MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center assists Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) that generate a minimum of $1M in annual revenue with access to contracts and capital, strategic business counseling, export-readiness, and marketing. To learn more about Columbia’s MBDA Business Center and its services, visit the website or call (803) 743-1154.
Small Business Development Center
Every year thousands of small business owners turn to the SC SBDC for private consulting. Entrepreneurs in all areas of business and industry have found success with the assistance of their local Small Business Development Center. Sign up for one-on-one consulting with our experienced advisers. Whether you have one question or dozens, our consultants have answers. Find a Center near you.
- Women’s Business Center, Columbia College
Headquartered at Columbia College, the Women’s Business Center of South Carolina establishes programs aimed at assisting women business leaders throughout the state. Contact Shennice Cleckley. lcleckley@columbiasc.edu - Benedict College Women's Business Center (BCWBC)
The Benedict College Women’s Center in Columbia supports women’s economic prosperity through entrepreneurial and financial education programs, with a particular focus on minority businesswomen. Contact Cheryl Salley. info@bcwbc.org - North Charleston Women’s Business Center
Serves the Charleston area with one-on-one counseling, networking, workshops and technical assistance. Contact Dorothea Bernique a financetraining@increasinghope.org. - CommunityWorks Women’s Business Center (WBC)
From its Greenville location, the program serves women throughout South Carolina by empowering entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education and support. The center focuses on serving minorities and those who may be economically disadvantaged – working to offer comprehensive training and counseling to foster business skills. Contact.
Richland Library (Columbia) Entrepreneur in Residence Program
This program provides mentoring and educational opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. To schedule, a one-on-one Small Business Coaching appointment click here.
City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities
The Columbia Office of Business Opportunities provides support with securing commercial lending, training in areas such as marketing and business plan development, and bidding for city contracts. Contact Ayesha Driggers at agdriggers@columbiasc.net.
Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity
The Office of Small Business Opportunity of Richland County provides a race and gender-neutral tool (SLBE Program) for the County to ensure that the small and local business community have a significant opportunity to compete and participate in contracts, provides Business Development services along with technical training and workshops to assist with capacity building. Learn more here and certify your small business here. Contact OSBO at osbo@richlandcountysc.gov.
SCORE
Provides small business mentoring and advice on the full range of business topics at no charge.
Local SCORE Chapters: Midlands, Greater Aiken, Piedmont, Charleston, Grand Strand, SC Low Country
IRS Small Business and Self Employed Tax Center
Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
SC Commission for Minority Affairs
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs was created in 1993 by the General Assembly to provide the citizens of the State with a single point of contact for information regarding the State’s minority population.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
Online guide provides financial, technical and management information to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses.
Renewing Business Licenses Online
Welcome to the Local Business License Renewal Center. This online portal is only for the renewal of existing municipal or county business licenses within South Carolina.
South Carolina Business One Stop
Almost all the government information you need to start a business anywhere in South Carolina.
South Carolina Business Resource Guide
The South Carolina Business Resource Guide looks at a number of issues that you may want to consider as you start your business or as your business grows. It covers everything from opportunities to export your products in the global marketplace to supply chain assistance, regulatory issues, workforce training support and assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses.
The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Headquartered in Columbia, SC, is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on helping manufacturers throughout the state by solving business and supply chain process problems.
SC Workers' Compensation Commission
What business owners need to know about workers' compensation insurance.
Small Business Caregiving Guide
A new, free online resource guide that helps small business owners create a caregiving-friendly workplace.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
A resource information page on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Solar Panel Calculator
Try one of these Solar Panel Calculator platforms to estimate your solar potential and savings. Here is the Solar Panel Calculator from the SC Solar Network and here is one from EnergySage. Estimates are based on your roof, electricity bill, and actual offers in your area.
How to Help Your Employees Vote
This Resource Guide features recommendations, best practices, and resources for business owners interested in helping their employees and/or customers vote. We also provide links to dozens of organizations and coalitions that can help.
Green Business Bureau
The Green Business Bureau is the trusted authority in green business. Their online sustainability framework, EcoAssessment™, EcoPlanner™, and green business seal enable businesses to understand, prioritize, implement and certify green initiatives and showcase to employees, stakeholders, and the world that sustainability is important to their company.