HOW TO BECOME A VENDOR
To learn more about becoming a vendor with the City of Columbia, click on the button below!
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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
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…
The City of Columbia announces the business licensing renewal season begins on Monday, February 2, 2026! All 2025 business licenses expire on April 30, 2026 with a five percent (5%) late penalty accrual per month starting on May 1, 2026. To go to the renewal portal, click HERE. If you have any questions regarding the business licensing renewal season, please contact City of Columbia's Business Licensing department at (803)545-3345 or send an email to businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov.
After internal discussions with our partners at BullStreet, the City of Columbia will begin phasing out the REI/BullStreet Food Truck Friday location at the end of December 2025. This transition will go into effect beginning January 2026. The Office of Business Opportunities is currently working on securing a new location for more Food Truck Friday opportunities. Beginning in January 2026, Food Truck Fridays will relocate to: Finlay Park 1400 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC The new…