Oconee County

Located in the northwest corner of the Palmetto State, Oconee County is rich in natural resources, outdoor recreation, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. It’s close to two celebrated educational institutions – Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University. 

Despite many assets, there is a lack of access to skill-building opportunities, jobs in digital and tech industries, entrepreneurial support, and capital to back startups and emerging companies and organizations. 

Local leaders Lekesha Benson and Nivia Miranda joined forces in the fall of 2023 to build a team of 14 community champions eager to ignite progress by creating a Digital Economy Ecosystem Roadmap. They met 2-3 times monthly from November 2023 to May 2024.

In addition to developing a custom DEE Roadmap, the group set its site on securing a vacant downtown building through a partnership with the City of Seneca to establish the Hometown Innovation, Training & Co-Working Center. 

According to Dream Team members, working on the Roadmap broadened their perspectives. It opened their eyes to the strategic significance of increasing access to technology, digital skills, and jobs for all residents of Oconee County. Tim Murakami said, “With the rapid growth in Oconee County, we are approaching a critical juncture in its development, and our efforts may long echo into history.”

Dream Team members include: