HOW TO BECOME A VENDOR
To learn more about becoming a vendor with the City of Columbia, click on the button below!
Learn More
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 contractors’ 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
Holder Construction will begin their HolderBUILDS Training Program in July! This eight-week hybrid training program will focus on data center construction. Courses will be taught by Holder Construction personnel. Key topics that will be covered during this training program are as follows: Holder processes and procedures Data center project delivery expectations Safety, quality, and operational standards Coordination and execution in mission-critical environments Training groups will be small and by trade packages: Concrete Drywall Electrical Fire Protection Final…
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products. Small business…
Spring is almost here and we are thrilled to inform you about the return of an exciting event; one we hope you will share with the bright students in your community. On Saturday April 11th, the City of Columbia and Soda City Market are collaborating to host our fourth annual Student Market Pop Up. Students 16 and older will have the opportunity to showcase their goods, services, and enterprising ideas to the Columbia community at…