Columbia SC – Businesses have always celebrated ribbon cuttings, grand openings and company anniversaries, and on March 15 they’ll be able to honor the organization that helps them turn their dreams into reality: Small Business Development Centers.
In honor of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), an organization that for over forty-four years has helped small businesses across the Palmetto State grow and thrive, Governor Henry McMaster has issued a proclamation officially designating March 15, 2023, as Small Business Development Centers Day (SBDC Day) in South Carolina.
In his proclamation, the Governor commends the SC SBDC for driving economic growth, revitalizing communities and reducing unemployment throughout the state.
Established in 1979, the SC SBDC has been advancing the state’s economic development by providing entrepreneurs at every stage of the business life cycle (from pre-venture and early-stage to established and mature) no-fee consulting services, affordable training programs and access to an array of valuable resources.
“Here in South Carolina, small businesses represent over 99 percent of the state’s employers,” said SC SBDC State Director Michele Abraham. “In addition to facilitating the launch of new ventures, the SC SBDC enables existing businesses to compete confidently in a demanding market and helps faltering companies regain solid footing.”
Serving the State’s Dreamers, Innovators and Doers
In 2022, the SC SBDC assisted 4,693 individuals, helping them to create or retain 2,455 jobs, win $60.9 million in government contracts, generate $128.7 million in capital formation, increase client sales by $113.7 million, and start 206 new businesses. These results prove year in and year out that the SC SBDC is leading the way in job creation and economic development for the Palmetto State.
This success is manifested across the country, with almost 1,000 SBDC locations working hard to help small businesses grow and succeed.
America’s SBDC network is made possible by a partnership of the U.S. Congress, the SBA, colleges, universities, and state governments that host SBDCs across the nation, and the private sector. Together, these centers provide management and technical consulting to around one million small business owners and entrepreneurs every year.
As part of this nationwide network, the SC SBDC facilitates the launch of new business and strives to help established businesses sustain and grow their enterprises in a competitive marketplace. Consultants at the SC SBDC are highly trained and experienced, all of whom have entrepreneurial experience themselves. They know first-hand the importance of a strong business plan, what financial institutions look for when evaluating small businesses as borrowers, and how to foster a network of connections and resources that can help a small business thrive.
To learn more about SBDC Day and to join the movement, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay.
View the entire proclamation here.
