news

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the South Carolina District Office has opened nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week Awards, which recognize exceptional small business owners from South Carolina.  National Small Business Week will take place May 2 - 8, 2027. Nominations must be submitted by 3:00 P.M. on December 7, 2026. “National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the entrepreneurs whose innovation, determination, and leadership strengthen communities and…

Food Truck Vendors, The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) has recently become aware of an email circulating among food truck vendors promoting a “Food Truck Fridays – Delicious Eats in December” event allegedly scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026, at Finlay Park. Please be advised that this event is not affiliated with or organized by the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities or Finlay Park. No such event is scheduled to…

The South Carolina Department of Commerce's Innovation & Entrepreneurship team is partnering with the Federal Reserve System on the  2026 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS)! The SBCS is a national survey that collects valuable data on the experiences and financing needs of small businesses. The findings help policymakers, lenders, resource partners, and researchers better understand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and inform how they can be better supported.  By sharing the survey with business…

The City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities wants you to get ready for the end of 2026 with the Small Business Checklist! This checklist will help small business owners prepare for the busiest time of the year, the holiday season!  But businesses that make the most of the season usually start preparing long before the holiday rush begins! To read more and print the checklist, click HERE to go to the Small Business Checklist…

The City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) is looking for commercial general contractors for the Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program (CRR)! The Commercial Retention & Redevelopment program aims to improve the appearance of commercial corridors throughout the city that are significantly deteriorated.  Through this forgivable loan program, commercial property owners and/or business tenants are able to make improvements to the front and other exterior portions of commercial buildings that can be seen from…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Carolina District Office has a grant opportunity for organizations that help small businesses overcome operational, technical, workforce, and market access barriers that limit their ability to participate and grow as suppliers within strategically important industries. Through the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program, SBA seeks to: • Accelerate Small Business Supplier Development: Improve the readiness, production capability, market access, and growth of small businesses participating in…

J.H. Hiers Construction is currently seeking assistance for a design build project in Beaufort County. Here's the project overview: Project: BJWSA SP 20 Pump Station Design Build Bid Date: July 14, 2026 Solicitation Number: 2026-RFQ-002 Possible areas of work include: Structure (Wet Well), Pumps, Mechanical piping, Pump Station / Force Main Materials, Electrical, Fencing, Generator, Aggregate / Fill Dirt, Paving, Concrete, Erosion Control, Clearing, Seeding, Traffic Control Services, Surveying & Asbuilts, Geotechnical / Construction testing, Hauling,…

The Palmetto Nuclear Coalition will host an informational webinar with Westinghouse's AP1000 Nuclear procurement team on June 11th at 10:30 A.M. The purpose of this session is to bring together local suppliers and workforce partners from construction, logistics, manufacturing, skilled trades, and other industries to learn about vendor needs related to the V.C. Summer project, including Westinghouse's procurement model, the three-phase supplier development process, and any necessary qualifications or certifications for participation. To RSVP, interested…

Gulf Stream Construction Company is currently seeking subcontractors for the Town of Hilton Head Island's Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Loop Road and Parking Area project. The scope(s) of work that Gulf Stream Construction Company will need subcontractor assistance with on this project include: Silt fence and tree protection installation and removal Temporary and permanent seeding Pavement markings and signage Clearing, grubbing and selective tree removal Unit paver installation Asphalt paving Further information about the project can…

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…