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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the South Carolina SBDC has served its communities.
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SC SBDC Client Rooting Down Farms Receive $150,000 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
SC State Region Director Jim Johnson helped his client Harleston Towles apply for a VAPG program grant. Johnson's knowledge of agriculture, business and markets helped Towles secure a $150,000 grant that he used to assist with processing, labor and the distribution of his leafy greens and herbs. Towles also was able to hire one additional employee, bring his total staff to three. In addition to assisting Towles with his loan application, Johnson helped him create/deploy a marketing plan.
Jordon Construction Company Turns to the SC SBDC to win government contracts
James Jordon, Owner of Greenville, SC-based Jordon Construction Company, turned to the SC SBDC when he wanted to compete for government contracts.
The SC SBDC and Greenville Chamber Partner to Propel Minority Business Success
The SC SBDC and Greenville Chamber partner to provide vital skills and a support network to drive socially/economically/disadvantaged small business success. The Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator is a 1-year training/mentoring program for business owners. SC SBDC's Entrepreneurial Pathways program helps to equip candidates to be future MBA members. The SC SBDC's services book-end the MBA program by developing strong MBA candidates and also providing long-term consulting after they graduate
SC SBDC helps defense contractor to position for dramatic global growth
Robert Suber, the CEO of a company that exports to 20 countries, contacted the SC SBDC for assistance with an Export Working Capital line of credit to enhance the cash flow of his company's operations in the international munitions industry. His consultant, Beth Smith, who has a vast knowledge of exporting regulations, helped Suber with the complexities of the application process. With her help he was approved for a $5 million loan. This revenue will enable Suber to grow operations exponentially.
Millennials: a Fast-Growing Client Segment Thrive, Expand and Reach Global Markets with SC SBDC Help
Our Millennial clients span new and existing companies as exporters, franchise operators, online retailers and food services. The SC SBDC helps this segment of SMEs create business and marketing plans, manage finances, and diversify into new arenas.
SC SBDC Helps Extremiti3D Raise Capital, File Patent Applications and Launch the Company
Tech. Comm. Consultant Jim Wasson helped Extremiti3D develop a technical/cost proposal resulting in a $50,000 SBIR Phase 1 matching grant and a DoD Phase II SBIR contract for $1 million. Extemiti3D was accepted into SCRA's entrepreneurial program.
Consultant Allen Brown Helps Global Retailer Confidence Pivot to Meet Demands of "Quarantiners"
SC SBDC client Confidence by Gabby Goodwin was founded in 2014 by 11-year-old Gabby Goodwin and her mother Rozalynn. The company is a wildly successful online retailer filling orders worldwide of its patented product GaBBY Bows. With the $199,800 Consultant Allen Brown helped them receive in combined EIDL and SBA loans, the company created "Home Hair Care Bundles" selling them to people quarantining or social distancing. Gabby also attended an SC SBDC webinar about CARES Act loan forgiveness.
When disaster hits, the SC SBDC helps small businesses repair, rebuild and reopen—better than ever
Despite demonstrating resilience in the wake of natural disasters, SC SBDC clients turn to us for help with assessing storm damage, preparing loan applications, reconstructing financial documents and developing recovery plans. For Ron Humphrey, owner of Balls, Batts, & Gloves, consultant Janet Graham helped him obtain a $60,000 disaster relief loan which saved his company from financial collapse. Humphrey used the money to sustain his business (and revenue) until it could be fully restored.
Retired Marine Veteran Becomes Thriving Entrepreneur
Retired Marine Sharpshooter starts his own security services businesses and learns about social media in the process with the help from the SC SBDC.
At 49% of our total clients, SC SBDC Helps WOBs Launch Companies, Get Financing, Diversify and Grow!
Our women clients run construction, engineering & retail companies; law firms & art studios. We have helped them create/retain over 1100 jobs, start 58 companies and obtain nearly $20M in financing. The SC SBDC salutes our savvy women entrepreneurs.
SC Client Solves Communication Challenges for the Hearing Impaired in a Masked and Separated Society
Business consultant Earl Gregorich helped American Hearing Loop (AHL) owner/founder James Stowell, a hearing-impaired Army Vet, acquire a total of $36,500 in EIDL/PPP loans. Stowell used much of the money to develop a new product that removes sound interference from COVID-compliant plastic barriers and masks. Although the pandemic demands physical distance between people, Stowell believes the "new normal" should not hinder the hearing impaired.
