Kalenna Ginyard

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.

  If you are a female business owner, CNN has provided some information on business grants for women!  To read more, click here to go to CNN's Business Grants For Women: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs webpage!

Ken Walker, in partnership with the City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities, has come together to provide a great opportunity for small business owners in Columbia! Want to shine brighter than the State House at night in the hottest online spot in town?  "The Ken Walker Show" newsletter reaches over 100K engaged locals across Faceboook, TikTok, and Instagram - all craving the next cool industry! For just $50.00, your business can: Grab The Spotlight: Get…

The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SC MEP) is offering the SME Electric Vehicles Fundamentals Certifications Training.  This training is designed to validate competency specific to Electric Vehicle production and assembly, as well as in relevant fundamental areas such as safety, quality, measurement, blueprint reading, and robotics. For more information, click here to go to the SC MEP webpage!

  The U.S. Department of Labor published a final rule to provide guidance on whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act.  To read more, click here!

The City of Columbia and Made with Cola Love are coming together to launch the Made with Cola Love organization to support small businesses and bring new life to vacant properties in Columbia, SC! The pop-up shops will feature a diverse range of retail, food and beverage, and lifestyle businesses.  Each business will operate a one-month pilot popup, creating a dynamic environment. Made with Cola Love will host a launch party from 6:00 - 9:00PM on Tuesday,…

The City of Anderson, SC is hosting the Statewide Startup Business Pitch Competition beginning March 7, 2024!  Interested applicant who would like to learn more to contact Brittney Gamble at bgamble@cityofandersonsc.com!  

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Richland County are partnering with Scout Motors to provide an in-person supplier event.  This event is FREE and open to all South Carolina companies, however registration is required.  For more information, click here to go to the Scout Motors Eventbrite page!

The Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center is now open! This new resource center offers free space for local small businesses and non-profits to conduct and grow their organizations.  The space is equipped with printers, conference rooms, Wi-Fi, and office cubicle space to support a rotation of about ten (10) local entrepreneurs! For more information, contact Timothy McDowell, Community Affairs Coordinator, at (803)255-8166.  

Congratulations to Karen R. Jenkins, President and CEO of KRJ Consulting as the new Board Chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce!  Mrs. Jenkins makes history as the first Black female to hold this position in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.  To read more, click here to go to the Midlands Biz website!