Click to View in Browser | February 19, 2021
Black History Month Spotlight: Confidence
SCRA is celebrating some of our Black-owned Member Companies making history during Black History Month, and beyond. We’re shining the spotlight on Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin, a haircare products company specializing in plant-based ingredients. GaBBY, and her mother, Rozalynn, started the company when Gabby was just seven years old. Gabby is now 14 years old and the company’s products are now on the shelves of national retailers and available online. The Goodwins invented GaBBY Bows as a solution to a problem African American girls were having due to barrettes not being designed for black hair. Their double-face double-snap barrette is a dream for any mom or caregiver wanting to maintain beautiful hairstyles with secured fastenings. Confidence also produces a line of plant-based products including shampoos, conditioners, detanglers, and moisturizers.
NEWS
SCRA Announces Investment in Drone-Related Startup, UASidekick
SCRA announces its affiliate, SC Launch, Inc.’s, investment of $200,000 in UASidekick, Inc., a Greenville-based drone software company.

UASidekick became an SC Launch Member Company in 2019 and successfully progressed through the program, receiving a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. They eventually became an SC Launch, Inc. Portfolio Company by receiving this investment. Read more.
New Director of SC EPSCoR
The South Carolina EPSCoR State Committee has named Dr. Jim Doolittle as the new Director of SC EPSCoR effective Monday, January 11, 2021. Dr. Doolittle came from South Dakota State University where he served as the associate vice president for research and sponsored programs. He previously served as the director of the North-Central Sun Grant Center at South Dakota State University where he implemented and administered a $57 million program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.
Vikor Scientific, a leading, molecular diagnostics company with a rapidly expanding nationwide footprint, has announced a strategic investment in Quantgene Inc. to accelerate the commercialization of Quantgene’s flagship product, SerenityTM. Serenity provides world-leading accuracy in precision genomics and AI-enabled personalized preventative care. Read more.
Governor McMaster Issues Proclamation Recognizing SC Life Sciences Week to Celebrate State’s Fastest-Growing Industry
In recognition of the importance of the life sciences industry in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster issued a proclamation recognizing February 15-19, 2021 as South Carolina Life Sciences Week in the Palmetto State. Interim SC Launch Director Steve Johnson attended the ceremony. Read more.
FEB 24 @11:00 a.m.
PTB Webinar: Intro to SBIR/STTRs: Demystifying the Process. Learn more.
FEB 25 @1:00 p.m.
SBDC: Paycheck Protection Program Funding. Learn more.
MAR 3
NASA: Countdown To Success Supplier Summit and STEM Experience. Learn more.
Join us for our SCRA Webinars!
These 60-90 minute sessions are hosted with our Resource Partner Network to provide a casual learning environment with an interactive networking and Q&A component. The sessions will cover a variety of topics of interest to startups, such as incorporation, general legal issues, pro forma, general accounting, sales and marketing strategies, fundraising, etc.

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