building out a new Business Creation platform after receiving a $100,000 Truist Foundation grant this summer. Plans include one-on-one advising, monthly small business workshops, additional mentorship and networking opportunities, and the Kauffman FastTrac entrepreneurial training program.

Ready to do business with the county?

Charleston County Small Business Enterprise Program | This one's better suited for established small businesses than brand-new startups. Eligible companies can become certified through Charleston County's SBE Program to pursue local government contracting opportunities and access procurement-related support.

Whether you need money, mentorship, a workspace, or just someone to tell you what comes after registering the LLC, there's likely a Lowcountry resource that can help move your idea forward.