Harbor Entrepreneur Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To create collision among the entrepreneur community. By nature, entrepreneurs are problem solvers. We believe by connecting the thinkers, the doers and visionaries we will support the economic vitality of the region. An entrepreneur's journey is a unique one. Founded and operated by entrepreneurs who live the journey, The Harbor leverages this experience to support entrepreneurs at any stage.
- Income
- $1.2 million
- Spending
- $1.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 93%
- Reserves
- 1.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 66%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 38
- Highest pay
- $90,000, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.7 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 38% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1593% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $1.1 million spent. Our shared workspace is aligned with our mission to create collision in the entrepreneurial community. Our short-term office space is for entrepreneurs who learn from each other and will hopefully outgrow our space and get their own office. The space also houses JRS Coding School where we train students to become Jr. Level software developers in just 14 weeks, and our peer to peer mentoring program Forum where high level entrepreneurs learn and grow from each other's experiences. (Continued on Schedule O)We offer a few different membership options for you to choose from and they are all month-to-month. Float Space: If you need to get out of the house or you're feeling distracted at your local coffee shop, this is the plan foryou! Dedicated Desk Space: Pick a spot and make it your own. This is perfect if you have additional monitors, printers, files, etc. that you need a place for.Private Office/Pod: This plan is perfect for growing teams who are working towards getting their own office and need a place to get things done until then.Accelerator ProgramThe Harbor Accelerator Program brings a new concept to Charleston's booming entrepreneur economy by giving participants the opportunity to spend 14 weeks fully focused on their start-up concept while gleaning invaluable insights from proven business leaders. The Team of Mentors already committed to the program includes a list of entrepreneurial heavyweights in the Lowcountry.Harbor RetreatTime is often the most treasured resource of any entrepreneur. They do some awesome things at the Harbor that allow entrepreneurs to get outside of their day to day grind, and enjoy the beautiful place we live, with those on the same page. Harbor Retreat integrates breathtaking settings, fun activities, and quality time with friends in a entrepreneur style getaway to a unique desitination, whether it be camping and hanging by thefire, beaching on one of Charleston's many islands, or cruising to desirable locations, those who come along will have the opportunity to build an incomparable bond with like-minded individuals in a relaxing environment.ForumForum is the process of meeting with other like-minded individuals that are charging for the same goals. These focused mastermind groups provide a new dimension on your business and life. Meeting with like minded individuals allows for feedback in a trusting and confidential way. You will be amazed by the power of having different perspectives from peers that have gone through similar circumstances. Group membership includes: Forum Mentor, Forum process, 11 Forum meetings per year, Lunch provided at each Forum, Conference room space for each meeting, and Access to all Harbor Sites.1 Million CupsWe've partnered with 1 Million Cups (1MC) , an initiative by the Kauffman Organization based in Kansas City that created a simple way to engage entrepreneurs in communities around the world. Their weekly "caffeinated" events offer local entrepreneurs valuable exposure and feedback on their startups in a supportive environment.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.