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Relentless Challenge Grant Program
General · South Carolina Department of Commerce, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship · SC
The Relentless Challenge Grant Program is a competitive cash grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce for South Carolina entrepreneurs and small businesses, offered through either a traditional small-business track or an innovation and R&D track.
The Relentless Challenge Grant Program is a statewide competitive cash grant offered by the South Carolina Department of Commerce's Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It is designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation across South Carolina, with two distinct funding tracks: one for traditional small businesses and one for innovation- and R&D-driven companies.
Each annual cycle, the program has awarded funding on the order of roughly $1,000,000 total, though the actual amount can vary — in the 2026 cycle, approximately $760,000 was awarded across 14 projects. This means individual awards can vary depending on how many strong applications are funded in a given round, so applicants should not assume a fixed award size.
The application process works through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) cycle. Applicants typically start with a concept or pre-application, and only a subset are invited to submit full proposals for final selection. This two-stage process means early planning matters, and businesses should watch for the announcement of each year's open round.
For a small-business owner in South Carolina, this grant matters because it provides non-dilutive cash funding — money that does not need to be repaid and does not require giving up equity — to help grow a business or advance an innovative product or service. Because funding cycles, exact award amounts, and eligibility details can shift from year to year, applicants should confirm the current NOFO, deadlines, and requirements directly on the SC Commerce website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
1. Watch for the annual NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) announcement from SC Commerce. 2. Submit a concept or pre-application during the open cycle. 3. If selected, submit a full proposal for consideration under either the small-business or innovation/R&D track. 4. Visit the official page for current details: https://www.sccommerce.com/news/sc-commerce-announces-2026-relentless-challenge-grant-awards
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant — a cash award, not a loan.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, grant funds generally do not need to be repaid, though specific terms should be confirmed at the source.
Who is eligible?
South Carolina entrepreneurs, small businesses, and supporting organizations under either a traditional small-business track or an innovation/R&D track.
How much money can I get?
The total pool is roughly $1,000,000 per cycle; in 2026, about $760,000 was awarded across 14 projects, so individual award amounts vary.
What is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by annual cycle — check current rounds at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Through the annual NOFO process on the SC Commerce website.
Is this only for South Carolina businesses?
Yes, it is limited to South Carolina entrepreneurs and businesses.
What is the application process like?
Applicants submit a concept or pre-application first, then selected applicants submit a full proposal.
Is there more than one funding track?
Yes, there is a traditional small-business track and an innovation/R&D track.
Who runs this program?
The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Is the award amount taxable?
This is not specified in the available information — confirm at the source.
How many awards are given each year?
In the 2026 cycle, 14 projects were funded; this may vary in other cycles.
Can nonprofits or supporting organizations apply?
Yes, supporting organizations are mentioned as eligible alongside entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Where can I find current cycle details?
On the SC Commerce website at the official program page.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with South Carolina Department of Commerce, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.