Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $65,000 grant to Erskine College to support the operation of the Lakeland Center for Entrepreneurs. The Center will provide technical assistance to start-up businesses in Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. The funds will be used for development, marketing, specialized furnishings, and equipment for the Center. Erskine College will provide a building to house the Center, and space will be leased to tenants in the early stages of business start-up. Tenants will have access to office furniture, equipment, and necessary communications. “This is a great investment in the future of Abbeville and the surrounding counties,” said Graham. “The jobs created by this project and the success of these new business ventures will increase the attractiveness of this area to other companies and encourage future economic development.”