Financial assistance to start-up and existing businesses for growth, expansion, retention and the creation of new jobs, and assistance in the redevelopment of commercial corridors that have become significantly deteriorated within the City.
Education & Advocacy
Business development assistance and courses for start-ups and existing businesses looking to grow and expand covering topics including: marketing, use of social media, business plan development, finances, legal issues, and more.
Contractor & Supplier Diversity
Training and support for City initiatives designed to increase local contractor’s capacity to compete for government contracts and other procurement opportunities. We are also responsible for the implementation of the City’s Disparity Study Goals and Objectives.
Title VI
Program
Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funds or other federal financial assistance which includes coordinating with City of Columbia departments to ensure compliance and reviewing procedures and policies for any potential discrimination.
Need an Opportunity to Start or Grow your Small Business?
Small businesses drive the U.S. economy by providing jobs for over half of the nation’s private workforce. Yet small businesses also face many obstacles that stall or prevent their growth and development, including access to capital, effective marketing strategies, adequate accounting systems, and comprehensive business plans.
An opportunity is a chance for advancement and progress. The Office of Business “Opportunities” uses several economic development tools to provide creative business opportunities to address many of the obstacles that face small businesses.
Learn MoreCity of Columbia's Minority Business Opportunities Directory
The City of Columbia’s Minority Business Opportunities Directory consists of information from our City of Columbia departments along with our community partners on different goods and services to procure. Click below for more information!
OBO Events and Webinars
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities provides webinars and events to inform, educate, and empower our small business community. If you missed one of these events, click on the button to go to our OBO Events & Webinars page!
OBO Recent News
Check out this article from Inc. on South Carolina Women's Basketball coach Dawn Staley and how her championship run taught a powerful lesson on leadership! To read this article click here!
The City of Columbia's 11th Annual Small Business Week Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 1st beginning at 9:00AM. This event will be full of breakout presentations, informative information, and resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs! In addition to this conference, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host their awards ceremony and matchmaking session beginning at 11:30AM! For more information and to purchase a ticket, click here to go to OBO's Small…
City of Columbia's Community Development department is currently accepting applications from contractors interested in participating in the SHINE program. For more information about the upcoming SHINE projects, contact Adam Scott at (803)545-3329 and Mike Swearingen at (803)545-4198.