SOUTH CAROLINA
BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 737-0400 or (800) 868-7232 SCcommerce.com
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The South Carolina Business Resource Guide is designed to provide all types of businesses with tools and resources – including access to a variety of state, regional and local outlets – to increase their opportunity for business success. The South Carolina Department of Commerce Small Business and Existing Industry Team supports many aspects of the state’s existing and small business community including: export development, recycling market development, a Small Business Development office, supplier development assistance and comprehensive support to existing industry. This guide provides information that companies can employ for immediate results. It includes basic descriptions of the resources and specific contact information. The guide is laid out to address important elements of business success in each section, paired with the supporting resources.
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION WILL YOU FIND? HOW CAN THIS GUIDE
Getting Started explores the steps necessary to begin a business. HELP YOU? Licenses, Permits & Regulations outlines special requirements associated This guide is intended to help South with certain businesses, particularly small businesses.
Carolina business owners start or main- Financing describes ways to best prepare for financing a small business. tain a company, sell a product, provide a Marketing & Growing Your Business introduces tactics that increase service and/or grow their company. awareness about products and services.
South Carolina provides services and Workforce Development provides useful information regarding employ- support for companies that are starting ment, training and retention opportunities.
a business or expanding an existing op- Business Operations includes operational and administrative resources – eration. South Carolina also works with everything from insurance to recycling opportunities, to production and entrepreneurs to develop business process planning.
plans, helps companies access start-up Local Area and Other Resources includes professionals around the state resources and alternative financing op- who are available to assist South Carolina’s businesses as well as other beneficial resources for business owners. portunities and pairs existing businesses with service providers and suppliers. Frequently Asked Questions addresses questions often raised by business owners.
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP? Contact a Commerce Representative (803) 737- 1876 | [email protected]
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GETTING STARTED
Starting any business takes a significant amount of planning and research. Exploring and evaluating your business and personal goals before starting a business is extremely important. The following resources can help a business develop those goals and assist in building a concise, yet comprehensive business plan.
START-UP CHECKLIST BUSINESS PLANNING ASSISTANCE
This check list will help you evalu- Small Business Administration (SBA) ate your position as you begin The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government created to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business con- getting your business off the cerns. The SBA helps South Carolinians start, build and grow business- ground. Understanding your busi- es through a first rate Web site, financing options and partnerships ness goals from the beginning will with public and private organizations (e.g., the Small Business Develop- ment Centers). help you along the path to success.
Do you know what kind of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) business you want to start? The goal of the SBDC is to meet small business needs for managerial Have you created a business and technical assistance at little or no cost to the entrepreneur. The plan, outlining your goals and SBDC provides advice on business planning and strategic small busi- ness growth. expectations? Type of Business Structure? (e.g., LLC, Partnership, Sole Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE) Proprietorship, etc.) SCORE is a volunteer, nonprofit association focused on helping small businesses succeed. SCORE, a division of the SBA, matches clients with Do you have a need for financ- an expert counselor best suited to their needs. SCORE counselors are ing? current or former business owners and executives who have achieved Have you picked a location? high levels of professional success. How many employees are you going to hire? NxLevel, Fastrac Do you need occupational per- This program is for entrepreneurs with an idea for a new business. mits? Topics include Exploring Entrepreneurship, Setting Financial Goals, Have you registered your busi- Planning the Product, Reaching the Market, Building the Team, and Planning for a Profitable Business. ness with the state of South Carolina? Do you need a business li- South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) SCBOS is the official South Carolina business Web portal. It enables cense? anyone with an existing business, or anyone starting a new business, Have you handled the insur- to file permits, licenses, registrations or to pay taxes. From the conven- ance components of your small ience of your computer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can take business? care of important state filings, and pay for multiple filings and/or taxes How are you going to market with one payment. your business?
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GETTING STARTED RESOURCES
Phone: (704) 549-1000 (ext. 222) Phone: (803) 981-7314 ENTREPRENEUR & SMALL Fax: (704) 549-1616 Email: [email protected] BUSINESS SUPPORT Email: [email protected] Web: www.yorktech.com/en Web: http://www.cvmsdc.org/ The Entrepreneur Network assists, informs, and
Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Lead- The Council works to expand business opportunities encourages local small business owners, entrepre- ership, Clemson University College of Business and for minority-owned companies in an effort to build neurs, and potential entrepreneurs to network, share Behavioral Science stronger and more equitable society by supporting experiences, and engage in valuable educational Matthew Klein and promoting minority business development. opportunities. The EN also sponsors seminars Director CVMSDC’s Business Innovation Center offers a wide featuring speakers on a variety of entrepreneurial 1 North Main Street range of capacity building business tools for your topics. Greenville, SC 29601 business. These include Project Planner Plus, Certi- Phone: (864) 656-3975 fied Payroll, Merger Analytics, Capital Investment Francis Marion University Center for Email: [email protected] Alternative Analysis, Breakeven Analyzer, Manage- Entrepreneurship Web: www.clemson.edu/spiro ment Capacity Analyzer, Debt Capacity Analyzer, Dr. Susan Peters The mission of the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for En- Factoring Analyzer, Valuation Analyzer, and Supplier Director trepreneurial Leadership is to support educational, Capacity Analysis Tool. P.O. Box 100547 research, and outreach programs that promote en- Florence, SC 29502 trepreneurial activity and economic development of Clemson Institute for Economic and Phone: (843) 661-1102 the region, state, and nation. The focus is on wealth Community Development (CIECD) Fax: (843) 661-1432 creation through entrepreneurial activity. Here Paul “Mac” Horton, Ph.D. Email: [email protected] inventors and entrepreneurs may find assistance Director of CIECD and Sandhill Research and Web:www.fmarion.edu/academics/centerforentreprene with market analyses and business planning. Also, Education Center (Sandhill REC) urship the Institute conducts a mentoring program to link South Carolina Rural Development Council The Francis Marion University Center for Entrepre- entrepreneurs with experienced business executives. 900 Clemson Road neurship is dedicated to provide mentoring and Columbia, SC 29229 business planning services to start-up and existing Alerion Ventures Phone: (803) 788-5700 (ext. 26) businesses. The Center for Entrepreneurship provides Lee Richards Email: [email protected] one-on-one mentoring services to guide prospective Managing Partner Web: www.clemson.edu/public/ciecd and current business owners with sound business 105 Broad Street CIECD offers small business and business planning advice. Our business planning services include but not Charleston, SC 29401 classes from various curriculums including NewVen- limited to business plans and feasibility studies, market Phone: (843) 203-4037 ture FastTrac, FirstStep FastTrac, and eCommerceSC research/analysis, financial analysis, and human Web: http://alerion.ventures/ as well as specialized business curriculums including resource development. Through our partnership with Alerion Ventures is an evergreen venture capital firm rural, food and farming, and new farmer initiatives. other programs, we often hold entrepreneurial and/or focused on early stage investments in scalable workforce training programs throughout the year. startups. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Alerion EngenuitySC prefers to partner with entrepreneurs in the Meghan Hughes Grand Strand Technology Council Southeast. Executive Director John Sanders 1000 Catawba St., Suite 130 Chairman Benedict College Business Development Center Columbia, SC 29201 9209 Marina Parkway Dr. Darlene Booth-Bell Phone: (803) 354-5717 Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 Director Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 491-6060 2601 Read Street Web: www.engenuitysc.com Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29204 Headquartered in Columbia, EngenuitySC is public/ Web: www.gstechcouncil.org Phone: (803) 705-4781 private partnership formed to develop and grow the The Grand Strand Technology Council (GSTC) is a non- Email: [email protected] South Carolina Midlands’ knowledge-based economy profit organization with members comprised of Web: http://www.benedict.edu/cms/?q=node/192 by fostering an environment where entrepreneur- technology-driven businesses, government and The goal of the Business Development Center is to ship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are educational entities, technology associations, increase the number of African American owned fundamental elements of the region’s culture, identi- entrepreneurs, and individual professionals. All are businesses in and around SC. The center houses a ty, and economic development strategy. Through working toward building a better environment for business incubator and a minority development collaboration with business, government, and higher technology-related business, and increasing their own entrepreneurial development program, as well as education, EngenuitySC leads initiatives that support results through the ever more important networking providing current and potential business owners the research development, promote commercialization, among the individuals to develop partnerships and opportunity to participate in business-issues work- and leverage the region’s assets. cooperative business efforts. shops and seminars. The center also offers a revolv- ing loan fund to minority owned businesses. Entrepreneur Network Internal Revenue Service (IRS) York Technical College Nivia Hayes Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Edie Dille Stakeholder Liaison Small, Business/Self Employed Councils, Inc. (CVMSDC) Chair 1835 Assembly Street MDP-26 Eric Watson Associate Dean for Business and Information Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 312-7774 President & CEO Technology Fax: (877) 477-8412 9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 440 452 S Anderson Road Email: [email protected] Charlotte, NC 28269 Rock Hill, SC 29730 4
Web: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small- idea or a new business. Topics include, Exploring tools for success to help build technology startups, jobs Businesses-&-Self-Employed Entrepreneurship, Setting Financial Goals, Planning and equity in the future for South Carolina as well as the Product, Reaching the Market, Building the access to business, academic and economic Other Helpful IRS Resources: Team, Planning for a Profitable Business. development entities through the SC Launch Re- source • Business and Specialty Helpline: Network. (800) 829-4933 Rebel Capital Advisors, LLC • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Bert Golinski Silicon Harbor Ventures www.eftps.gov or 1-800-555-4477 Founder Michael Knox • Tax Forms and Publications: Email: [email protected] Managing Partner www.irs.gov/formspubs or 1-800-829-3676 Rebel Capital Advisors, LLC provides capital to early 78 Alexander Street stage technology companies. To date, Rebel Capital Charleston, SC 29403 IOP Capital has invested in more than forty companies with Email: [email protected] 2113 Middle Street potentially disruptive technologies. Web: http://www.siliconharborventures.com/ Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 Silicon Harbor Ventures (SHV), founded in 2013, is an Email: [email protected] South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) investor managed venture fund targeting investments Web: http://iopcapital.com/ Helpline: (803) 898-5690 in early and growth stage companies in Charleston, IOP Capital partners with passionate entrepreneurs by Email: [email protected] South Carolina and the southeastern United States. The investing expertise and capital to grow their business. Web: www.scbos.sc.gov fund is designed to provide the benefits of angel Their typical investments are geared toward pre-seed South Carolina Business One Stop or SCBOS is the investor clubs through the investor managed structure to start-up stage companies. official South Carolina business web portal. with the benefits of a venture fund with committed It enables anyone with an existing business or any- capital. Michelin Development one starting a new business to file permits, licenses, Next Innovation Center registrations, or pay taxes. From the convenience of Small Business Administration (SBA) John Tully your computer at any time, 24 hours a day – 7 days a South Carolina District Office President week, you can take care of your important state Susan Chavis 411 University Ridge, Suite B7 filings, and pay for multiple filings and/or taxes with Business Development Specialist Greenville, SC 29601 one credit, debit, or EFW payment. 1835 Assembly Street, Room 1425 Phone: (864) 751-4808 Columbia, SC 29201 Fax: (864) 751-4941 South Carolina Department of Commerce Phone: (803) 765-5377 Email: [email protected] Ashely Teasdel Fax: (803) 765-5962 Web: www.michelindevelopment.com Manager of Small Business Email: [email protected] Michelin Development Upstate, SC is a job creation 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 Web: www.sba.gov/localresources/district/sc/ program, which focuses on social and/or economically Columbia, SC 29201 index.html disadvantaged businesses in 10 upstate counties. Phone: (803) 737-0325 The SBA offers a myriad of services to small businesses. Michelin Development in North America works in Fax: (803) 737-0538 It provides financial assistance for new or existing conjunction with regional development agencies, local Email: [email protected] businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank government and business support agencies. Web: www.SCcommerce.com and non-bank lenders. Seminars and free small business counseling is available through SCORE, Small Business Mountain Lakes Business Development Corp. Development Centers, and Women’s Business Centers. South Carolina Department of Revenue Dave Eldridge In addition, special loan programs are available for 301 Gervais Street Interim President businesses involved in international trade. Federal Columbia, SC 29201 502 E. Main Street government contracting assistance is also available. Phone: (803) 898-5000 (General Info) Walhalla, SC 29691 (803) 898-5709 (Income Tax Helpline) Phone: (864) 638-4210 South Carolina Manufacturing Extension (803) 898-5788 (Sales Tax Helpline) Email: [email protected] Partnership (SCMEP) Web: www.sctax.org Web: www.mountainlakesbdc.com Chuck Spangler Mountain Lakes Business Development Corporation Interim President (MLBDC) is here to assist entrepreneurs in taking SC Launch! Headquarters: their ideas from concept to reality, from garage Lori Mack 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 910 office to Main Street and from relative unknown to a Program Coordinator Columbia, SC 29201 mainstream brand. Check out the Volunteer Directory to 1000 Catawba Street Phone: (803) 252 - 6796 see what our team of SCORE certified mentors has to Columbia, SC 29201 Fax: (803) 254 – 8512 offer. MLBDC, working closely with Tri-County Technical Phone: (803) 733-9070 College, also offers Courses to budding entrepreneurs Email: [email protected] Minority Business Development Agency and small businesses. Web: www.sclaunch.org Anthony Washington SC Launch is a collaborative initiative involving SCRA Senior Business Development Consultant NxLevel and South Carolina’s university research founda- 1515 Richland Street, Suite C Angelo McBride tions: Clemson University, the University of South Columbia, SC 29201 Business Administrator Carolina, and the Medical University of South Caroli- Phone: (803) 743-1154 Phone: (803) 545-3960 na. It was created to facilitate applied research, Fax: (803) 743-1162 Fax: (803) 299-8912 product development and commercialization pro- Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] grams and to strengthen South Carolina’s Web: http://columbiambdacenter.com/ Web: www.bizbuildersc.com Knowledge Economy by creating high wage-earning MBDA aims to increase the growth of minority NxLevel is a program for the entrepreneurs with an jobs. SC Launch provides entrepreneurs with key owned business and strengthen existing ones. Its
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professional consultants offer a wide South Carolina State Library Phone: (803) 748-1323 range of services including initial The Small Business Reference Center Email: [email protected] counseling, government/ private This section of the South Carolina State Web: www.sctech.org sector contracting assistance, Library offers users a collection of state- The South Carolina Technology Alliance financial management, access to specific resources supported with is a non-profit / private public non- capital, access to markets, and demographic data and other local partisan technology orientated Think international trade franchising. The information. Completing the database Tank. It works diligently with stake- center also maintains strategic are business videos to help foster holders to assist in identifying and partnerships so you can have success in all aspects of managing a developing technology workforce skills. immediate access to unlimited business. The management team works with all information tailored to your trade or Web:http://search.ebscohost.com/login types of innovative technology specialty. .aspx?authtype=ip,geo,uid&geocustid=n companies provides access to s228430&group=geo&profile=sbrc consultants, mentors, and senior South Carolina Office of the Secretary of business leaders, as well as access to State South Carolina Technology Alliance lists of services, companies and Jody Steigerwalt Thomas Persons professionals that will ensure your Director, Business Filings President & CEO business a much stronger opportunity 1205 Pendleton Street #525 1201 Main Street, Suite 1920 for success. SCTA also has strategic Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201 partnerships with various venture capital Phone: (803) 734-2345 companies and other investor Web: www.scsos.com partnerships.
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Northeastern Tech Newberry Area SBDC SC SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Continuing Education Dept. 1814 College Street CENTERS (SC SBDC) 1201 Chesterfield Highway Newberry, SC 29108-2126 Cheraw, SC 29520 Phone: (803) 321-5689 Phone: 843.910.7352 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] North Charleston Area SBDC Clemson Area SBDC 6296 Rivers Avenue, Suite 300 Ben Smith North Charleston, SC 29406 Clemson University Phone: (843) 740-6160 413 Sirrine Hall Email: [email protected] Clemson, SC 29634-1392 Phone: (864) 710-4717 Orangeburg Area SBDC Email: [email protected] South Carolina State University College of Business & Applied Professional Sciences Algernon S Belcher Hall Columbia Area SBDC 300 College Street 1225 Laurel Street, Room 326 Campus Box 7176 Columbia, SC 29201 Orangeburg, SC 29117 Phone: (803) 777-5118 Phone: (803) 536-8445 Small Business Development Center Email: [email protected] Michele Abraham Email: [email protected]
State Director Florence Area SBDC Rock Hill Area SBDC 1014 Greene Street Florence/Darlington Technical College Winthrop University Columbia, SC 29208 P.O. Box 100548 118 Thurmond Building Phone: (803) 777-3130 Florence, SC 29501 Rock Hill, SC 29733 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 661-8256 Phone: (803) 323-2283 The SBDC aims to advance the state’s economic Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] development by helping entrepreneurs grow successful businesses. We provide private business Georgetown Area SBDC Spartanburg Area SBDC consulting services at no charge and affordable Georgetown Library Spartanburg Community College educational programs for a small charge. 405 Cleland Street Tyger River Campus Georgetown, SC 29440 1875 E Main Street, Suite 4 Aiken Area SBDC Phone: 843.606.0116 Duncan, SC 29334 USC-Aiken, School of Business Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 592-6318 471 University Parkway, Box 9 Email: [email protected] Aiken, SC 29801 Greenville Area SBDC
Phone: (803) 641-3646 1 North Main Street Sumter Area SBDC Email: [email protected] Greenville, SC 29601 Satellite Center – The Mill on Park USC Sumter Phone: (864) 370-1545 200 Miller Road, Room 237 Park Avenue Email: [email protected] Aiken, SC 29801 216 Sumter, SC 29150-2498 Phone: (803) 938-3833 Greenwood Area SBDC Allendale Area SBDC Email: [email protected] Lander University, Laura Lander Hall 465 James Brandt Blvd. LL209, 320 Stanley Avenue Allendale, SC 29810 Union Area SBDC Greenwood, SC 29649 803.584.3446 Ext 190 103 West Main Street Phone: (864) 388-8492 [email protected] Union, SC 29379 Email: [email protected] Phone: 864.427.8864 Beaufort Area SBDC Hilton Head Area SBDC Email: [email protected] Martin Goodman USC-Beaufort South Campus One USC-Beaufort, Historic Beaufort Campus University Boulevard SCORE CHAPTERS 801 Caterer Street Bluffton, SC 29909 Beaufort, SC 29902 Phone: (843) 208-8259 Phone: (843) 521-4143 Email: [email protected] Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Email: [email protected] Norman Paige Myrtle Beach Area SBDC State Director Charleston Area SBDC Coastal Carolina University 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1425 256 Bond Hall, Citadel School of Business Atlantic Hall Columbia, SC 29201 171 Moultrie St. P.O. Box 261954 Phone: (803) 253-3124 Charleston, SC 29409 Conway, SC 29528-6054 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 740-6160 Phone: (843) 349-4010 SCORE is a volunteer nonprofit association helping Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] small businesses succeed. SCORE matches clients with the expert counselor best- suited to their Cheraw Area SBDC needs. The SCORE counselors are current or former 7
business owners and executives who have Fax: (864) 271-3638 290) achieved high levels of success Web: www.piedmontscore.org Duncan, SC 29334 Phone: (864) 592-6317 Aiken South Central Region Chapter 683 Greenwood Piedmont Chapter Web: [email protected] Aiken Chamber of Commerce Piedmont Technical College 121 Richland 620 N Emerald Road Summerville Coastal Chapter Avenue E Aiken, SC Greenwood, SC 29648 Summerville Chamber of Commerce 29801 Phone: (864) 941-8414 402 N Main Street Phone: (803) 641-1111 Web: www.piedmontscore.org Summerville, SC 29483 Fax: (803) 641-4174 Phone: (843) 873-2931 Web: www.aikenchamber.net Hartsville Midlands Chapter Web: www.score285.org Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Beaufort Carolina Lowcountry Chapter 214 N 5th Street Sumter Midlands Chapter 2348 Boundary Street Hartsville, SC 29550 Sumter Chamber of Commerce Beaufort, SC 29902 Phone: (843) 332-6401 32 E Calhoun Street Phone: (843) 470-0800 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Sumter, SC 29150 Web: www.scorebeaufort.com Phone: (803) 775-1231 or (803) 775-0915 Hilton Head Carolina Lowcountry Chapter 650 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Camden Chapter Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive 607 Broad St Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Camden, SC 29021 Phone: (843) 785-7107 Phone: (803) 765-5131 Fax: (843) 785-3673 Web: www.scorehiltonhead.com Chapin Midlands Chapter Chapin Chamber of Commerce Lexington Midlands Chapter 302 Columbia Avenue Lexington Chamber of Commerce Chapin, SC 29036 321 S Lake Drive Phone: (803) 345-1100 Lexington, SC 29072 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Phone: (803) 359-6113 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Charleston Coastal Chapter 285 Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Myrtle Beach Grand Strand Chapter 381 4045 Bridge View Drive B-151 605 10th Avenue N. Charleston, SC 29405 N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Phone: (843) 727-4778 Phone: (843) 918-1079 Web: www.charlestonsc.score.org Fax: (843) 918-1080 Web: www.mbscore.org Cheraw Chapter Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce Northeast Chapter 221 Main Street Village at Sandhill Cheraw, SC 29520 110-6 Forum Drive Phone: (843) 537-7681 Columbia, SC 29229 Phone: (803) 765-5131 Columbia Midlands Chapter 230 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1425 Orangeburg Midlands Chapter Columbia, SC 29201 Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce Phone: (803) 765-5131 1570 John C. Calhoun Drive Fax: (803) 765-5962 Orangeburg, SC 29116 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Phone: (803) 534-6821 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Florence Midlands Chapter Florence Chamber of Commerce Piedmont SCORE Chapter 232 610 W Palmetto Street 300 E. Washington Street Florence, SC 29503 Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (843) 665-0515 Phone: (864) 271-3638 or (864) 646-1700 Web: www.scoremidlands.org Email: [email protected]
Greenville Piedmont Chapter 232 Spartanburg Piedmont Chapter 300 E Washington Street, Room B-31 Spartanburg Community College Greenville, SC 29601 - Tyger River Campus Phone: (864) 271-3638 1875 East Main Street (Hwy
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laboratories, technological equipment, state of the art Clemson University Research Foundation communication networks and a wide variety of office, (CURF) collaboration and manufacturing space. Casey Porto BUSINESS INCUBATORS, Executive Director RESOURCE CENTERS & 391 College Avenue, Suite 401 Catalyst Center (Charleston Metro Chamber of Clemson, SC 29631 ACCELERATORS Commerce) Phone: (864) 656-0797 Email: [email protected] Fax: (864) 656-0474 Web: www.charlestonchamber.net/catalyst-center Email: [email protected] Abbeville County Industrial Incubator Bryan Derreberry Web: www.clemson.edu/curf Stephen Taylor President & CEO CURF manages the technology transfer functions of 56 Commerce Drive 4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 Clemson University by taking assignment of inven- Abbeville, SC 29620 North Charleston, SC 29405 tions, obtaining intellectual property protections, Phone: (864) 366-2181 Phone: (843) 805-3100 working with faculty to evaluate commercial poten- Fax: (864) 366-9266 Fax: (843) 723-4853 tial of discoveries, and licensing inventions to the Email: [email protected] Located on the second floor of the Charleston Metro private sector for public use. CURF owns and oper- Web: www.abbevillecountysc.com Chamber of Commerce, is a space where aspiring and ates several facilities dedicated to business incuba- Counties Served: Abbeville, Greenwood, McCormick, existing entrepreneurs can connect, receive tion that enable start-up companies to accelerate their Laurens, Anderson information, identify resources, meet with mentors and growth through access to office and wet-lab space as The Abbeville County Industrial Incubator is a take advantage of programs designed for their well as other support service. manufacturing incubator offering 5,000 square foot business’ start-up and growth. bays (expandable to 10,000 feet). Any entrepreneur CU-ICAR Center for Emerging Technologies is eligible to apply for space. Charleston Digital Corridor Fred Cartwright Ernest Andrade Executive Director Applied Research Center Executive Director 4 Research Drive Fred Humes 475-A East Bay Street Greenville, SC 29607 President & CEO Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: (864) 283-7102 Phone: (803) 215-0605 Phone: (843) 724-3773 Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 641-3369 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://cuicar.com/ Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com CUBEInC Web: www.archydrogen.com Charleston Digital Corridor is a creative effort to Michael J. Gara A primary mission of the facility is the sharing of attract, nurture & promote Charleston’s Director of Technology Development practical, useful knowledge that will advance our knowledge economy by facilitating a business, 200 C Patewood Drive understanding of energy and technology. The Applied physical and social environment where technology Greenville, SC 29615 Research Center (ARC) is a program of the Economic companies thrive. Initiatives include office & Phone: (864) 284-6289 Development Partnership, which is a non-profit public- meeting space, a talent portal, educational Email: [email protected] private development corporation serving the needs of forums, site acquisition help, funding, and Web: http://www.cucubeinc.com/ new and existing businesses in Aiken and Edgefield networking. The Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Counties, South Carolina. Innovation Campus (CUBEInC) develops high-impact Clemson Apparel Research (CAR) medical technology and devices for disease Benedict College Small Business Incubator Chris Jarvis management and technology transfer from bench to Dr. Darlene Booth-Bell Director bedside. Director 500 Lebanon Road 2601 Read Street Pendleton, SC 29670 Dirt Works Incubator Farm Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: (864) 646-8454 Nikki Kelley Phone: (803) 705-4781 Fax: (864) 646-8230 Director of Sustainable Agriculture Fax: (803) 705-7080 Email: [email protected] Lowcountry Local First Email: [email protected] Web: http://car.clemson.edu/ 1630-2 Meeting Street Web: http://www.benedict.edu/cms/?q=node/192 Clemson Apparel Research was established to revi- Charleston, SC 29405 The Benedict College Small Business Incubator talize the domestic sewn-products industry through Phone: (843) 740-5444 welcomes start-up businesses for two years as clients the proper application of advanced technology and Email: [email protected] and tenants within the Business Development Center. management practices. It offers consulting services to Provides infrastructure and support to reduce the risk Businesses selected to be participants in the address specific manufacturing problems, research for new farmers launching their new farm businesses. incubation program are entrepreneurs interested in services to create new technologies and management Land lease, tractor access, packing facility, walk-in providing innovative new products, services, or systems for the sewn-products and textile industries, cooler, tool storage, irrigation and assistance from a approaches to business within the African American as well as manufacturing services through a 6,000 mentor. Community. square foot model apparel plant to demonstrate state- of-the-art technology. Bushy Park Incubator Phone: (843) 740-5444 Cooper River Partners, LLC Email: [email protected] 1588 Bushy Park Road Provides infrastructure and support to reduce the risk Goose Creek, SC 29445 for new farmers launching their new farm businesses. Phone: (843) 820-6172 Land lease, tractor access, packing facility, walk-in Email: [email protected] cooler, tool storage, irrigation and assistance from a Web: http://www.bushyparkindustrialcomplex.com/ mentor.
Bushy Park Incubator provides access to high tech 9
Columbia, SC 29201
Don Ryan Center for Innovation Executive Director David Nelems 1000 Catawba St., Suite 130 Phone: (803) 545-4423 400 Buckwalter Place Blvd. Columbia, SC 29201 Email: [email protected] Bluffton, SC 29910 Phone: (803) 354-5717 Web: http://firedup.co/ Mailing Address: Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 2277 Web: www.engenuitysc.com The Flagship Blufton, SC 29910 Created in 2003, EngenuitySC is an active public/ 475-A East Bay Street Phone: (843) 540-0405 private partnership focused on the knowledge-based Charleston, SC 29403 Email: [email protected] economy in the Columbia, South Carolina region. It is Phone: (843) 724-3773 Web: www.ryan-innovation-center.com comprised of business and industry leaders, along with Email: [email protected] The Don Ryan Center for Innovation is designed to representatives from local government and academia. Web: www.charlestonflagship.com/#home support new technology company formation and Its goal is to encourage entrepreneurship to Located in Historic Downtown Charleston, the development in Bluffton, SC by helping technology commercialize ideas, technology, research, and public Flagship is Charleston's premier business incubator for innovators and small technology companies success- policy in an effort to help knowledge-based companies tech and tech-related businesses. The Flagship offers fully develop and grow. To do this, the program links and create access to start-up investment capital. enterprise-class business spaces at cost-effective rates innovators to intellectual property, technology and flexible terms ideally suited for start-up stage evaluation, product development services, seed The Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College companies. The Flagship also supports the visual arts financing, business mentorship, corporate relation- J. Tom Ledbetter Jr. community through the Flagship Gallery - a venue for ships and recruiting. The program blends the attrib- Associate Vice Charleston's up-and-coming contemporary artists. utes of hands-on consulting support, resource identi- President fication and availability, and distance learning to P.O. Box 2408 The Harbor Entrepreneur Center help increase the probability innovators will be 151 Powell Road John Osborne successful. Columbia, SC 29202 Co-founder/director Phone: (803) 691-3885 300 W Coleman Boulevard, Suite 204 Duke Energy Center for Innovation Email: [email protected] Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Ben Chastain Web: http://mtcenterprisecampus.com/ Phone: (843)-478-7483 Director The Enterprise Campus allows for interaction between Email: [email protected] 145 West Carolina Avenue the corporate community, faculty and students; Web: www.harborec.com Hartsville, SC 29550 thereby creating a seamless integration of innovative The Harbor Accelerator is a business accelerator Phone: (843) 917-0600 companies, emerging technologies and education. program designed with the entrepreneur in mind. Email: [email protected] Benefits include access to applied learning and We have one goal… build scalable business for the Web: http://decenterforinnovation.com/ laboratory space, office space and resources, faculty Charleston region. Each start up is provided Counties Served: Darlington, Florence, Chesterfield, resources, training facilities, continuing education, and tremendous resources and support to grow quickly, Dillon, Marlboro, and Marion customized workforce training. test the market quickly, and become viable. Representing a unique public-private collaboration, Our program is designed to introduce high impact the Center’s partners, including Clemson University, The Faber Entrepreneurship Center at the Moore business concepts to an intense curriculum led by the City of Hartsville, Duke Energy, and others, work to School of Business successful mentor entrepreneurs. These mentors bring innovators together with needed business Dean Kress, Associate Director will walk side by side with the startup team development and support services so they may Dr. Dirk D. Brown, Director throughout the 14 week program to keep them commercialize emerging technology products and 1705 College Street focused on the critical elements needed to grow services. The Center provides office space to Columbia, SC 29208 their business. At the end of the program, the entrepreneurs and links them to a variety of hands-on Phone: (803) 777-7015 Dean Kress starts ups know what is needed to take the next support in developing and evaluating tech-focused (803) 777-1717 Dr. Dirk Brown step and are introduced to possible capital sources products, protecting intellectual property, locating Email: [email protected] to help them grow. financing opportunities and cultivating business [email protected] relationships. Web:http://mooreschool.sc.edu/facultyresearch/rese Local Works Coworking Space archcenters/faberentrepreneurshipcenter.aspx Larry Downey eMerge @ the Garage The Faber Entrepreneurship Center, endowed with a Community Manager Craig Kinley $1 million gift from University of South Carolina 1630-2 Meeting Street Phone: 616-308-9741 alumni Tim and Karen Faber, seeks to provide USC Charleston, SC 29405 Email: [email protected] students with intensive exposure to entrepreneurial Phone: (843) 740-5444 Web: http://www.emergeandersonsc.com/ concepts, small business management training, and Email: [email protected] The City of Anderson is creating an entrepreneurial interaction with a network of successful Web: http://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/ space and program(s) that will focus on a entrepreneurs in South Carolina. The Faber The space, community and services you need to public/private collaborative with local industry Entrepreneurship Center has recently focused on thrive. Affordable/flexible coworking space for partners. e-Merge @ the Garage consists of providing companies in South Carolina with support at established and start-up entrepreneurs, with incubator/accelerator programs providing the intersection of New Venture Formation, Global mentoring, networking and business development entrepreneurial flexible work space and access to Business, and Intellectual Property Strategy & workshops. Local Works is a project of Lowcountry capital for startups in Health Care, IT Intelligence, Management Local First. Culinary Arts/Agri-Buinsess and Education opportunities. firedUP Accelerator Program LowCountry Innovation Center Laura Corder 1535 Hobby Street EngenuitySC Director of Communications N. Charleston, SC 29405 Meghan Hughes 1225 Laurel Street, First Floor Phone: (843) 735-5840 Email: [email protected]
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Combines state of the art infrastructure, quality Phone: (864) 751-4858
construction, unparalleled service, and a flexible Email: office to create the environment for a companies’ [email protected] Email: [email protected] continued success. Email: [email protected] Web: www.scbio.org Web: SCBIO is a member organization that exists to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation http://www.nextupstatesc.org/ support and advance South Carolina’s life science for Research Development NEXT clients are fast growth technology companies industry through collaboration, advocacy, Michael G. Rusnak that own their intellectual property and have high workforce development, enhanced purchasing Executive Director potential for national and international growth. power and education. This mission furthers our Phone: (843) 876-1900 Sectors currently served include Internet goal of ensuring that South Carolina’s companies, Email: [email protected] technology, electronic device, biomedical, software, research institutions, and citizens reap the Web:www.academicdepartments.musc.edu/frd/in nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical. NEXT offers economic and societal benefits of a world-class life dex.htm entrepreneurs access to an entrepreneurial sciences cluster. MUSC’s affiliated not for profit research community, angel investors, SBIR/STTR foundation, the MUSC Foundation for Research consultation, office space, a talent portal, a CEO SEBIO Development (FRD) interfaces with industry in the Best Practice Forum, as well as hosting for a Suzanne Cantando area of technology transfer. These activities result functional company web page on the NEXT website. Executive Director in a contribution to MUSC’s overall economic P.O. Box 97182 impact for our state and nationally. Most North Dargan Innovation Center Raleigh, NC 27624 importantly, by collaborating with industry, cutting Shelby Jenerette Phone: (919) 272-4391 edge discoveries have the opportunity to become Executive Director Email: [email protected] real life solutions to today’s medical problems. 150 N. Dargan Street Web: http://sebio.org/ Florence, SC 29501 Southeast BIO (SEBIO) is a regional non-profit Michelin North American Incubator Phone: (843) 413-0100 organization that fosters the growth of the life Patrick Kirby Fax: (843) 413-0200 sciences industry in the Southeastern United States Director Email: [email protected] through efforts that promote entrepreneurship and 3 Research Drive We are a mixed use, Office/Professional Business bring together the key players active in the Greenville, SC 29607 Incubator. We are here to help startup companies, development of the industry. SEBIO’s geographic Phone: (864) 213-5201 or home based businesses that are ready to expand footprint includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Email: [email protected] into the local business community, thereby Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. creating jobs. We offer physical support with office We focus on key industries within the life sciences, Minority Business Accelerator space, internet access, copy and fax service, a including: bio/pharma, medical devices and Nika White phone line and office furniture, as well as technology, agricultural biotechnology, animal Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion mentoring and business counseling, business plan health, bioinformatics and biomaterials. Greenville Chamber development, financial projections and 24 Cleveland Street benchmarks, market research and more. SC Launch Innovation Centers Greenville, SC 2901 Greg Hillman Phone: (864) 242-1050 / (866) 485-5262 Savannah River Research Campus Senior VP and General Manager Fax: (864) 282-8509 A. Smith 1000 Catawba Street Email: [email protected] Manager Columbia, SC 29201 The MBA program prepares minority-owned 227 Gateway Drive Phone: (843) 760-3280 businesses for growth and expansion to create a Aiken, SC 29803 Email: [email protected] competitive advantage for Upstate, SC to become Phone: (803) 652-7772 Web: www.sclaunch.org the most inclusive business community in the Email: [email protected] world. The MBA program grows the economic Web:www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc.cfm?qOfcID= SCRA Innovation Centers: success of disadvantaged organizations through ADMRP SCRA USC Innovation Center at Columbia business development services, mentoring, and 1000 Catawba Street access to large corporations for partnership SC Biotechnology Incubation Facility Columbia, SC 29208 opportunities. The program is focused on reducing 101 Gregor Mendel Cir Phone: (803) 733-9076 disparity in the region's business community by Greenwood, SC 29646 The innovation center is designed to house high- driving economic activity for high-potential Phone: (864) 953-3980 tech companies emerging from research at the minority owned firms. Compelling evidence exists Web: http://greenwoodscchamber.org/industry/ University of South Carolina and entering in other comparable areas that this type of A 22,000 square-foot, state-of- the-art-facility. In commercialization and light manufacturing program can lead to more viable and competitive addition to six laboratory modules with related stages. This facility is situated and designed to MBEs that have the ability to grow and create office and support space, the incubator houses a stimulate and sustain clean next-generation meaningful job opportunities. conference room, library, and 124-seat auditorium. manufacturing. Outfitted with the latest technology, the building NEXT contains T-1 telecommunications and video SCRA MUSC Innovation Center at Charleston Greenville conferencing capabilities to link you to resources 645 Meeting Street Brenda Laakso around the state and the world. Charleston, SC 29403 VicePresident Phone: (843) 760-5896 NEXT Innovation Center SC BIO The innovation center is designed to support 411 University Ridge, Suite 202 Wayne Roper Charleston’s growing biotechnology cluster. The Greenville, SC 29601 President 28, 400 square foot facility will consist of flexible Phone: (864) 751-4806 411 University Ridge, Suite A Greenville, SC 29601 use, multi-tenant laboratory and office space
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supporting biopharma, biomed and biotech Spartanburg Community College, USC Upstate, Fax: (843) 723-4853 research and commercialization. The building Wofford, SBDC, SCORE, the Chamber of Commerce
was opened in December 2009 and leasing and the City of Spartanburg. Together, the group Email: [email protected] applications are currently being accepted. offers a wide variety of programs and support for Web: http://thinktec.com/ startups and growing businesses resulting in one of the ThinkTEC is a Charleston Metro Chamber of SCRA/ATI Innovation Center at Greenwood most formidable business assistance programs in the 117 Gregor Mendel Circle Commerce initiative that facilitates start-up nation. Greenwood, SC 29646 companies, grow existing business and attract new
Phone: (864) 953-3982 business in the high-tech arenas. These efforts include Technology Incubator @ Knowledge Park The innovation center offers wet laboratory, industry- specific conferences, public policy and David J. Warner, Director, Technology Incubator meeting, office, and conference space. The legislative initiatives, program development, and Economic & Urban Development Department, City facility hosts companies conducting research educational events. Entrepreneurial training programs of Rock Hill and development as well as community events are offered through NxLevel. 157 East Main Street, Suite 500 and meetings. A full genetics and biotechnology Rock Hill, SC focused library, support staff, and close Tri-County Entrepreneur Development Corporation Mailing Address: proximity to researchers at the Greenwood Tri-County Entrepreneur Development Corporation P.O. Box 11706 Genetic Center provide a hub for diagnostic, (TCEDC) Rock Hill, SC 29731 therapeutic, and pharmaceutical companies. Dave Eldridge Phone: (803) 329-8721 Director Email: [email protected] Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and 502 E. Main St.
Technology (SiMT) - Manufacturing and Business Walhalla, SC 29691 The Iron Yard Incubator Phone: (864) 638-4210 Peter Barth Mark Roth Email: [email protected] Executive Director Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing Web: www.oconeescedc.com The Forge (Iron Yard HQ/Academy) 1951 Pisgah Road The TCEDC initiative seeks to stimulate economic 411 University Ridge, Suite 220 Florence, SC 29502 development by working with entrepreneurs and/or Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (843) 413-2740 small businesses in helping to grow their ideas in the Phone: (864) 214-5609 Email: mark.roth@SiMT .com Oconee area from concept to flourishing businesses. Web: www.theironyard.com Web: www.SiMT.com Assistance comes through mentoring services, The Iron Yard is a steam engine of creative people. The Manufacturing and Business Incubator at SiMT is providing incubator space and conducting training You’ll find everyone from designers, hackers and designed to house and foster startup companies that programs in partnership with Tri-County Technical teachers to makers, artists, and writers. We love are entering commercialization and light manufac- College. building businesses and projects, and our fuel is the turing stages of their business. The 27,400 square foot people who bring those things to life. Here ‘accelerate’ facility consists of flexible use, multi-tenant USC/Columbia Technology Incubator means so much more than trendy technology and manufacturing and office spaces. The facility also has Laura Corder giant buy-outs. We’re interested in building strong, conference rooms, and is adjacent to the SiMT’s Director of Communications sustainable businesses that add value to customer’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, which offers ser- 1225 Laurel Street lives. Speaking the same language? We’d love for you vices in the areas of CAD design, rapid prototyping, Columbia, SC 29201 to join us. Whether your goal is a Series A round, virtual reality simulations, CNC machining, workforce Phone: 803-545-4423 training, and business systems development. building a team and bootstrapping, or utilizing Fax: (803) 545-4881 Kickstarter, we have a place for you. Email: [email protected] Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce Web: www.usccolainc.org 105 North Pine Street The Iron Yard CoWork Spaces: The USC-Columbia Technology Incubator is for entre- Spartanburg, SC 29304 Spartanburg preneurs who have a technology-based product or Allen Smith service and who wish to have interaction with the Jeff Boeh, Campus Director President & CEO university R&D enterprise. It is expected the entre- 151 South Daniel Morgan Avenue Phone: (864) 594-5000 preneur will have technical education or business Spartanburg, SC 29306 Email: [email protected] experience to exploit the technology, as well as have a Phone: (864) 214-5609 Web: www.spartanburgchamber.com documented business plan that includes market Email: [email protected] analysis, financial projections, and funding require- The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce has established a dedicated office to assist with small Greenville ment. For such entrepreneurs, the USCCTI will pro- business consulting for startups and growing Roy Schmidt, Campus Director vide a broad scope of services including cost- effective companies in all areas of concentration. 101 North Main Street, Suite 400 office/laboratory space and support, proto- type Greenville, SC 29601 manufacturing facilities, product realization and Spartanburg Entrepreneurial Resource Network Phone: (864) 952-0099 development services and business consultation. (SERN) Email: [email protected] Allen Smith University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leader- ship Institute (USCSLI) President & CEO ThinkTEC Phone: (864) 594-5000 James Everett Jill Galmarini Email: [email protected] Business Consultant Director Web: www.spartanburgentrepreneur.com Center for Business Development SERN is a collaborative effort between several P.O. Box 975 P.O. Box 617 organizations in Spartanburg County whose mutual 4500 Leeds Avenue Allendale, SC 29810 goal is to promote a vibrant entrepreneurial N. Charleston, SC 29402 Phone: (803) 584-3446 Ext. 269 environment in Spartanburg. The members are Phone: (843) 805-3015 Fax: (803) 584-5180
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Email: [email protected] Web: uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/ leadership/index.html The USCSLI seeks to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Center provides small business training and technical assistance to current and prospective business owners.
The USC Upstate Business Incubator Darrell Parker Dean George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics University of South Carolina Upstate 160 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Phone: (864) 503-5312 Fax: (864) 503-5583 Email: [email protected] The USC Upstate Business Incubator (USCUBI) is for entrepreneurs who wish to have interaction with the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics in Spartanburg. We seek entrepreneurs with business experience and documented business plans that will enable involvement with students. Potential student project assistance includes market analysis, financial projections, and funding requirements. Student entrepreneurs are encouraged to use the incubator while developing projects working under a faculty-directed study program. The USCUBI will provide services including cubicle space and support and development services.
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LICENSES, PERMITS & REGULATIONS
Various types of licenses, permits and registrations may be required in order to conduct business in South Carolina. Federal, state and local laws and ordinances establish guidelines such as occu- pational matters, business licensing, environmental permitting and tax withholdings.
BUSINESS LICENSES & PERMITS
BUSINESS LICENSE BASICS Depending on the type of business, registration with the State of South Carolina can be accomplished through the Secretary of State’s South Carolina does not have a Office, the Department of Revenue or through the South Carolina statewide business license requirement; Business One Stop. www.SCBOS.com
therefore companies must apply for Federal Tax ID Number which can be applied for at the IRS Web site. local business licenses. Most towns and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self- municipalities require a business license. Employed/Employer-ID-Numbers-EINs or through links at The following counties also require busi- www.SCBOS.com ness licenses: Local Business Licenses are often necessary for businesses located Beaufort County within city or town limits. Check with the local municipality for busi- Charleston County ness license requirements. SCBOS lists Web site connections for each Dorchester County county and municipality. www.SCBOS.com Horry County Jasper County Occupational Permits & State Licensing may be required. New busi- Marion County ness owners should check with the South Carolina Department of Li- Richland County cense, Labor and Regulation to determine if an occupational permit is Sumter County required for their business. www.llr.state.sc.us
The Department of Health & Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Small To obtain a license in one of these coun- Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) team is available ties, contact the local business license to answer questions on environmental permitting and compliance is- office or visit www.SCBOS.com for a sues for small businesses. Their services are free and non-regulatory. complete listing of offices. www.SCDHEC.gov
State Certifications for Women and Minorities promote the growth and development of small and minority owned businesses in South Carolina. Visit their Web site to find about how to become certified. www.govoepp.state.sc.us/osmba
SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW COMMITTEE The Small Business Regulatory Review Committee reviews new and existing state agency regulations that may adversely impact small businesses. The Committee, which is comprised of private-sector small business owners, was chartered to ensure that South Carolina’s small business community has a voice and a level playing field on which to compete. Small businesses facing problems with a state agency regulation can call or write to the Committee at the Small Business Development office of the South Carolina Department of Commerce to explain their concerns.
Visit Small Business and Existing Industry at www.SCBizNetwork.com for more information. 14
LICENSES, PERMITS & REGULATIONS RESOURCES
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Web: www.SCcommerce.com South Carolina Department of Transportation Nivia Hayes (SCDOT), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Stakeholders Liaison, Small Business/Self Employed South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Program 1835 Assembly Street MDP-26 Carrie Grube Lybarker Colette M. Swann Columbia, SC 29201 Administrator Business Development Manager Phone: (803) 312-7774 2221 Devine Street, Suite 200 955 Park Street Room 107 Fax: (877) 477-8412 Columbia, SC 29205 Columbia, SC 29202-0191 Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 734-4233 Phone: (803) 737-2029 Web: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small- Fax: (803) 743-4060 Email: [email protected] Businesses-&-Self-Employed Email: [email protected] Web:http://www.scdot.org/doing/businessDevelop_SC Web: www.consumer.sc.gov Unified.aspx Other helpful IRS resources: • Business and Specialty Helpline: South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- South Carolina Department of Employment and 1-800-829-4933 mental Control (SC DHEC), Small Business Environ- Workplace • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: mental Assistance Program (SBEAP) Cheryl M. Stanton www .eftps.gov or 1-800-555-4477 Phyllis T. Copeland Executive Director • Tax Forms and Publications: www .irs.gov/ Small Business Ombudsman 1550 Gadsden Street formspubs or 1-800-829-3676 SCDHEC—Bureau of Air Quality P.O. Box 995 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29202 Small Business Regulatory Review Committee Columbia, SC 29201-1708 Phone: (803) 737-2400 (SBRRC) Phone: (803) 898-0415 / (800) 819-9001 Email: [email protected] Dottie Landry Fax: (803) 898-4487 Web: www.sces.org 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29201 Web:http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/sbe South Carolina Film Commission, Production Guide Phone: (803) 737-0651 ap/ Tom Clark Email: [email protected] Dan Rogers Web: www.SCcommerce.com South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 225 Regulation Edgar A. Brown Building South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) Richele Taylor Columbia, SC 29201 SCBOS Helpline: (803) 898-5690 Director Phone: (803) 737-0490 Email: [email protected] Synergy Business Park Email: [email protected] Web: www.scbos.sc.gov Kingstree Building Email: [email protected] South Carolina Business One Stop or SCBOS is the 110 Centerview Drive Web: www.filmsc.com official South Carolina business web portal. It ena- Columbia, SC 29210 bles anyone with an existing business or anyone Phone: (803) 896-4300 South Carolina Office of Small and Mi- nority starting a new business to file permits, licenses, Web: www.llr.state.sc.us Business Assistance (OSMBA) registrations, or pay taxes. From the convenience of Stanley Foreman your computer at any time, 24 hours a day – 7 days a South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Director week, you can take care of your important state Regulation 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 474 filings, and pay for multiple filings and/or taxes with Office of OSHA Voluntary Programs Edgar A. Brown Building one credit, debit, or EFW payment. Harvey Jessup Columbia, SC 29201 Program Manager Phone: (803) 734-0507 South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs 110 Centerview Drive Email: [email protected] Thomas Smith P.O. Box 11329 Web: www.osmba.sc.gov Executive Director Columbia, SC 29211 6904 N Main Street, Suite 107 Phone: (803) 896-7787 South Carolina Office of the Secretary of State Columbia, SC 29203 Fax: (803) 896-7750 1205 Pendleton Street #525 Phone: (803) 333-9621 Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29201 Fax: (803) 333-9627 Web: www.llr.state.sc.us/labor/scovp Phone: (803) 734-2345 Email: [email protected] Web: www.scsos.com Web: www.state.sc.us/cma/ South Carolina Department of Revenue SC Department of Revenue South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission South Carolina Department of Commerce 301 Gervais Street Gary Cannon Ashely Teasdel Columbia, SC 29201 Executive Director Manager of Small Business Phone: (803) 898-5000 (General Info) P.O. Box 1715 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 (803) 898-5709 (Income Tax Helpline) Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 898-5788 (Sales Tax Helpline) Phone: (803) 737-5744 Phone: (803) 737-0325 Web: www.sctax.org Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 737-0538 Web: www.wcc.sc.gov Email: [email protected] 15
FINANCING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
After outlining your business plan, the financial requirements of the business should become clear. This section will help you find the right financial resources.
TYPES OF FINANCING AVAILABLE ARE YOU READY FOR Debt Financing involves lenders such as banks, commercial fi- FINANCING? nance companies and government-related lending. Depending on financial plans and goals, one of the following programs may suit your needs.
Develop a Business Plan: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a group of independ- Create a written document ent agencies of the federal government created to aid, counsel, describing your business, assist and protect the interests of small businesses. The SBA op- including type of business erates a loan guarantee program which can assist with up to $2 million dollars in potential financing. www.sba.gov and legal form, annual sales, number of employ- Community Express Loan Programs help small businesses ees, length of time in busi- owned by minorities, women and veterans, or companies locat- ness and the ownership ed in low-to-moderate income areas. www.superiorfg.com
structure. Council of Governments Loan Programs partner with local coun- ties, cities and towns to provide resources to foster economic Determine Financing development, usually in the form of a revolving loan program. Needs: Identify all startup www.state.sc.us/cogs expenses, estimate the costs of your business for at The SC Capital Access Program (SC CAP) is designed to provide least the first several financial institutions with a tool to assist with business loans in which public resources are used to generate financing. months, and create a realis- www.bdcofsc.org tic startup budget and cash flow model. Equity Funding requires selling an ownership interest in the busi- ness in exchange for capital. There are several options when con- Discuss Your Credit Score: sidering who should invest in your company. Creditors use your credit Seed Capital Funds may assist your financial goals through fund- score to determine if you ing in the form of loans and equity. SC Launch! offers technology- qualify for additional based companies commercialization support and guidance, as lending. Credit scores help well as up to $200K in seed funding. www.SCLaunch.org predict who is most likely Angel Networks are a good place to begin your search for fund- to repay debt and make ing. They are member-driven organizations that work to help payments on time. support high- growth economic development in the region.
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FINANCING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
COMMUNITY Charleston LDC Santee-Lynches Regional Development Sharon Brennan Corporation, Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) DEVELOPMENT Executive Director Kathy Powell CORPORATIONS 75 Calhoun Street, 3rd Floor Deputy and Finance Director Charleston, SC 29401 36 W Liberty Street Appalachian Development Corporation Phone: (843) 724-3796 P.O. Drawer 1837 Brad Schneider Email: [email protected] Sumter, SC 29151-1837 CEO, Executive Director & Sr. Vice President Web: www.charlestonldc.com Phone: (803) 775-7381 3531 Pelham Road, Suite 100 Fax: (803) 773-9903 Greenville, SC 29615 CommunityWorks Carolina Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 382-2358 Archie Johnson, Web: www.santeelynchescog.org Email: [email protected] Small Business Lender The corporation’s RLF funds are administered by Web: www.adcloans.com 107 W. Antrim Drive Catawba Regional Development Corporation The ADC is organized for the primary purpose Greenville, SC 29607 (CRDC). of furthering the economic development in the Phone: (864) 235-6331 (ext. 506) The RLF funds are a source of capital for Counties that the Appalachian Development Email: [email protected] assisting startup and growing businesses. It is Corporation serves. The Appalachian Website:http://communityworkscarolina.org/su used primarily as gap financing to help leverage Development Corporation provides business pport-our-small-businesses/ private sector loans and investments to fulfill an lending programs through the US Small CommunityWorks provides financing and applicants’ total capital needs companies to Business Administration, US Department of specialized training for small startup or existing promote the economic development goals of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional businesses in the Upstate of South Carolina. the state. Commission. The Appalachian Development Through the Micro-Loan Program eligible Corporation has been providing business loans business owners can qualify for a loan up to The Support Center since 1982. $15,000 and receive one on one business Ron Fisher coaching to help them grow and sustain their Business Development Specialist Catawba Regional Development Corporation business. If you are interested in applying for the 2848-B Queen City Drive (CRDC) program, please read the additional program Charlotte, NC 28208 Randy Pellisero requirements listed in the MicroLoan Fact Sheet Phone: 704-526-0468 Senior Lending Officer on the CommunityWorks website, and then Email: [email protected] 215 Hampton Street, Suite 200 complete the Initial Contact Form also located on Web: www.thesupportcenter-nc.org P.O. Box 450 the CommunityWorks website. The Support Center is a statewide nonprofit and Rock Hill, SC 29731 Community Development Financial Institution Phone: (803) 327-9041 (CDFI) that provides small business loans and Fax: (803) 327-1912 South Carolina Community Loan Fund financial training to start-ups and existing Email: [email protected] Michelle Mapp businesses and lending services to community- Web: http://catawbacog.org/economic- Executive Director based organizations. development-lending/small-business-loans/ 1535 Hobby Street, Suite 209 CRDC is a ‘gap’ economic development lender, North Charleston, SC 29405 partnering with local banks, federal and state Phone: (843) 973-7285 COUNCILS OF funders such as the Small Business Fax: (843 ) 973-3598 GOVERNMENT Administration, the US Department of Email: [email protected] Agriculture, and the SC Department of Health Website: http://sccommunityloanfund.org South Carolina’s Councils of Governments and Environmental Control. Catawba Re- Lowcountry Housing Trust (LHT) is a regional (COG) efforts include focusing on regional gional has worked with local businesses and affordable housing and community development planning, keeping track of all types of governments to provide debt capital for financier that works with local governments, statistical information, obtaining and business start-up, expansion, and brownfields developers, community leaders, non-profits, and administering grants, and supporting cleanup. CRDC’s work has resulted in multiple businesses to build strong, healthy communities. regional economic development. benefits: over $50 million of loans have been Since inception in 2004, LHT has infused more made throughout state, leveraging than $13 million in community development Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester (BCD) Council $120 million of private capital and creating financing into the community, resulting in the of Governments, Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) over 2,000 South Carolina jobs. CRDC is a development of over 850 afford- able housing (Serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester certified statewide SBA 504 lender, making units for Lowcountry families. Recognizing that Counties) fixed-asset loans of up to $5.5 million. CRDC viable, sustainable communities include more Jacquelyn Dickerson Ideozu also provides small business loans (up to than affordable housing, LHT recently expanded Community/Economic Development Specialist $300,000) through its Revolving Loan Fund in its mission to support the fundamental needs of 1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100 the following SC counties: Chester, Lancaster, underserved communities. While affordable N. Charleston, SC 29405 Union, York, Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, housing will remain a priority, LHT now finances Phone: (843) 529-0400 Kershaw, Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Hampton, community facilities, community businesses, and Fax: (843) 529-0305 Allendale, Aiken, Orangeburg, Bamberg, healthy food retail outlets. Email: [email protected] Barnwell and Calhoun. Web: www.bcdcog.com
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Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Phone: (616) 308-9741 Upstate Carolina Angel Network Economic Development, Revolving Loan Fund Email: [email protected] Matt Dunbar Connie Shade Web: Managing Director Executive Director www.scangelnetwork.com/andersonangels/ 411 University Ridge, Suite 211 P.O. Box 850 Greenville, SC 29601 Aiken, SC 29802 Capital Angels Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 649-7981 Charlie Banks Web: www.upstateangels.com Fax: (803) 649-2248 Managing Director The Upstate Carolina Angel Network, LLC (UCAN) Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC is a group of accredited investors located in Web: www.lscog.org Phone: (803) 414-6702 Upstate South Carolina who invest in and support Email: [email protected] start-up and early-stage, high-growth businesses Web: www.capitalangels.sc in the Southeastern United States. Our members Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments, possess a broad array of business experiences and Revolving Loan Fund Spartanburg Angels skills they bring to bear in helping to screen and Glenn C. Lane Paul Clark evaluate po tential portfolio companies. They Public Administration Specialist and RLF Loan Director also serve as a valuable resource for guidance and Officer Spartanburg, SC advice to entrepreneurs and their businesses P.O. Box 5719 Phone: (864) 908-0086 once an investment is made. Since its inception Florence, SC 29502 Email: [email protected] in 2008, UCAN has invested $5.6 million in 22 Phone: (843) 669-3138 Web: www.scangelnetwork.com companies. Fax: (843) 669-0511 Web: www.peedeecog.org/service.htm l InvestSC, S.C. Venture Capital Program OTHER Harry Huntley Upper Savannah Council of Governments, 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 GOVERNMENT Revolving Loan Fund Columbia, SC 29201 FINANCING Sam Leaman Phone: (803) 737-0627 Assistant Director Fax: (803) 737-0628 (LOANS) 430 Helix Road Email: [email protected] Greenwood, SC 29646 InvestSC was formed for the purpose of assisting Phone: (864) 941-8056 / (800) 922-7729 the Venture Capital Authority in meeting the Business Development Corporation (BDC) of Fax: (864) 941-8090 goals and objectives of the program. It consists South Email: [email protected] of four capital funds chosen to invest in South Carolina Web: www.uppersavannah.com Carolina-based J Connally Bradley Senior Vice Waccamaw Regional Council of President Johnson Magrath & Partners, LLP Governments, Revolving Loan Fund P.O. Box 21823 Sarah Penick Smith Matt Johnson Columbia, SC 29221 Managing Partner Executive Director Phone: (803) 744—0308 164 Market Street, #281 1230 Highmarket Street Fax: (803) 744-0608 Charleston, SC 29401 Georgetown, SC 29440 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 436-6135 Web: www.BDCofSC.org Johnson Magrath & Partners, LLP is a private Email: [email protected] BDC is a non-bank commercial lending company investment group founded in 2006 and managed Web: www.wrcog.org specializing in the SBA 7(a) loan guaranty by partners in Charleston. Johnson Magrath program. invests in select public companies and in small, EQUITY private companies with tremendous growth City of Columbia potential. Office of Business Opportunities FINANCING Ms. Tina Herbert SCLaunch Angel Partners Director st (CHAP) Greg 1225 Lady Street, 1 Floor Andrea Marshall Hillman Columbia, SC 29201 Executive Director Phone: (803) 545-3326 Administrator 1000 Catawba Street Fax: (803) 255-8912 Columbia, SC 29201 The Tate Center for Entrepreneurship Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 760-3280 College of Charleston Web: http://www.columbiasc.net/obo Email: Greg.Hillman@SCRA .org 5 Liberty Street Julia Linton Charleston, SC 29424 Charleston Local Development Corporation Program Administrator Phone: (843) 881-5623 Sharon A. Brennan Phone: (843) 760-5893 Email: [email protected] Executive Director Email: [email protected] Web: www.chapsc.com 2 George Street, Suite 3600 Web: www.sclaunch.org CHAP is an organization composed of Charleston Charleston, SC 29401 SCLaunch! accelerates entrepreneurial growth for business professionals who screen and evaluate Phone: (843) 973-7298 advanced technology startups by providing qualified startups looking for seed capital to Fax: (843) 724 7354 seed- funding of up to $200,000 in loans or support economic growth of the region. Email: [email protected] investments, ongoing mentoring and business Web: www.charlestonldc.org counseling, and access to Resource Network Electric City Angels The LDC is an alternative lender that fosters Services. Craig Kinley economic development by promoting and 18
assisting in the creation, growth and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Business 1523 Huger Street, Suite A development of small business concerns through and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program Columbia, SC 29201 its technical and financial assistance programs. Shannon R. Legree Phone: (803) 461-3807 Business & Web: www.bcilending.com Its service area encompasses Charleston, Cooperative BCI provides financial assistance for the Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton counties. Programs Specialist expansion and purchase of fixed assets (such as 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1007 real estate or equipment), business acquisitions, South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Columbia, SC 29201 replenishing working capital, and debt Authority Phone: (803) 253-3510 restructuring for the owner managed businesses (JEDA) Fax: (855) 565-9482 throughout the Southeast. Harry Email: [email protected] Huntley Web: www.usda.gov Certified Development Corporation (CDC) of Executive The USDA B&I Guaranteed Loan Program helps South Carolina Director to create jobs and stimulates rural economic by Edwin O. Lesley 1201 Main Street, Suite 1745 providing financial banking for rural businesses. Executive Vice President Columbia, SC 29201 The pro- gram provides up to 80 percent of a P.O. Box 21823 Phone: (803) 737-0627 loan made by a commercial lender. Columbia, SC 29221 Fax: (803) 737-0628 Phone: (803) 798-4064 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.scjeda.com U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Programs Web: www.bdcofsc.org JEDA’s mission is to promote the business and CDC is a non-profit statewide certified economic welfare of South Carolina by assisting Lois Johnson Lender Relations Officer development company that can arrange 100% in the financing of public and private projects government-guaranteed debenture financing throughout the state. JEDA serves as a statewide South Carolina Office 1835 Assembly Street, Room 1425 under the SBA 504 lending program, helping conduit issuer of special obligation revenue promote economic development and create jobs bonds and acts on behalf of the borrower to Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 253-3360 in South Carolina. access financial markets and capital. Fax: (803) 765-5962 Email: Provident Business Financial Services S.C. Capital Access Program (SC CAP) [email protected] Keith Black Edwin O. Lesley Web: www.sba.gov/sc/ President & CEO President and Treasurer 3937 Sunset Boulevard, Suite D Business Development Corporation of SC SBA’s loan programs provide long-and short-term loans for small businesses that might not qualify W. Columbia, SC 29169 111 Executive Center Drive Phone: (803) 791-0071 Enoree Building, Suite 225 though normal lending channels. Fax: (803) 233-7589 Columbia, SC 29210 Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 744-0312, Ext. 119 Web: www.providentbfs.com Fax: (803) 744-0612 NON-PROFIT LENDING INSTITUTIONS Provident provides fixed asset financing for land, Email: [email protected] building and equipment throughout SC to small Web: (See also: Community Development business. Our fixed rate, 20 year loans can www.businessdevelopment.org/sccap.php Corporations and Councils of Government.) accommodate projects between $300K to $20 SC CAP is used to promote economic million. development and job creation through small Business Carolina, Inc. (BCI) business in South Carolina by providing Mike Sandusky financial institutions with a flexible non- Regional Executive SBA Officer – Specialty bureaucratic resource. Financing
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MARKETING AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS RESOURCES
In today’s competitive marketplace, success is dependent upon clear and consistent marketing plans that make a business’ products and/or services stand out from the competition. This section highlights public sector marketing resources available throughout the state.
HOW TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS
Market your business through print, Web and radio media if possible. CREATING A This can be done through purchasing advertising or via strategic public MARKETING PLAN relations. Convince the customer why your company and your services would be their optimal choice. If your budget allows, utilize the services of a marketing firm to get your plan started.
Target customers that are most likely to benefit from your services Make a list of your businesses and will provide you with the most sales. goals, strengths and weaknesses. Understand market size and trends that will affect your customer Analyze potential customer base. base for particular products. Know your competition by realistically assessing and comparing your Consider product advantages and strength and weaknesses. Compare products, services and how they will be leveraged. performance. Determine a pricing strategy for services and products. STATE AND FEDERAL CONTRACTING Create promotional programs,
media outreach and advertising to Materials Management Office (MMO) reach preferred customer base. Evaluate short and long-term Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) goals to ensure the best results. The FedBizOpps for Federal Business Opportunities
The Carolinas’ Minority Supplier Development Council
The Minority Business Enterprise Center of South Carolina
GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE BUYSC PROGRAM
BuySC is a product, material and service locator program designed to help new and existing South Carolina companies connect with South Carolina vendors and suppliers. The program utilizes resources from the South Carolina Depart- ment of Commerce, the South Carolina Technical College System, economic development allies, and national databases to match a company’s needs with in-state resources.
BuySC relies on extensive knowledge of the state’s existing supply chains, and works in concert with numerous economic development allies, which receive in-state supplier inquiries, to best serve a company’s needs. To learn how BuySC can help your business grow, visit www.SCBizNetwork.com .
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BuySC Program South Carolina Budget and Control Board Phone: (803) 737-0400 Tessa Monahan Division of Procurement Services Fax: (803) 737-0538 1201 Main Street, Suite 600 Email: [email protected] Existing Business Coordinator Columbia, SC 29201 Web: www.SCcommerce.com 120 Main Street, Suite 1600 Phone: (803)-737-0600 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 737-1336 Fax: (803)-737-0639 Minority Business Development Agency Email: [email protected] , Web: www.procurement.sc.gov/PS/PS- Anthony Washington [email protected] index.phtm Senior Business Development Consultant State Procurement Office (SPO) Web: www.SCBizNetwork.com 1515 Richland Street, Suite C Kimber Craig, Director of Procurement Columbia, SC 29201 Clemson Institute for Economic and Phone: (803) 737-2527 Phone: (803) 743-1154 Community Development (CIECD) Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 743-1162 Information Technology Management Office Paul “Mac” Horton, Ph.D. Email: [email protected] (ITMO) Director of CIECD and Sandhill Research and Web: http://columbiambdacenter.com/ Mike Spicer, Chief Procurement Office Education Center 900 Clemson Road Phone: (803) 896-5225 Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29229 Councils, Inc. (CVMSDC) Office of the State Engineer (OSE) Phone: (803) 788-5700 (ext. 506) Eric Watson Email: [email protected] John St. C. White, PE President & CEO Email: [email protected] Web: www.clemson.edu/public/ciecd 9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 440
CIECD offers Small Business and Marketing Plan clas- Charlotte, NC 28269 ses from various curriculums including FastTrac STATE CONTRACTING Phone: (704) 549-1000 (ext. 222) GrowthVenture, FastTrac Techventure and eCom- RESOURCES Fax: (704) 549-1616 merceSC. Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.cvmsdc.org/ ECI-Find New Markets State Engineer's Office Fred Monk John St. C. White, PE U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. President State Engineer and CPO of Construction Commercial Service, U.S. Export Assistance P.O. Box 12186 1201 Main Street, Suite 600 Centers (USEAC) Columbia, SC 29211 Columbia, SC 29201 Web: www.buyusa.gov/southcarolina Phone: (803) 255-2623 Phone: (803) 737-0768 Midlands Office Phone: (803) 777-1177 Email: [email protected] Dorette Coetsee Email: [email protected] Director Web: www.findnewmarkets.com US Commercial Service-South Carolina INTERNATIONAL TRADE USC Moore School Procurement Technical Assistance Center RESOURCES 1014 Greene Street, Suite 2061 Columbia, SC 29208 Scott Bellows SC PTAC Program Manager Mobile: (803) 397-4590 1225 Laurel Street Phone: (803) 777-2571 Columbia, SC 29201 City of Columbia Fax: (803) 777-2615 Phone: (803) 777-7877 Office of Economic Development Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ryan Coleman Charleston Export Assistance Center Web: http://www.scsbdc.com/ptac.php Director Phil Minard 1201 Main Street, Suite 250 International Trade Specialist Columbia, SC 29201 Charleston US Export Assistance Center South Carolina Women’s Business Center Phone: (803) 734-2700 1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100 Amy Brennan Email: [email protected] N. Charleston, SC 29405 Executive Director Web: http://www.columbiasc.net/economic- Phone: (843) 746-3404 129 Cannon Street development Fax: (843) 529-0305 Charleston, SC 29403 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 763-7333 (ext. 202) Website: www.export.gov/southcarolina SBA Export Trade Finance Officer Web: www.scwbc.net Greenville Office Dan Holt Denis Csizmadia 521 E Morehead Street, Suite 435 SCWBC – Columbia Manager Charlotte, NC 28202 Courtney Young Greenville US Export Assistance Center Phone: (704) 333-4886 Columbia Business Counselor Buck Mickle Center at Greenville Technical College Fax: (704) 332-2681 Phone: (803) 216-5605 216 Pleasantburg Drive Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Greenville, SC 29607 Phone: (864) 250-8429 SCWBC – Greenville South Carolina Department of Commerce Fax: (864) 250-6729 Marnie Schwarz-Hanley Clarke Thompson Email: [email protected] Upstate Business Coordinator International Trade Director Web: http://export.gov Phone: (864) 906-7660 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 Email: [email protected] Columbia SC 29201 21
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The South Carolina Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the education and training necessary to fill the most in-demand jobs. This section provides valuable insight into workforce resources offered in the state of South Carolina.
Regional Workforce Advisors: The South Carolina Department of Commerce is proud to introduce our newest
addition to workforce development. Our 12 Regional Workforce Advisors bring together those who educate our students and those in the business community who rely on a talented labor pool in efforts to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce.
readySC™ THE WORKFORCE SYSTEM CAN The readySC™ program, offered through the South Carolina Technical College System, can coordinate training needs at no cost for eligible new or expanding ASSIST WITH: companies throughout the state. The program works with the state’s 16 tech- nical colleges to develop training curriculum tailored to meet a company’s work- force requirements. More than a quarter million workers have been trained since the program's inception. www.readysc.org
Apprenticeship Carolina Program Finding qualified employees Apprenticeship Carolina’s primary mission is to ensure that all employers in
South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance they Employee retention need to create their own demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs by working with the 16 technical colleges across the state. Training programs through www.sctechsystem.edu/ApprenticeshipCarolina the Technical/Community Enterprise Zone Retraining Credit Program Colleges Manufacturing companies located in South Carolina may have the opportunity to Apprenticeships through the utilize the Job Retraining Tax Credit (E-Zone) program in order to be reimbursed for certain training and education provided to employees. Subsequent to approval by the Apprenticeship Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, companies may claim a Program credit of $1,000 per employee credit against withholding taxes. http://www.sctechsystem.edu/business-and-industry/e-zone-program.html
Incumbent Worker Training Funds may be available to train current employees to meet changing skill re- quirements due to new technology, restructuring, new product lines and many other factors. An employer match is required. Funding priority is given to training that will lead to significant upgrades in employee skills or wages, or that will result in layoff aversion and better retention opportunities. Funding for this program is allocated annually.
On-the-Job Training On-the-Job training provides wage/salary reimbursement of up to 50-90 percent (depending on the size of the business) to compensate for costs associated with training new employees. The percentage and length of reimbursement varies by the size of a company, specific skills to be acquired for the job and local workforce area.
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SC WorkReady Communities Initiative The SC Work Ready Communities provides a verifiable pool of workplace skills and is a tool used to measure the quality and capability of a county’s workforce. The basic infrastructure builds upon ACT WorkKeys®-a valid jobs skills assessment system-and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). The NCRC is certifies workplace competencies in Applied Math, Reading for Information and Locating Information. www.scworkready.org
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
University of South Carolina (USC), Greenville County Workforce Florence, SC 29502 Daniel-Mickel Center for Executive Education Development Board Phone: (843) 669-3138 Angie Brown Dean Jones Fax: (843) 679-3743 1014 Greene Street Workforce Development Administrator Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29208 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Suite Web: www.peedeewib.org Phone: (803) 777-5952 C11 Email: [email protected] Greenville, SC 29601-3665 Santee Lynches Regional Council of Phone: (864) 467-3605 Governments The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Fax: (864) 467-3603 (Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Sumter Partnership Email: [email protected] Counties) (SCMEP) Web: www.greenvillewib.com Areatha Clark Chuck Spangler, Workforce Development Administrator Interim President Lowcountry Council of Governments P.O. Box 1837 Manufacturing Education Facility: (Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper Sumter, SC 29151 37 Villa Road, Suite 500 Counties) Phone: (803) 775-7381 Greenville, SC 29615 Hank Amundson Fax: (803) 773-9903 Phone: (864) 288-5687 Workforce Development Administrator Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 98 Web: www.slworkforcedev.org
Yemassee, SC 29945 South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department Phone: (843) 726-5536 SC Works Stephen Marshall, Statewide Contact Fax: (843) 726-5165 Jeremy Catoe 1410 Boston Avenue Email: [email protected] Midlands Area Partner Liaison West Columbia, SC 29171 Web: www.lowcountryworkforce.org 700 Taylor Street Phone: (803) 896-4250 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 978-0190 Lower Savannah Council of
Governments Upper Savannah Council of LOCAL WORKFORCE (Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Governments Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties) (Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, INVESTMENT AREAS Andre Anderson Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda, Lexington, Workforce Development Administrator Newberry) P.O. Box 850 Contact your local Workforce Investment Sandra Johnson 2748 Wagener Road Area to get started. For more information, Administrator Aiken, SC 29802-0850 visit www.scworks.com. 430 Helix Road Phone: (803) 649-7981 Greenwood, SC 29646 Fax: (803) 649-2248 Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Govern- Phone: (864) 941-8055 Email: ments Fax: (864) 941-8090 [email protected] (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Counties) Email: [email protected] Web: www.lswia.org Jamie Wood Web: www.us1stops.com Workforce Director 1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100 Midlands Workforce Development Upstate Workforce Investment Board N. Charleston, SC 29405 Board (Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union Counties) Phone: (843) 529-0400 (Fairfield, Lexington, Richland Counties) Ann Fesperman Angermeier Fax: (843) 529-0305 Kevin Hill Executive Director Email: [email protected] Administrator 145 N Church Street Web: www.bcdcog.com 100 Executive Center Drive, Suite 218 Spartanburg, SC 29306 Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (864) 596-2028 Catawba Regional Council of Governments & Catawba Phone: (803) 744-1670 (ext. Fax: (864) 596-2199 Workforce Investment Board 101) Email: [email protected] (Chester, Lancaster, York Counties) Fax: (803) 744-1671 Web: www.upstatewib.org Nicole Lawing Email: [email protected] Workforce Development Administrator ` Web: www.midlandsworkforce.org Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments P.O. Box 450 Thomas Langley Rock Hill, SC 29731 Pee Dee Regional Council of Deputy Director Phone: (803) 327-9041 Governments 200 N Fraser Street Fax: (803) 327-1912 (Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, SC 29440 Email: [email protected] Marion, Marlboro) Phone: (843) 436-6128 Web: www.catawbacog.org Joette Dukes Fax: (843) 520-0642 Workforce Development Administrator Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 5719 Web: www.wrcog.org 24
Denmark, SC 29042 WorkLink Workforce Investment Board (Anderson, Phone: (864) 592-4158 Phone: (803) 793-5155 Oconee, Pickens Counties) Fax: (803) 793-5156 Trent Acker readySC Tri-County Technical College E-mail: [email protected] Executive Director Bobby Brothers, Area Director Web: www.denmarktech.edu 511 Westinghouse Road Phone: (864) 646-1442 Pendleton, SC 29670 Phone: (864) 646-1548 readySC Trident Technical College Florence-Darlington Technical College Mark Roth Fax: (864) 646-2814 Terrance Rivers, Area Director Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 574-6928 VP of Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology P.O. Box 100549 Apprenticeship Carolina Florence, SC 29502 STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL & Division of Economic Development Phone: (843) 413-2740 COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION/ & Workforce Competitiveness Email: mark.roth@SiMT .com SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNICAL AND SC Technical College System Web: www.simt.com COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM Brad Neese Director Greenville Technical College readySC™ 111 Executive Center Drive Leslie Trant Division of Economic Development Columbia, SC 29210 Dean of Corporate & Economic Development & Workforce Competiveness Phone: (803) 896-5736 P.O. Box 5616 South Carolina Technical College System Email: [email protected] Greenville, SC 29607 Susan Pretulak Web: Phone: (864) 250-8600 Vice President for Economic Development www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com Fax: (864) 250-8477 111 Executive Center Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Email: [email protected] SOUTH CAROLINA Phone: (803) 896-5276 Web: www.gvltec.edu
Email: [email protected] TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM Web: www.readysc.org Horry-Georgetown Technical College SC Technical College System Gregory Mitchell readySC Aiken Technical College, Denmark Technical Dr. Jimmie Williamson Vice President, Workforce Development & Continuing Education College, & Technical College of the Lowcountry President Robert Crenshaw, Area Director 111 Executive Center Drive P.O. Box 261966 Conway, SC 29528 Phone: (803) 593-9954 Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (843) 477-2032 Phone: (803) 896-5280 Fax: (843) 477-0775 readySC Central Carolina Technical College Web: www.sctechsystem.edu Email: [email protected] Jim Shrift, Area Director Web: www.hgtc.edu Phone: (803) 778-7860 Aiken Technical College Dr. Steven Simmons readySC Florence-Darlington Technical College, Horry Dean of Business, Computer Technology Midlands Technical College Georgetown Technical College, Williamsburg Technical & Training Dr. Barrie Kirk College P.O. Drawer 696 Vice President, Corporate & Continuing Education Bob Jay, Senior Area Director Aiken, SC 29802-0696 & Economic Development Phone: (854) 661-8040 Phone: (803) 508-7270 151 Powell Road Fax: (803) 593-8051 Columbia, SC 29203 readySC Greenville Technical College Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 691-3875 Johanna Gunter, Area Director Web: www.atc.edu Fax: (803) 691-3918 Phone: (864) 250-8375 Email: [email protected]
Central Carolina Technical College Web: www.midlandstech.edu readySC Midlands Technical College & Orangeburg Elizabeth Williams Calhoun Technical College Director, SC Environmental Training Northeastern Technical College Kent Bedenbaugh, Area Director Center Sherrie Chapman Phone: (803) 896-5349 506 N Guignard Drive Dean of Continuing Education
Sumter, SC 29150 1201 Chesterfield Hwy readySC Northeastern Technical College & York Phone: (803) 778-7873 Cheraw, SC 29520 Technical College Fax: (803) 778-7848 Phone: (843) 921-6922 Marianne Borders, Area Director Email: [email protected] Fax: (843) 921-1479 Phone: (803) 981-7320 Web: www.cctech.edu Email: [email protected] Web: www.netc.edu readySC Piedmont Technical College Susan Heath, Senior Area Director Denmark Technical College Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Phone: (864) 941-8404 Stephen Mason Sandra Moore Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education readySC Spartanburg Community College Economic and Workforce Development 3250 St. Matthews Road NE LaTokia Trigg, Area Director P.O. Box 327 Orangeburg, SC 29118
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Phone: (803) 535-1237 Email: [email protected] York Technical College Web: www.octech.edu Sonia Young Program Manager of Corporate & Piedmont Technical College Continuing Education 452 S Anderson Road Rusty Denning Associate Vice President of Rock Hill, SC 29730 Continuing Education & Economic Phone: (803) 981-7372 Development P.O. Drawer 1467 Fax: (803) 981-7327 Greenwood, SC 29648 Email: [email protected] Web: www.yorktech.com, Phone: (864) 941-8417 Fax: (864) 941-8777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ptc.edu
Spartanburg Community College Robert Leslie Dean of Corporate & Community Education P.O. Box 4386 Spartanburg, SC 29305 Phone: (864) 592-4910 Fax: (864) 592-4609 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sccsc.edu
Technical College of the Lowcountry Billie O’Neal Continuing Education 921 S. Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29901 Phone: 843-525-8269 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tcl.edu
Tri-County Technical College Rick Cothran Dean of Corporate & Community Learning P.O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670 Phone: (864) 646-1701 Fax: (864) 646-1897 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tctc.edu/learn
Trident Technical College Robert Walker Vice President, Continuing Education & Economic Development P.O. Box 118067 Charleston, SC 29423-8067 Phone: (843) 574-6152 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tridenttech.edu
Williamsburg Technical College James Myers Director of Distance Education 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Kingstree, SC 29556-4103 Phone: (843) 355-4182 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wiltech.edu
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BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Many issues must be addressed when running a business – from insurance to process improvements, to taxes and supply chain relationships. Business operations are all activities associated with running a business that produce value for the business. Generating revenue efficiently and effectively is a vital part of owning and running a business – which makes it extremely important to consider all aspects of running a business when building a business plan.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESOURCES
Insurance to protect Insurance: Consider and research the different types of insurance businesses as well as related to running a business – Property & Casualty, Employee Health and Workers’ Compensation to name a few. The South employees. Carolina Insurance News Service provides insurance related in- Business tax filings and formation from around the state and country for business own- ers. Learn more at www.scinsnews.com . Certified Public
Accountants.
Taxes: It is important to develop a good working relationship with Operating efficiently and your accountant. Your accountant should be familiar with key tax staying profitable. dates and the necessary documentation. For more information, Energy costs and how contact a local IRS tax office, the South Carolina Department of businesses can reduce Revenue or the South Carolina Business One Stop. www.irs.gov , www.scbos.com them.
Business continuity and disaster planning. How will Process Improvement/Operational Efficiency: South Carolina’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and other industry the business recover? related organizations are available to help with process improve- Can a recycling program ment and operational efficiency. For more information about help your business? how MEP can help your business, visit www.scmep.org.
RECYCLING WORKS – BUSINESS RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA Recycling can save your business money in avoided disposal costs – and may even produce revenue. Recycling also saves energy and natural resources. The South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Program provides free, confidential, non-regulatory technical assistance on recycling, waste reduction, beneficial reuse and other ways for businesses to conserve resources and improve their bottom line. The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s easy-to-use Recy- cling Business Directory provides convenient search features that allow users to find outlets for recycling commodities.
For more information on recycling, visit the recycling section of www.SCBizNetwork.com , or the South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Program at www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/recycle/index.htm . 27
Emergency Support Function Commercialization Program Manager Web: www.doi.sc.gov Business & Industry Savannah River National Laboratory State Warning Point Aiken, SC 29808 South Carolina Insurance News Service Chuck Bundy Phone: (803) 725-4185 Russ Dubisky Phone: (803) 737-0440 Email: [email protected] Executive Director Email: [email protected] Web: 240 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 110 www.srnl.doe.gov/tech_transfer/tech_transfer.htm Columbia, SC 29210 GSA – Federal Acquisition Service Phone: (803) 252-3455 Janice Zeigler South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- Email: [email protected] Customer Service Director ment Control- Green Hospitality Program Web: www.scinsnews.com Phone: (803) 310-0088 Elizabeth Rosinski Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator South Carolina Manufacturing Extension The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) possesses 2600 Bull Street-Bureau of Land and Waste Partnership (SCMEP) unrivaled capability to deliver comprehensive products Management Chuck Spangler, Interim President and services across government at the best value Columbia, SC 29201 Headquarters: possible. FAS offers a continuum of innovative solutions Phone: (803) 896-4238 or (800) 768-7348 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 910 and services in the areas of products and services, Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29201 technology, motor vehicle management, Web:https://www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/re Phone: (803) 252-6796 transportation, travel and procurement and online cycle/green_hospitality/ Fax: (803) 254-8512 acquisition tools. This program is a free, voluntary program designed Manufacturing Education Facility: to help South Carolina’s hospitality industry reduce 37 Villa Road, Suite 500 GSA Technology Council the environmental impact of its operations and in- Greenville, SC 29615 Phil Yanov corporate environmental stewardship and sustaina- Phone: (864) 288-5687 209 North Main Street, Suite 201 bility in its business practices. It also promotes and Email: [email protected] Greenville, SC 29601 recognizes hotels, restaurants and other hospitality Web: www.scmep.org Phone: (800) 688-2094 facilities for their environmentally conscious practic- The SCMEP's mission is to partner with companies and Email: [email protected] es. agencies throughout the state to help to strategically Web: www.gsatc.org improve their competitiveness, performance and profitability by driving growth and eliminating waste. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control South Carolina Materials With consultants located throughout the state and a Internal Revenue Service (IRS) manufacturing education facility in Greenville, the Nivia Hayes Exchange Stacey Washington SCMEP works in all regions of the state and in all critical Stakeholder Liaison, Small Business/Self-employed areas of business essential to improving manufacturing SBSE Stakeholders Liaison Environmental Engineer 2600 Bull Street competitiveness. 1835 Assembly Street, MDP-26 Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201 University of South Carolina Office of Intellectual Phone: (803) 312-7774 Phone: (803) 898-1329 or (800) 768-7348 Property Fax: (877) 477-8412 Email: [email protected] Chad Hardaway Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.scdhec.gov/scme Associate Director of Licensing Web: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small- The Exchange is a free, web-based service that seeks 901 Sumter Street, Byrnes Building Suite 512 Businesses-&-Self-Employed to reduce waste by facilitating the exchange of Columbia, SC 29208 reusable materials by businesses, non-profit institutions and government agencies. Phone: (803) 777-4031 Other helpful IRS resources: Email: [email protected] • Business and Specialty Helpline: South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- Web: http://ip.research.sc.edu/default.shtml 1 (800) 829-4933 mental Control- Smart Business Recycling Program • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: www .eftps.gov or 1 (800) 555-4477 Elizabeth Rosinski • Tax Forms and Publications: www .irs.gov/ Program Coordinator formspubs or 1 (800) 829-3676 2600 Bull Street-Bureau of Land and Waste • SC Insurance News Service: 240 Stoneridge Drive, Management Suite 110, Columbia, SC 29210 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 896-4238 or (800) 768-7348 KFR Services Email: [email protected] Kimberly Russo Web:http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/rec Co-President ycle/smart_business/ 500 Oakbrook Lane This program provides free, confidential, nonregula- Summerville, SC 29485 tory technical assistance on recycling, waste reduc- Phone: (800) 433-6181 tion, beneficial reuse and other ways for businesses Email: [email protected] to conserve resources and improve their bottom line.
This company provides specialized solutions for a South Carolina Department of Insurance diverse field of industries such as telecommunications, Ann Roberson boating association management, and risk Public Information Director management. 1201 Main Street, Suite 1000
Columbia, SC 29201 Savannah River National Laboratory Tech Transfer Phone: (803) 737-6160 Office Fax: (803) 737-6205 Dale Haas Email: [email protected] 28
Website: http://e4carolinas.org/ Business Specialist RECYCLING RESOURCES E4 Carolinas is a two-state industry group that pro- 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 motes economic growth, employment, productivity, Columbia, SC 29201 Asphalt Rubber Technology Service and prosperity by cultivating a collaborative energy Phone: (803) 737-0477 David Wingard, Program Administrator cluster in the Carolinas region. The trade association Email: [email protected] 2002 Hugo Drive builds teamwork in policy, workforce development, Web: www.SCcommerce.com Clemson University business development and technology development This 14 member, Governor-appointed council tracks Clemson, SC 29634 E4 Carolinas is an “all of the above” energy the success and growth of the state’s recycling in- Phone: (864) 656-6799 organization, working to increase a diverse portfolio dustry and makes policy and program recommenda- Email: [email protected] of energy in the Carolinas. (E4 = Energy, Economy, tions to the Governor and General Assembly. Web: www.Ces.clemson.edu/arts Environment, Efficiency) The program promotes, designs, and tests the use of South Carolina Environmentally Preferred recycled scrap tires in rubberized asphalt and other Energy Star Purchasing Policy civil infrastructure applications. Phone: (888) 782-7937 Web: Web: www.energystar.gov www.mmo.sc.gov/webfiles/MMO_POL_GD/2009- Carolina Recycling Association This program provides information on energy effi- 1.pdf Jenn Cooper cient products and practices. This initiative promotes and advances green Office Manager P.O. Box 1296 purchasing among state government agencies. It also Greenville, SC 29602 Habitat for Humanity ReStores provides a guide for recycled products. Phone: (877) 972-0007 Web: www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx Email: [email protected] ReStores sell quality, used and surplus building Solid Waste Association of North America- South Web: http://cra.-recycle.orhg materials at a fraction of normal Carolina Chapter This association provides education, marketing, and prices. Ed Marr, President resource tools for the recycling industry. 1600 West Washington Street Keep America Beautiful Greenville, SC 29602 Charleston Green Business Challenge Phone: (203) 659-3000 Phone: (864) 232-6721 Carolee Williams Fax: (203) 659-3001 Email: [email protected] Project Manager City of Charleston Email: [email protected] Web: www.scswana.org 2 George Street, Third Floor Web: www.kab.com This organization helps to advance the practice of Charleston, SC 29401 This organization forms public-private partnerships environmentally and economically sound manage- Phone: (843) 724-3776 and programs that encourage individuals to take ment of municipal solid waste in North America.
Email: [email protected] greater responsibility for improving their communi- Southeast Recycling Development Council Web: www.charlestongbc.com ty's environment. Will Sagar The goals of Charleston’s voluntary Green Business Executive Director Challenge (GBC) are to improve the performance of Keep the Midlands Beautiful 102 College Station, Suite 3 commercial and institutional buildings and their Jacqueline Buck Brevard, NC 28712 operations through reducing energy and water con- Executive Director (828) 507-0123 sumption, and waste reduction. Businesses in the 1307 Augusta Road Email: [email protected] Charleston metro area sign up for annually to be a West Columbia, SC 29169 Web: www.serdc.org participant in the GBC. Phone: (803) 733-1139 Email: [email protected] This council’s mission is to unite industry, govern- ment and non-government organizations to promote City of Columbia Climate Protection Action Web: www.Keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org/index.asp This organization promotes litter prevention, recy- sustainable recycling in the Southeast. Campaign Mary Pat Baldauf cling and beautification. South Carolina Biomass Council Sustainability Facilitator John Boyd Public Works Division Palmetto Pride Linda Shadel Chair 2910 Colonial Drive PO Box 402 Columbia, SC 29203 Director of Operations P.O. Box 50217 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 545-2722 Phone: (803) 540-7731 Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29250 Phone: (803) 758-6034 Email: [email protected] Web: www.columbiasc.net/cpac Web: www.scbiomass.org This initiative identifies measures that can be Toll-free: (877) 752-7733 Email: [email protected] This council serves as a resource for the public and taken to reduce greenhouse gases and promote decision-makers about the environmental and eco- sustainability. Web: www.palmettopride.org This organization encourages individuals to take nomic benefits of biomass energy.
E4 Carolinas greater responsibility for enhancing their communi- ties. South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) David A. Doctor Helpline: (803) 898-5690 President & CEO Recycling Market Development Advisory Council Email: [email protected] UNC at Charlotte Web: www.scbos.com EPIC 1237 (RMDAC) Chantal Fryer The official South Carolina business Web portal. It Charlotte, NC 28223 enables anyone with an existing business or anyone Phone: (704) 835-0004 starting a new business to file permits, licenses, Email: [email protected] registrations, or pay taxes. From the convenience of
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your computer anytime, 24 hours a day- 7 days a week, facilities for their environmentally conscious 408 Wade Hampton Building you can take care of your important state filings, and practices. Columbia, SC 29201 pay for multiple filings and/or taxes with one credit, Phone: (803) 737-8030 debit, or EFW payment. South Carolina Department of Health and Fax: (803) 737-9846 Environ- mental Control South Carolina Web: www.energy.sc.gov South Carolina Department of Commerce Recycling Materials Exchange The office provides technical assistance, audits, Market Development (RMD) Program Stacey Washington workshops, education materials, project grants, loans Chantal Fryer, Manager Environmental Engineer and rebates to help businesses, public entities and the 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 2600 Bull Street public save energy and money. Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 737- 0477 Phone: (803) 898-1329 or (800) 768-7348 South Carolina Green Building Directory Or (803) 737-0449 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 529-3416 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.scdhec.gov/scme Web: www.scgreenbuildingdirectory.org Web: www.recyclinginsc.com The Exchange is a free, Web-based service that seeks This directory is a free online tool of green building This program helps foster a thriving recycling econo- to reduce waste by facilitating the exchange of resources. Established by the South Carolina Sustain- my in the state and promotes sustainable business reusable materials by businesses, non-profit ability Institute, it provides information on products and practices for business, industry, government and other institutions and government agencies. services that support green practices in the organizations. RMD helps to connect markets for state. recyclable materials. South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- mental Control– Green Resources Index South Carolina Recycling Markets Directory South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- Web:https://www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/re Chantal Fryer mental Control- Office of Solid Waste Reduction and cycle/smart_business/green_resource_index.htm Senior Manager Recycling This Index is designed to help business, industry, 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600 Richard Chesley, Section Manager- Education, Tech- local government and others locate recyclers and Columbia, SC 29201 nical Assistance and Reporting Section users of by-products, equipment to help minimize Phone: (803) 737-0477 Jana White, Section Manager- Solid Waste Planning waste, service providers to help you become envi- Email: [email protected] and Grants Section ronmentally friendly, and substitutes for hazardous Web: www.recyclinginsc.com/directory 2600 Bull Street materials. This directory provides convenient search features Columbia, SC 29201 allowing users to find outlets for recycling Phone: (803) 898-1327 South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- commodities. Email: [email protected] mental Control– Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Phone: (803) 898-1346 South Carolina Sustainability Institute Email: [email protected] Phyllis Copeland Bryan Cordell Ombudsman Web: www.scdhec.gov/recycle Executive Director 2600 Bull Street 113 Calhoun St. South Carolina Department of Health and Environ- Columbia, SC 29201 Charleston, SC 29401 mental Control- Smart Business Recycling Program Phone: (803) 898-0415 Phone: (843) 529-3421 Stacey Washington Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Environmental Engineer Web: www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/sbeap Web: www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org 2600 Bull Street This program provides free non-regulatory environ- The institute helps homeowners, professionals and Columbia, SC 29201 mental permitting, compliance, education, outreach businesses transform their buildings into sustainable Phone: (803) 898-1329 or (800) 768-7348 and advocacy assistance to businesses. structures. Email: [email protected]
Web: www.scdhec.gov/smartbusiness SC Recycling Council-RecyclonomicsSC U.S. Green Building Council- South Carolina Chapter This program provides free, confidential, nonregulatory, Chantal Fryer Melissa Le Roy technical assistance on recycling, waste 1601 Assembly Street Executive Director reduction, beneficial reuse and other ways for PO Box 2166 1450 Fifth Street, W businesses to conserve resources and improve their Columbia, SC 29202 N. Charleston, SC 29405 bottom line. Phone: (803) 737-0449 Phone: (843) 329-3131 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Environment Control – Green Hospitality Program Web: www.recyclonomicssc.com Web: www.usgbc.org/index.php Anne McGovern This council provides courses and workshops on Program Coordinator South Carolina Department of Revenue sustainable building design and construction, 2600 Bull Street 301 Gervais Street and also offers information on LEED certification. Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-0998 or (800) 768-7348 Phone: (803) 898-5000 (General Info)
Email: [email protected] (803) 898-5709 (Income Tax Helpline) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- Region 4 Web: www.scdhec.gov/greenhospitality (803) 898-5788 (Sales Tax Helpline) Sam Nunn This program is a free, voluntary program designed Web: www.sctax.org Atlanta Federal Center to help South Carolina’s hospitality industry reduce the 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 environmental impact of its operations and in- South Carolina Energy Office Phone: (404) 562-9900 corporate environmental stewardship and sustaina- Ashlie Lancaster Toll free: 1-800-241-1754 bility in its business practices. It also promotes and Director Web: www.epa.gov recognizes hotels, restaurants and other hospitality 1200 Senate Street
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This agency protects human health and the environment, develops and enforces regulations, provides grant opportunities and educational training.
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LOCAL AREA & OTHER RESOURCES
A business’ success is dependent upon strong business connections – especially local connections. South Carolina has numerous local resources available to help get businesses up and running, and to help existing companies remain successful. Local resources consist of organizations that have the ability to connect businesses and key allies in the industry, both at the community level and throughout the state.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS
Local Economic Development professionals are employed by South Carolina counties and municipalities to provide assistance for business in their area. They work to promote and ensure the economic growth of their community and are available to assist any business.
SOUTH CAROLINA REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCES
There are several economic development alliances within South Carolina. Each alliance services a particular region of the state, often combining the resources of several counties to promote growth. All are willing to assist companies relocating to or expanding within South Carolina.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND OTHER BUSINESS ADVOCATE ORGANIZATIONS
Chambers of Commerce around the state serve the business community in a variety of ways. They promote the eco- nomic growth of communities and generally represent the business interests of the communities they serve. Cham- bers provide valuable resources that can greatly benefit a business.
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
South Carolina Council of Governments (COGs) are essential in assisting local governments with both local and region- al development plans within the state. There are ten COGs in South Carolina, each representing a multi-county plan- ning district.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide technical business planning assistance and offer programs to assist businesses interested in access to federal procurement opportunities. SBDCs also provide assistance for firms interested in or capable of participating in the Department of Defense’s Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program.
SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides business assistance with free private counseling and low-cost group workshops.
INCUBATORS Business incubators are programs designed to assist in the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through a variety of business services and support. Incubators can help companies manage their business and provide valuable contacts that can accelerate any business.
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LOCAL AREA & OTHER RESOURCES
Phone: (864) 283-7109 Email: [email protected] ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS Email: [email protected] Website: http://schcc.org/ Web: www.scautomotivecouncil.com The South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lowcountry Local First was incorporated on August 30, 2007. Recognizing Lauren Gellatly SC Manufacturers Alliance the need of an organization that could represent and Community Development Director James Richter help the growing Hispanic business community, the 1630-2 Meeting Street Communications and Marketing Director Chamber comes in a crucial moment in the Hispanic Charleston, SC 29405 1340 Bull Street community. Although in the early stages, we are Phone: 843-740-5444 Columbia, SC 29201 working toward a strong foundation, building up Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 799-9695 membership and community awareness of the Web: www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org Email: [email protected] existence of the Chamber. Our vision is to become a Lowcountry Local First is a non-profit organization Web: www.myscma.com proactive Hispanic chamber of commerce by providing with a mission to advocate the benefits of a local leadership and serving as a bridge between com- living economy by strengthening community support National Federation of Independent Businesses munity leaders, different cultures, and the community of our local independent businesses and farmers. Benjamin N. Homeyer at large. They offer coworking space, local business State Director networking, mentorship, GOODBusiness Summit, PO Box 8881 South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance farm apprenticeship, incubation and workshops. Columbia, SC 29202-8881 Lewis F. Gossett Phone: (803) 254-1476 President and CEO Health Sciences South Carolina Web: www.nfib.com 1340 Bull Street Helga Rippen Columbia, SC 29201 President & CEO South Carolina Arts Commission Phone: (803) 799-9695 Phone: (803) 576-5902 Ken May Fax: (803) 771-8738 Email: [email protected] Executive Director Email: [email protected] The mission of Health Sciences South Carolina is to 1800 Gervais Street Web: www.myscma.com support our members in improving the health of all Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolinians by collaborating across the state of Phone: (803) 734-8696 South Carolina Small Business Chamber of South Carolina with the goal of enabling evidence- Email: [email protected] Commerce based research. Web: www.southcarolinaarts.com Frank Knapp Jr. President & CEO Lowcountry Manufacturers Council South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 1717 Gervais Street Lindsay S. McDaniel Ted Pitts Columbia, SC 29201 LMC Director President & Chief Executive Officer Phone: (803) 252-5733 P.O. Box 61569 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1100 Fax: (803) 799-0678 N. Charleston, SC 29419 Columbia, SC 29201 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 574-6300 Phone: (803) 255-2639 Web: www.scsbc.org Fax: (843) 574-6776 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.scchamber.net STEMLinx Web: www.lmcsc.org Tom Peters South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Executive Director New Carolina Jeff Ruble, CEcD 100 Technology Drive Ann Marie Stieritz P.O. Box 1763 Clemson, SC 29634 President & CEO Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: (864) 650-0750 1411 Gervais Street, Suite 450 Phone: (803) 929-0305 / (803) 978-7648 Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29201 Fax: (803) 252-0589 Web: sccoalition.org Phone: 803-760-1400 Email: [email protected] / Fax: 803-760-1401 [email protected] Email: [email protected] The South Carolina Economic Developers' Association LOCAL CHAMBERS OF Web: www.sccompetes.org is a not for profit organization of 550+ COMMERCE New Carolina is a public-private partnership working members whose primary objective is to increase the to increase South Carolina's prosperity and enhance effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of South Carolina's economic competitiveness through economic development in South Carolina by Greater Abbeville Chamber of Commerce a cluster development strategy. New Carolina's encouraging cooperation, exchange of information Kacy Pearman mission is to find, build and celebrate industry clus- and promotion of professional skills. ters in South Carolina and to improve the business Executive Director environment for better growth. 107 Court Square South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Abbeville, SC 29620 SC Automotive Council Evelyn Lugo Phone: (864) 366-4600 Catherine Hayes President Fax: (864) 366-4068 Executive Director P.O. Box 1057 Email: [email protected] 5 Research Drive Taylors, SC 29687 Web: www.abbevillescchamber.com Greenville, SC 29607 Phone: (864) 643-7261 33
Phone: (803) 532-4339 Web: www.cherawchamber.com
LOCAL AREA & OTHER RESOUR CES
South Carolina African American Chamber of Fax: (803) 532-3978 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Commerce Email: [email protected] Kayla Robbs Stephen Gilchrist Web: www.batesburg-leesvillechamber.org Executive Director President Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce 225 S Limestone Street 319 Windingwood Circle Blakely Williams Gaffney, SC 29340 Blythewood, SC 29016 President & Phone: (864) 489-5721 Phone: (803) 361-9479 CEO P.O. Box Fax: (864) 487-3399 Email: [email protected] 910 Email: [email protected] Web: www.scachamber.com Beaufort, SC 29901 Web: www.cherokeechamber.org The purpose of the South Carolina African Phone: (843) 525-8527 American Chamber of Commerce is to be an advocate Email: [email protected] Chester County Chamber of Commerce for prosperity, progress, and the permeation of Web: www.beaufortchamber.org Jim Fuller success within every county and community in South President Carolina as it relates to African American Businesses. Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 489 Elaine Morgan Chester, SC 29706 Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce CEO Phone: (803) 581-4142 David Jameson 1004 Old Highway 52 Fax: (803) 581-2431 President & Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Email: [email protected] CEO 121 Phone: (843) 761-8238 Web: www.chesterchamber.com Richland Ave., Fax: (843) 899-6491 East Email: [email protected] Greater Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Aiken, SC 29801 Web: www.berkeleysc.org Jamie Barfield Phone: (803) 641-1111 Executive Director Fax: (803) 641-4174 Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 230 Email: [email protected] Jane Dyches Chesterfield, SC 29709 Web: www.aikenchamber.net Executive Director Phone: (843) 623-2343 Courthouse Annex, Suite 114 Fax: (843) 623-2424 Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce St. Matthews, SC 29135 Email: [email protected] Pamela L. Christopher, IOM Phone: (803) 655-5650 Web: www.chesterfieldscchamber.com President & CEO Fax: (803) 655-6110 907 N Main Street, Suite 200 Email: [email protected] Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce Anderson, SC 29621 Web: www.calhouncountychamber.org Christina Darby Phone: (864) 226-3454 Executive Director Fax: (864) 226-3300 Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce 19 N Brooks Street Email: [email protected] Risa Barnes Manning, SC 29102 Web: www.andersonscchamber.com Executive Director Phone: (803) 435-4405 302 Columbia Avenue Email: [email protected] Bamberg County Chamber Chapin, SC 29036 Web: www.clarendoncounty.com Jerry Bell Phone: (803) 345-1100 Director Fax: (803) 345-0266 Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce 604 Airport Road Email: [email protected] David Lane Bamberg, SC 29003 Web: www.chapinchamber.com President Phone: (803) 245-4427 P.O. Box 1622 Email: [email protected] Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Clemson, SC 29633 Web: www.bambergcountychamber.org Bryan Derreberry Phone: (864) 654-1200 President & CEO Fax: (864) 654-5096 Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce 4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 Email: [email protected] Daniel Harvey North Charleston, SC 29405 Web: www.clemsonchamber.org Executive Director Phone: (843) 805-3100 1750 Jackson Street Email: [email protected] Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce Barnwell, SC 29812 Web: www.charlestonchamber.net Jackie Robinson Phone: (803) 259-7446 Executive Director Fax: (803) 259-0030 Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 162 Email: [email protected] Roger Jones Clover, SC 29710 President Phone: (803) 222-3312 Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce & Visitors 221 Market Street Fax: (803) 222-8396 Center Cheraw, SC 29520 Email: [email protected] Mike Taylor Phone: (843) 537-7681 Web: www.cloverchamber.org P.O. Box 2178 Fax: (843) 537-5886 Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070 Email: [email protected]
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LOCAL AREA & OTHER RESOUR CES Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Dan Carter President & CEO Carl Blackstone Executive Director P.O. Box 980 President P.O. Box 206 Greenwood, SC 29648 930 Richland Street Edisto Island, SC 29438 Phone: (864) 282-1050 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (843) 869-3867 Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 733-1110 Fax: (843) 869-0510 Web: www.greenwoodscchamber.org Fax: (803) 733-1113 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.edistochamber.com Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Web: www.columbiachamber.com Mark Owens Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Terry N. Vickers 111 Trade Street Kelli S. James President Greer, SC 29651 Executive Vice President P.O. Box 297 Phone: (864) 877-3131 203 Main Street Winnsboro, SC 29180 Fax: (864) 877-0961 Conway, SC 29526 Phone: (803) 635-4242 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 248-2273 Fax: (803) 712-2996 Web: www.greerchamber.com Fax: (843) 248-0003 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.fairfieldchamber.sc Hampton County Chamber of Commerce Web: www.conwayscchamber.com Sally Dobson President Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 122 Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Mike Miller Hampton, SC 29924 Hannah Stanley President Phone: (803) 914-2143 Executive Director 238 S. Coit Street Fax: (803) 914-2144 38 Public Square Florence, SC 29501 Email: [email protected] Darlington, SC 29532 Phone: (843) 665-0515 Web: www.hamptoncountychamber.org Phone: (843) 393-2641 Fax: (843) 662-2010 Fax: (843) 393-8059 Email: [email protected] Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Email: [email protected] Web: www.flochamber.com Quinetta M. Buterbaugh Web: www.darlingtonchamber.net President Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce 214 North Fifth Street Dillon County Chamber of Commerce John Hastings Hartsville, SC 29550 Johnnie Luehrs President/CEO Phone: (843) 332-6401 President & CEO 102 Depot Street Fax: (843) 332-8017 P.O. Box 1304 Fountain Inn, SC 29644 Email: [email protected] Dillon, SC 29536 Phone: (864) 862-2586 Web: www.hartsvillechamber.org Phone: (843) 774-8551 Fax: (864) 862-1086 Fax: (843) 774-0114 Email: [email protected] Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Email: [email protected] Web: www.fountaininnchamber.org Bill Miles President Web: www.dilloncitysc.com & CEO P.O. Box Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce 5647 Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Jeff Smith Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Cindy B. Hopkins, IOM President Phone: (843) 785-3673 President 531 Front Street Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 241 Georgetown, SC 29440 Web: www.hiltonheadisland.org Easley, SC 29641 Phone: (843) 546-8436 Phone: (864) 859-2693 Fax: (843) 520-4876 Fax: (864) 859-1941 Email: [email protected] Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce Email: [email protected] Web: www.visitgeorge.com Tiffany Boyce Heitzman Web: www.easleychamber.org President & CEO Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce 1235 Columbia Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce Ben Haskew Avenue Donna Livingston President & CEO Irmo, SC 29063 Administrator 24 Cleveland Street Phone: (803) 749-9355 416 Calhoun Street Greenville, SC 29601 Fax: (803) 732-7986 Johnston, SC 29832 Phone: (864) 239-3731 Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 275-0010 Fax: (864) 282-8509 Web: www.greaterirmochamber.com Fax: (803) 275-0010 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.greenvillechamber.org Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Web: www.edgefieldcountychamber.org Kendall Malphrus Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Edisto Chamber of Commerce Angelle LaBorde, CCEC, IOM P.O. Box 1267
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LOCAL AREA & OTHER RESOURCES
Ridgeland, SC 29936 Phone: (843) 726-8126 Fax: (843) 726-6290 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jaspersc.org
Greater Inman Area Chamber of Commerce David Grayshock President PO Box 227 Inman, SC 29349 Phone: (864) 472-3654 Email: [email protected] Web: www.inmanscchamber.org
Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce Liz Horton, Executive Director P.O. Box 605 Camden, SC 29021 Phone: (803) 432-2525 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kershawcountychamber.org
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Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Susan Bromfield Loris Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2115 President James Edwards Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 P.O. Box 5233 President Phone: (843) 626-7444 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 P.O. Box 356 Fax: (843) 448-3010 Phone: (803) 831-2827 Loris, SC 2956 Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 831-2460 Phone: (843) 756-6030 Web: www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com Email: [email protected] Fax: (843) 756-5661 Web: www.lakewyliesc.com Email: [email protected] Newberry County Chamber of Commerce Web: www.lorischambersc.com Ted Smith Executive Director Lancaster County Chamber P.O. Box 396 L. Dean Falle Marion Chamber of Commerce Newberry, SC 29108 President Judy J. Johnson Phone: (803) 276-4274 P.O. Box 430 Director Fax: (803) 276-4373 Lancaster, SC 29721 P.O. Box 35 Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 283-4105 Marion, SC 29571 Web: www.newberrycounty.org Fax: (803) 286-4360 Phone: (843) 423-3561 Email: [email protected] Fax: (843) 423-0963 Ninety Six Chamber of Commerce Web: www.lancasterchambersc.org Email: [email protected] Michael Rowe Web: www.marionscchamber.com President Laurens County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 8 Greg Alexander Greater Mauldin Area Chamber of Commerce Ninety Six, SC 29666 President & CEO P.O. Box 248 Pat Pomeroy Phone: (864) 543-2047 Laurens, SC 29360 Executive Director Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 833-2716 ext. 15 P.O. Box 881 Web: www.96chamberofcommerce.com Fax: (864) 833-6935 Mauldin, SC 29662 Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 297-1323 Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Web: www.laurenscounty.org Fax: (864) 297-5645 Terra Carroll, IOM Email: [email protected] President Lee County Chamber of Commerce Web: www.mauldinchamber.org P.O. Box 6246 Pam Kelley N. Augusta, SC 29860 Executive Director McCormick County Chamber of Commerce Phone: (803) 279-2323 P.O. Box 187 Anne Barron Fax: (803) 279-0003 Bishopville, SC 29010 Chair Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 484-5145 P.O. Box 938 Web: www.northaugustachamber.org Fax: (803) 484-4270 McCormick, SC 29835 Email: king [email protected] Phone: (864) 852-2835 Web: www.leecountychambersc.com Fax: (864) 852-2382 North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Marc Jordan Email: [email protected] President Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce Web: www.mccormickscchamber.org 270 Highway 17 N Randy Halfacre N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 President & CEO Midland Valley Area Chamber of Phone: (843) 281-2662 P.O. Box 44 Commerce Fax: (843) 280-2930 Lexington, SC 29071 Anne Fulcher Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 359-6113 Executive Director Web: www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com Fax: (803) 359-0634 P.O. Box 310 Email: [email protected] Langley, SC 29834 Oconee Pickens Chamber Coalition Web: www.lexingtonsc.org Phone: (803) 593-3030 (See Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce) Fax: (803) 593-0085 Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce Email: [email protected] Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 123 Web:www.midlandvalleyareachamberofc Dede C. Cook Liberty, SC 29657 ommerce.com President Phone: (864) 843-3021 P.O. Box 328 Fax: (864) 843-3662 Greater Mullins Chamber of Commerce Orangeburg, SC 29116-0328 Email: [email protected] Cindy Lesieur Phone: (803) 534-6821 Web: www.libertychamberofcommerce.com President Fax: (803) 531-9435 P.O. Box 595 Email: [email protected] Little River Chamber of Commerce Mullins, SC 29574 Web: www.orangeburgchamber.com Jennifer Phone: (843) 464-6651 Walters Fax: (843) 464-7138 Executive Email: [email protected] Director PO Web: www.mullinschamber.sc Box 400 Little River, SC 29566 Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Phone: (843) 249-6604 Commerce Fax: (843) 249-9788 Brad D. Dean President & CEO Email: [email protected] 37 Web: www.littleriverchamber.org
Pageland Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce Tony Nolan P.O. Box 1636 David M. Smalls President Spartanburg, SC 29304 President & CEO P.O. Pageland, SC 29728 Phone: (864) 594-5000 Box 426 Phone: (843) 672-6400 Fax: (864) 594-5055 Walterboro, SC 29488 Fax: (843) 672-6401 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 549-9595 Email: [email protected] Web: www.spartanburgchamber.com Fax: (843) 549-5775 Web: www.pagelandchamber.com Email: [email protected] The Greater Summerville-Dorchester Chamber of Web: www.walterboro.org Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Commerce Mike Parrott Rita C. Berry West Metro Chamber of Commerce President President & CEO Greg Pinner P.O. Box 153 402 N Main Street President Pickens, SC 29671 Summerville, SC 29483 1006 12th Street Phone: (864) 878-3258 Phone: (843) 873-2931 Cayce, SC 29033 Fax: (864) 878-7317 Fax: (843) 875-4464 Phone: (803) 794-6504 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 794-6505 Web: www.pickenschamber.net Web: www.greatersummerville.org Web: www.westmetrochamber.sc
Oconee County Chamber of Commerce Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Westminster Chamber of Commerce Jillian Lusk Grier Blackwelder Sandra Powell, Executive Director P.O. Box Executive President 155 P.O. Box 855 32 E Calhoun Street Westminster, SC 29693 Seneca, SC 29679 Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (864) 647-5316 Phone: (864) 882-2097 Phone: (803) 775-1231 Fax: (864) 647-5013 Fax: (864) 882-2080 Fax: (803) 775-0915 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.westminstersc.com Web: www.oconeechambersc.com Web: www.sumterchamber.com Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber of Commerce Saluda County Chamber of Commerce Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce Leslee Spivey Donald Hancock Teresa M. Hatchell Director President Executive Director P.O. Box 696 P.O. Box 246 225 Parler Avenue Kingstree, SC 29556 Saluda, SC 29138 St. George, SC 29477 Phone: (843) 355-6431 Phone: (864) 445-4100 8603 Old State Road Fax: (843) 355-3343 Email: [email protected] Holly Hill, SC 29059 Email: [email protected] Web: www.saludacountychamber.sc Phone: (843) 563-9091 Web: www.williamsburgsc.org Fax: (843) 563-9091 Email: [email protected] Greater York Chamber of Commerce Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce Web: www.tri-crcc.com Paul D. Boger Executive Karen C. Thompson Director P.O. Box 97 Executive Director Union County Chamber of Commerce York, SC 29745 2817 Maybank Highway Unit #1 Torance Inman Phone: (803) 684-2590 2818 Johns Island, SC 29455 Executive Director Fax: (803) 684-2575 Phone: (843) 793-1234 135 W Main Street Email: [email protected] Fax: (843) 793-1007 Union, SC 29379 Web: www.greateryorkchamber.com Web: www.seaislandschamber.org Phone: (864) 427-9039 Fax: (864) 427-9030 York County Regional Chamber Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Email: [email protected] Rob Youngblood Allison McGarity Web: www.unionsc.com President President & CEO 116 E Main Street P.O. Box 605 Walhalla Chamber of Commerce Rock Hill, SC 29730 Simpsonville, SC 29681 Vanessa Penton, Director Phone: (803) 324-7500 Phone: (864) 963-3781 214 E Main Street Fax: (803) 324-1889 Fax: (864) 228-0003 Walhalla, SC 29691 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 638-2727 Web: www.yorkcountychamber.com Web: www.simpsonvillechamber.com Fax: (864) 638-6451 Email: [email protected] Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce Web: www.walhallasc.com Allen Smith
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SOUTH CAROLINA’S COUNCILS Central Midlands Council of Governments Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda Counties) (Serving Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Patricia C. Hartung OF GOVERNMENT Richland, Counties) Executive Director Benjamin J. Mauldin 430 Helix Road Executive Director Greenwood, SC 29646 236 Stoneridge Drive Phone: (864) 941-8050 Columbia, SC 29210 (800) 922-7729 Phone: (803) 376-5390 Fax: (864) 941-8090 Fax: (803) 376-5394 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.upperscworks.com Web: www.centralmidlands.org Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (Serving Lowcountry Council of Governments Georgetown, Horry, Williamsburg Counties) (Serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper Sarah Penick Smith Counties) Executive Director Sabrena Graham 1230 Highmarket Street Executive Director Georgetown, SC 29440 P.O. Box 98 Phone: (843) 436-6135 Yemassee, South Carolina 29945 Email: [email protected] Phone: (843) 726-5536 Web: www.wrcog.org Fax: (843) 726-5165 Email: [email protected] REGIONAL ECONOMIC Website:http://www.lowcountrycog.sc.gov/Pages /default.aspx DEVELOPERS
Lower Savannah Council of Governments
(Serving Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Economic Development Partnership Appalachian Council of Governments Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties) (Serving Aiken, Edgefield, Saluda Counties) (Serving Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Connie Shade Will Williams Pickens, Spartanburg Counties) Executive Director President & CEO Steve Pelissier P.O. Box 850 P.O. Box 1708 Executive Director Aiken, SC 29802 Aiken, SC 29802 P.O. Drawer 6668 Phone: (803) 649-7981 Phone: (803) 641-3300 Greenville, SC 29606 Fax: (803) 649-2248 Fax: (803) 641-3369 Phone: (864) 242-9733 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: (864) 242-6957 Web: www.lscog.org Web: www.edpsc.org Email: [email protected]
Web: www.scacog.org Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments Central SC Alliance
(Serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, (Serving Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Florence, Marion, Marlboro Counties) Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland Governments Johnny B. Brown Counties) (Serving Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Counties) Executive Director G. Michael Briggs Ronald E. Mitchum P.O. Box 5719 President & CEO Executive Director Florence, SC 29502 1201 Main Street, Suite 100 1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100 Phone: (843) 669-3138 Columbia, SC 29201 N. Charleston, SC 29405 Fax: (843) 669-4392 Phone: (803) 733-1144 Phone: (843) 529-0400 Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 733-1125 Fax: (843) 529-0305 Web: www.peedeecog.org Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.centralsc.org Web: www.bcdcog.com Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments
(Serving Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Sumter Charleston Regional Development Alliance (Serving Catawba Regional Council of Governments Counties) Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Counties) (Serving Chester, Lancaster Union, York Counties) Dr. Michael Mikota, Executive Director David Ginn Randy Imler P.O. Box 1837 President & CEO Executive Director Sumter, SC 29151 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420 P.O. Box 450 Phone: (803) 775-7381 N. Charleston, SC 29405 Rock Hill, SC 29731 Fax: (803) 773-9903 Phone: (843) 760-4524 Phone: (803) 327-9041 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: (803) 327-1912 Web: www.santeelynchescog.org Web: www.charlestoneconomicdevelopment.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.catawbacog.org Upper Savannah Council of Governments (Serving Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens,
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Charlotte Regional Partnership Abbeville County Development Board President of Beaufort County Chamber (Serving Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, York Stephen Taylor 701 Craven Street Counties) Development Service Director P.O. Box 910 Ronnie Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM P.O. Box 533 Beaufort, SC 29901 President & CEO Abbeville, SC 29620 Phone: (843) 525-8527 550 S Caldwell Street, Suite 760 Phone: (864) 366-2181 Email: [email protected] Charlotte, NC 28202 Fax: (864) 366-9266 Web: www.bcgov.net Phone: (704) 347-8942 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.discoverabbeville.com Berkeley County Economic Development Web: www.charlotteusa.com Barry Jurs Aiken County – Economic Development Director of Economic Development North Eastern Strategic Alliance Partnership P.O. Box 6122 (Serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Will Williams Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro, Williamsburg President & CEO Phone: (843) 719-4096 Counties) P.O. Box 1708 Fax: (803) 541-0023 Jeff McKay Aiken, SC 29802 Email: [email protected] Executive Director Phone: (803) 641-3300 Web: www.berkeleycountysc.gov 121 Evander Drive Fax: (803) 641-3369 P.O. Box 100547 Email: [email protected] Calhoun County – Central SC Alliance Florence, SC 29501 Web: www.edpsc.org G. Michael Briggs Phone: (843) 661-4669 President & CEO Email: [email protected] Anderson County Economic Development 1201 Main Street, Suite 100 Web: www.scbusinesscorner.com Buriss Nelson Columbia, SC 29201 Director Phone: (803) 733-1144 Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance 126 McDuffie Street Fax: (803) 733-1125 (Serving Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Anderson, SC 29621 Email: [email protected] Hampton, Jasper Counties) Phone: (864) 260-4386 / (864) 314-3971 Web: www.centralsc.org Danny Black Fax: (864) 260-4369 President & CEO Email: [email protected] Charleston County Economic Development 1750 Jackson Street, Suite 100 Web: www.andersonpartnership.com J. Steven Dykes Barnwell, SC 29812 Economic Development Director Phone: (803) 541-0023 Allendale County-Southern Carolina Alliance 4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 200 Fax: (803) 541-3322 Bill Robinson N. Charleston, SC 29405 Email: [email protected] Project Manager Phone: (843) 958-4506 Web: www.southerncarolina.org 1750 Jackson Street, Suite 100 Fax: (843) 958-4505 Barnwell, SC 29812 Email: [email protected] South Carolina I-77 Alliance Phone: (803) 584-2700 Web: www.charlestoncountydevelopment.com (Serving Chester, Fairfield, Richland, York Counties) Email: [email protected] Rich Fletcher Web: www.southerncarolina.org Cherokee County Development Board President & CEO Jim Cook 3200 Commerce Dr, Suite D Bamberg County-Southern Carolina Regional Executive Director Richburg, SC 29729 Development Alliance 101 Campus Drive Phone: (803) 789-5010 Kell Anderson Gaffney, SC 29341 Email: [email protected] Bamberg County Project Manager Phone: (864) 206-2804 Web: www.I77alliance.com 1750 Jackson Street Fax: (864) 592-6505 Barnwell, SC 29812 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cherokeecountydevelopmentboard.org Upstate Alliance Phone: (803) 541-0023 (Serving Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Fax: (803) 541-3322 Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Email: [email protected] Chester County Economic Development Pickens, Spartanburg, Union Counties) Web: www.southerncarolina.org Karlisa Parker, SCCED John Lummus Director President & CEO Barnwell County Economic Development The Gateway, 3200 Commerce Drive, Suite B 124 Verdae Boulevard, Suite 202 Commission Richburg, SC 29729 Greenville, SC 29607 Jim Gambrell Phone: (803) 377-1216 Phone: (864) 283-2300 Interim Executive Director Fax: (803) 377-2102 Email: jlummusupstatealliance.com P.O. Box 898 Email: [email protected] Web: www.upstatealliance.com Barnwell, SC 29812 Web: ChooseChester.com Phone: (803) 259-1263 Fax: (803) 259-0030 Chesterfield County Economic Development Board Kim Burch LOCAL ECONOMIC Email: [email protected] Web: www.locatebarnwellcountysc.com Executive Director DEVELOPERS 105 Green Street Beaufort County Chesterfield, SC 29709 Phone: (843) 623-6500 Blakely Williams 40
Fax: (843) 623-3167 Partnership community to increase capacity, enhance Email: [email protected] Will Williams economic development and create leadership Web: www.chesterfieldcountysc.com President & CEO opportunities for diverse business owners and P.O. Box 1708 professionals. City of Columbia Aiken, SC 29802 Office of Economic Development Phone: (803) 641-3300 Greenwood Partnership Alliance Ryan Coleman Fax: (803) 641-3369 Heather Simmons Jones Director Email: [email protected] CEO 1201 Main Street, Suite 250 Web: www.edpsc.org 104 Maxwell Ave Columbia, SC 29201 Greenwood, SC 29646 Phone: (803) 734-2700 Fairfield County Economic Development Phone: (864) 388-1250 Email: [email protected] Department Email: [email protected] Web:http://columbia.sc.gov/cocextranet/index.cfm/ Milton Pope Web: www.partnershipalliance.com index.cfm/development-gateway/office-of- Economic Development Director economic-development/ P.O. Drawer 60 Greer Development Corporation Winnsboro, SC 29180 Reno Deaton Clarendon County Development Board Phone: (803) 712-1923 Executive Director George Kosinski Fax: (803) 712-1394 111-B South Main Street Executive Director Web: www.fairfieldcountysc.com Greer, SC 29650 411 Sunset Drive Phone: (864) 416-0125 Manning, SC 29102 Florence County Economic Development Email: [email protected] Phone: (803) 435-8813 Partnership Web: www.greerdevelopment.com Email: [email protected] Joe King Executive Director Hampton County – Southern Carolina Alliance Colleton County Economic Alliance, Inc. P.O . Bo x 100549 Brantley Strickland Heyward Horton Floren ce , SC 29502-0549 Project Manager- Executive Director P ho n e: (843) 676-8796 Southern Carolina 520A N Jeffries Boulevard Fax: (843) 676-8799 Alliance Walterboro, SC 29488-2931 Em a il : jw ki ng@floren ceco.org P.O. Box 672 Phone: (843) 549-9597 Web: ww w. fcedp .com Hampton, SC 29924 Fax: (843) 549-6937 Phone: (803) 914-2141 Email: [email protected] Georgetown County Economic Development Fax: (803) 914-2144 Web: www.cceainc.com Brian Tucker Email: 16 Prince St bstrickland@southernc Darlington County Economic Development Georgetown, SC 29440 arolina.org Partnership Web: www.seegeorgetown.com Web: southerncarolina.org Frank Willis Fax: (843) 545-3121 Executive Director Email: [email protected] Hardeeville Development Post Office Box 902 Phone: (843) 545- 3163 LeNolon Edge Darlington, SC 29540 Business Assistance Programs – Business Forums Phone: (843) 413-3210 Gre en v ill e Area Development Corporati on 205 E Main Street Email: [email protected] J. Mark Farris, CEcD Hardeeville, SC 29927 Web: www.dcedp.biz P re sident & CEO Phone: (843) 784-2231 233 N Main Street, Suite 250 Fax: (843) 784-6384 Dillon County Economic Development Board Greenville, SC 29601 Email: [email protected] Tonny McNeil Web: www.greenvilleeconomicdevelopment.com Web: www.cityofhardeeville.com Economic Development Director Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 911 Phone: (864) 235-2008 Jasper County – Dillon, SC 29536 Southern Carolina Phone: (843) 774-1402 Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce: Diversity Alliance Fax: (843) 841-3872 & Inclusion Phil Richardson Email: [email protected] Nika White Project Manager Web: www.dilloncounty.org Vice President P.O. Box 1149 24 Cleveland Street Ridgeland, SC 29936 Dorchester County Economic Development Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (843) 726-7703 John M. Truluck Phone: 864-239-3727 Email: [email protected] Director Fax: 864-282-8509: Web: www.jaspercountysc.org 402 N Main Street Email: [email protected] Summerville, SC 29483 Web: http://www.greenvillechamber.org/diversity- Kershaw County Economic Development Office Phone: (843) 875-9109 inclusion.php Peggy McLean Fax: (843) 821-9994 CAPACITY is the Greenville Chamber’s initiative Director Email: [email protected] de- signed to foster economic development P.O. Box 763 Web: www.dorchesterforbusiness.com through diversity and inclusion. The CAPACITY Camden, SC 29021
initiative facilitates building structure within the Phone: (803) 425-7685 Edgefield County - Economic Development
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Phone: (843) 479-5626 student talent and more. In addition, the Office of Fax: (803) 425-7687 Fax: (843) 479-2663 Economic Engagement is responsible for coordinating Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] with university centers and institutes dedicated to Web: www.kershawcountysc.org Web: program-specific entrepreneurship that pro- vide www.marlborocounty.sc.org mentoring and technical assistance to budding Lancaster County Economic Development companies as well as the management of current and Corporation McCormick County Economic Development future Innovista district facilities, including laboratory Michael Trotter Thessa Smith space in IdeaLabs. Interim Economic Developer Economic Director
1033 West Meeting Street 362 Airport Road Lancaster, SC 29721 McCormick, SC 29835 Orangeburg County Development Commission Phone: (803) 286-3633 Phone: (864) 852-0427 C. Gregory “Gregg” Robinson Email: [email protected] Fax: (864) 852-2783 Executive Director Web: www.mylancastersc.org Email: [email protected] 125 Regional Parkway, Suite 100 Web: www.mccormickcountyusa.gov Orangeburg, SC 29118 Laurens County Development Commission Phone: (803) 536-3333 Fax: (803) 534-1165 Marvin Moss Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Email: [email protected] Executive Director Corporation Web: www.ocdc.com P.O. Box 427 Josh Kay
Laurens, SC 29360 President & CEO Pickens County – Alliance Pickens Phone: (864) 939-0580 2050 Highway A. Ray Farley II Fax: (864) 939-0016 501 E (Building Executive Director Email: [email protected] 900) Conway, SC Web: 29526 P.O. Box 149 www.laurenscounty.org/ed Phone: (843) 347-4604 Pickens, SC 29657 Web: www.mbredc.org Phone: (864) 898-1500 Ext. 100 Lee County – TheLink Fax: (864) 843-5790 Jay Schwedler Newberry County Economic Development Email: [email protected] Director Rick Farmer Web: www.alliancepickens.com 32 E Calhoun Street Director Sumter, SC 29150 P.O. Box 381 Richland County Phone: (803) 418-0700 Newberry, SC 29108 Jeff Ruble Fax: (803) 775-0915 Phone: (803) 321-2042 Director of Economic Development Email:[email protected] Fax: (803) 321-2094 1201 Main Street, Suite 910 Web: http://sumteredge.com/ Email: [email protected] Columbia, SC 29201 Web: www.newberrycountysc.org Phone: 803-576-1368 Lexington County Department of Economic Email: [email protected] Development Oconee Economic Alliance Web: www.richlandcountysc.com Charlton Richard K. Blackwell, SCCED Whipple Executive Director Saluda County - Economic Development Director 528 Bypass 123, Suite G Partnership 212 S Lake Drive, Suite Seneca, SC 29678 Will Williams 502 Phone: (864) 638-4210 President & CEO Lexington, SC 29072 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 1708 Phone: (803) 785-8147 Web: www.investoconee.sc.com Aiken, SC 29802 Fax: (803) 785-2240 Phone: (803) 641-3300 Email: [email protected] Office of Economic Engagement, University of South Fax: (803) 641-3369 Web: www.lexingtoncountyusa.com Carolina Email: [email protected]
Bill Kirkland, Executive Director Web: www.edpsc.org Marion County Economic Development Commission Horizon I, 541 Main Street Dr. Julie Norman Spartanburg Economic Futures Group Columbia, SC 29201 Executive Director R. Carter Smith, CEcD P.O. Box 840 Phone: 803-777-0066 Executive Vice President Marion, SC 29571 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 1636 Phone: (843) 423-8235 The Office of Economic Engagement at USC is Spartanburg, S.C. 29304 Fax: (843) 423-8233 dedicated to fostering statewide economic growth Phone: (864) 594-5042 Email: [email protected] through increased commercialization of cutting-edge Fax: (864) 594-5017 Web: www.marioncountysc.com research, connecting new and existing businesses with Email: [email protected] university resources and creating an environment Web: www.economicfuturesgroup.com Marlboro County Economic Development where entrepreneurial students, faculty and staff can Partnership thrive. This office serves as a single point of contact Ronald King for business and industry partners to connect to all of P.O. Box 653 the resources of the university including USC’s Bennettsville, SC 29512 intellectual property assets, research expertise,
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Web: www.spartanburgchamber.com
TheLink & Sumter Economic Development Jay Schwedler Director 32 E Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 418-0700 Fax: (803) 775-0915 Email:[email protected] Web: http://sumteredge.com/
Union County Development Board Andrena Powell-Baker Executive Director 207 S Herndon Street Union, SC 29379 Phone: (864) 319-1097 Fax: (864) 427-1099 Email: [email protected] Web: http://uniondevelopmentboard.com/
Williamsburg County Development Board Jim Moore Director P.O. Box 1132 Kingstree, SC 29556 Phone: (843) 401-8946 Fax: (843) 382-5353 Email: [email protected] Web: www.williamsburgcountydevelopment.com
York County Economic Development Board David Swenson Executive Director 1830 Second Baxter Crossing Fort Mill, SC 29708 Phone: (803) 802-4300 Email: [email protected]
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I START A BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
Starting a business should be an easy process. The first steps you should take include: obtaining a Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) or Federal Tax ID Number; registering your business with the state of South Carolina through the South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS); and getting a local business license anywhere you plan to conduct busi- ness. You should also use and take advantage of the resources outlined in this guide on how to successfully start and run a business. Check out the GETTING STARTED section for more information.
WHERE DO I GO TO GET A BUSINESS LICENSE?
Your local City Hall can assist you in obtaining a business license. The state does not have a business license require- ment, but most cities and towns do. There are also eight counties that require additional business licenses, so check with your local municipality to determine their requirements. Check out the LICENSES, PERMITS AND REGULATIONS section for more information.
WHAT OTHER FORMS WILL I NEEDS TO START MY BUSINESS?
Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to have an Occupational Permit. The South Caroli- na Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has a listing of occupations that may require permitting. Check out the LICENSES, PERMITS AND REGULATIONS section for more information.
WHERE CAN I GO TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH WRITING MY BUSINESS PLAN?
Organizations like SCORE and the Small Business Development Centers are great resources for business planning and their services are free. Check out the GETTING STARTED section for more information.
ARE THERE ANY GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?
Grants generally do not exist for for-profit businesses of any size. In South Carolina, grants are used primarily to fund public infrastructure and such grants are still extremely competitive. This infrastructure may benefit a for-profit com- pany and is usually based on capital investment and job creation. Check out the FINANCING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS section for more information.
HOW DO I FINANCE MY BUSINESS?
Assistance from personal resources, such as family and friends, followed by traditional financing through a local lend- ing institution are the most common methods for funding your startup business. Some businesses may qualify for assistance in the form of loan guarantees from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Many banks have depart- ments that specialize in SBA lending. An SBA representative can help you to prepare your application for a loan. Check out the FINANCING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS section for more information.
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