Myrtle Beach’s HTC Aspire Hub officially opens Thursday with ribbon-cutting, open house events
Unique partnership works to develop entrepreneurial spirit and diversify economic growth through new non-profit center
Myrtle Beach, S.C., February 16, 2022 –Officials from the City of Myrtle Beach, HTC and eMYRge celebrate the grand opening of the HTC Aspire Hub at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 17, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A limited happy hour, hosted by eMYRge, follows at 5:00 p.m.
As a partnership among the City of Myrtle Beach, HTC and eMYRge, the HTC Aspire Hub expands the local entrepreneur ecosystem and fosters support for innovative, scalable businesses along the Grand Strand. News media are invited to attend the grand opening.
The HTC Aspire Hub is in the heart of the city’s new Arts & Innovation District at 509 Ninth Avenue North. The non-profit center offers a co-work space where entrepreneurs, technologists and investors can come together to share innovative business ideas and bring those ideas to life.
HTC is supporting the HTC Aspire Hub with a combination of monetary contributions and in-kind services targeted towards technology and economic development for the City’s Arts and Innovation District. The goal is to foster start-ups and new business expansions.
“HTC’s commitment to this project is another example of our efforts to support innovation, technology, and economic growth that will benefit not only the citizens of Myrtle Beach, but Horry County as a whole,” said Mike Hagg, HTC CEO. “It will enable us to reach new members and showcase some of the technology solutions we can provide as business resources throughout the community.”
“The City of Myrtle Beach is truly excited about the HTC Aspire Hub,” said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune. “This collaborative endeavor will be a valuable asset to our downtown master plan and will serve as a catalyst to help us build a more diversified economy.”
In addition to HTC and the City of Myrtle Beach, the third key component is eMYRge, a non-profit organization that manages the programming for the HTC Aspire Hub. Created out of the desire to build an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in Myrtle Beach, eMYRge is helping to bring about a new solution.
“The concept is not new, but what is new is partnering with HTC and the City of Myrtle Beach to put our best foot forward to create economic diversity,” said Barb Royal, executive director of eMYRge. “We’re building a community full of resources and networking to better help entrepreneurs create and innovate.”
To expand the business community, spaces at the HTC Aspire Hub are available for anyone to use, on a short- or long-term basis, at very modest rates to encourage growth. In addition, two conference rooms can be rented by the public or groups for a retreat or corporate gathering outside of the office. In all, the HTC Aspire Hub can house 50 to 55 people.
Later Thursday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Technology Advisory Group hosts an “eMYRge Happy Hour” with beverages and light appetizers to celebrate the official opening of the new HTC Aspire Hub. The event is free, but limited to 75 tickets. For information and to reserve a spot, see https://www.eventbrite.com/o/emyrge-29355829369.
To learn more, visit www.eMYRGE.org, or stop by the HTC Aspire Hub at 509 Ninth Avenue North in Myrtle Beach.
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About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as WiFi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security & Automation. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
