COLUMBIA - A diverse audience of more than 100 small business owners, economic developers, university staff and entrepreneurs participated in the state's first "Conversation on Incubators."

The goal of the seminar was to inspire local business leaders to step up existing efforts or launch new programs to help entrepreneurs in South Carolina.

Keynote speaker Dinah Adkins helped start the National Business Incubation Association and became its President and CEO in 1986.

She talked about the changing role of entrepreneurial development in job creation and growth and noted the U.S. leads the way due to its history of innovation and experimentation, its access to credit, its short timeline for business start-up, and its acceptance of failure.

Adkins said among the best practices for starting an incubator or business center were having a realistic understanding of the marketplace and an experienced manager with respect in the business community.

Following Adkins remarks, a panel of local experts shared their insights and experience in new start-up ventures and using incubators.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce served as the presenting sponsor for the Conversation event.

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