Building Pathways to Entrepreneurship
COEA, the Center for Opportunity and Entrepreneurial Advancement, is a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to entrepreneurship in the Midlands region of South Carolina.
COEA works with individuals at the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey, helping them move from ideas to action by building confidence, increasing clarity, and creating opportunities for connection.
Why COEA Exists
Many people have viable business ideas but face obstacles that prevent them from getting started or continuing to grow. COEA exists to address these challenges by focusing on the most common barriers faced by entrepreneurs.
Confidence
Uncertainty about where to begin or what steps matter most can keep people from taking action.
Clarity
Clear, practical guidance on how to move from an idea to action is not always easy to find.
Community
Building a business can feel isolating without access to peers, shared learning, and trusted support.
How COEA Delivers Its Work
COEA delivers its work through Launch in 60, an entrepreneurship initiative designed to help individuals move from early ideas and efforts toward viable businesses. The initiative emphasizes practical learning, peer engagement, and early market exposure as a way to reduce common barriers to getting started. Launch in 60 is supported by funding from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
Leadership
Shauna R. Cooper
Founder
Roberto Stewart
Board Member
Chantelle Broughton
Board Member