SBA Loan Opportunities for Small Businesses - Programs, Eligibility and How to Apply
2025-07-31 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Online Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration will be hosting a webinar titled SBA Loan Opportunities for Small Businesses – Programs, Eligibility and How to Apply on Thursday, July 31st at 1:00 P.M. During this webinar, participants will learn about the three SBA loan programs, eligibility requirements, and how to navigate the application process. For more information and to register, click HERE to go to Midlands SCORE’s webpage!

Mastering Social Media for Business Growth
2025-08-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the Mastering Social Media for Business Growth workshop on Thursday, August 14th at the Busby Street Community Center beginning at 10:00AM!
Our featured presenter for this workshop is social media expert, Mr. Ken Walker! Ken is very popular with his social media posts promoting local businesses and things to do in the Columbia area. This workshop is designed for small and medium sized businesses that want to strengthen their online presence, create impactful content, and understand how to use data to drive results!
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the OBO Eventbrite page! For more information, contact Kalenna Ginyard, OBO Program Compliance Specialist at (803)545-3950 or email our office at OBO@columbiasc.gov!

How to Prepare Your Business for Funding Opportunities
2025-08-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be hosting the How to Prepare Your Business for Funding Opportunities webinar on Thursday, August 14th beginning at 11:00AM!
Donna Davis, Certified AI and Business Consultant, will guide participants through the foundational steps every small business should take before applying for grants, loans, or pitching to investors. For more information and to register for this event, click HERE to go to SC SBDC’s registration page!

Richland Library EiR Presents: The Idea Forge - From Spark to Blueprint
2025-08-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Join Richland Library on Wednesday, August 20th for The Idea Forge – From Spark to Blueprint at the Richland Library!
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Allen Brown will provide information to participants on how to transform your business idea into a foundational blueprint! For more information and to register, click HERE to go to Richland Library’s webpage!

Start-Up Business Models (In-Person Event)
2025-08-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Join the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) on August 21st for the Start-Up Business Models event!
This engaging and insightful workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to gain the knowledge and tools necessary to build a successful business in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace! For more information and to register, click HERE!

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Small Business Opportunity Day
2025-09-11 12:00 - 16:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Augusta, 2651 Perimeter Parkway, Augusta, GA, 30909, United States
Join Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) for their Small Business Opportunity Day on Thursday, September 11th from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Augusta, Augusta, GA!
This one-day event will spotlight upcoming procurement opportunities, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building resources available to businesses eager to work with SRNS!
For more information, contact the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Supplier Outreach group at supplier-outreach@srs.gov or click HERE to go to the event registration page!

Columbia Metropolitan Airport Launches Community Engagement Initative, SOAR WITH US
2025-09-17 08:30 - 10:30 | Brookland Banquet and Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC, 29169, United States
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will be hosting a two-part community engagement series: SOAR WITH US. The purpose of these series is to deepen ties within the community, increase transparency, support small businesses and continue CAE’s annual effort to meet and exceed its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals.
The first community engagement event will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 8:30AM at the Brookland Baptist Church Banquet and Conference Center.
The deadline to register is Monday, September 15th at 12:00PM. For more information and to register, click here to go to the SOAR WITH US Eventbrite page!

Blueprint for Business: Crafting Your Plan
2025-09-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be hosting workshops on September 18th beginning at 3:00PM at the Richland Library Southeast. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can participate for FREE and learn more on creating a business plan and market analysis! For more information and to register, click HERE!

7Sunday and the Office of Business Opportunities Presents BizArts
2025-09-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Deon Generette’s 7Sunday in partnership with the Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the new series, BizArts on Sunday, September 21st beginning at 4:00PM at the Columbia Museum of Art. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE to read more!

Columbia Chamber: Midlands Business Accelerator Information Session
2025-09-22 15:00 - 16:30 | South State Bank, 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Midlands Business Accelerator Information Session on Monday, September 22nd at 3:00PM at South State Bank, 520 Gervais Street.
This session will focus on the upcoming Midlands Business Accelerator program. Learn more on how this program can accelerate your business growth through mentorship, training, and access to resources. For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the Chamber webpage!

Starting & Growing a Home Based Food Business
2025-09-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Online Webinar
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be hosting a webinar for entrepreneurs who would like to start a home based food business! During this webinar, participants will learn more about starting a home based business and hear from food business owners on their experiences! For more information and to register, click HERE to go to SBDC’s webpage!

Good 2 Great: Taking the Next Steps with OSBO
2025-09-26 10:30 - 12:00 | USC Technology Incubator, 1225 Laurel Street, 4th Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) will be hosting the Good 2 Great: Taking the Next Step with OSBO workshop on Friday, September 26th beginning at 10:30 AM at the USC Technology Incubator.
Charles Charlestin, OSBO Business Development & Outreach Coordinator will be facilitating this event and participants will learn more about how SLBE/ESLBE certification can benefit your business strategies and boost your opportunities for growth!
For more information, contact the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity at (803)576-1540 or send an email to osbo@richlandcountysc.gov. Click HERE to register!

Did You Know? All About Copyrights and Patents
2025-09-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the Did You Know? All About Copyrights and Patents workshop on Tuesday, September 30th beginning at 10:00AM at the Busby Street Community Center!
Our featured speaker, attorney Doug Lineberry of Offit Kurman will discuss all small businesses and entrepreneurs need to know on copyrights and patents! During this workshop, participants will:
– Explain the difference between patents and copyrights as intellectual property;
– Discuss how to best protect inventions with patent applications, both utility and design; and
– Provide the best ways to protect copyright “works of art” both at common law and the federal level.
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to OBO’s Eventbrite page!

Richland County OSBO: THRIVE 25
2025-10-15 08:00 - 15:00 | The Meeting Place Banquet and Conference Center, 201 Columbia Mall Blvd., Columbia, SC, 29223, United States
The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) in partnership with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) will be hosting the 7th Annual THRIVE 25: Taking Hold of Resources to Ignite Visibility and Expansion on Wednesday, October 15th beginning at 8:00 AM at The Meeting Place Banquet and Conference Center!
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to OSBO’s Ticketleap page!

3rd Annual Make That Dough
2025-10-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Columbia Food Policy Committee in partnership with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the 3rd annual Make That Dough event on Thursday, October 16th beginning at 8:30AM at the Eau Claire Print Building.
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the registration page!

ProcuraFind Presents: Supplier Readiness Roundtable
2025-10-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Calling all small business owners!
If you’ve ever considered working with major corporations right in your backyard, here’s an event just for you!
ProcuraFind in partnership with Ridge Steward Stone Construction and the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the Supplier Readiness Roundtable on Thursday, October 23rd beginning at 10:00A.M. The event will take place at the Busby Street, Community Center, 1735 Busby Street, Columbia, SC 29203.
Small business owners will have the opportunity to hear from ProcuraFind ambassadors, Ridge Steward Stone Construction, and the Office of Business Opportunities to learn more on how businesses can prepare for providing their goods and services to major corporations!
For more information and to register, click HERE!

BizArts Scooby Doo Murder Mystery
2025-10-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
7Sunday in partnership with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the BizArts: Scooby Doo Murder Mystery event on Sunday, October 26th at the Columbia Museum of Art beginning at 4:00PM!
The inaugural BizArts event drew nearly 100 attendees to the Columbia Museum of Art, spotlighting six small businesses at no cost. This interactive event blends live music, comedy, and collaboration headlined by the 7Sunday Live Band and comedian Randi Skye!
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE to go to 7Sunday’s Eventbrite page!

Marketing Mornings at Indah
2025-10-28 08:30 - 10:00 | Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC, United States
Join the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on Tuesday, October 28th for Marketing Mornings at Indah!
The guest speaker for this event is Roshanda Pratt, former TV news producer and communications director. During this event, Roshanda will provide participants with the tools to overcome imposter syndrome, harness the power of live video, and position themselves for lasting impact.
For more information and to register, click HERE!

Small Business Outreach Forum
2025-10-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia and DESA, Inc. will be hosting the Small Business Outreach Forum on Wednesday, October 29th beginning at 4:00PM at the Busby Street Community Center. This is a great opportunity for small businesses who are seeking procurement opportunities with the City of Columbia to attend and be informed on upcoming City procurements and more!
For more information and to register, click HERE to go the Eventbrite page!

Buying a Business: What You Need to Know
2025-11-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Online Webinar
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be hosting Buying a Business: What You Need to Know webinar on Thursday, November 13th beginning at 3:00PM.
Representatives from SC SBDC and Crossroads Business Brokers will provide informative information to participants on buying a business and being able to navigate the acquisition process. For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the SC SBDC registration page!

Richland County EiR Presents: The Serial Entrepreneur's Blueprint - Portfolio Building
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library’s Entrepreneur-in-Resident (EiR) presents The Serial Entrepreneur’s Blueprint – Portfolio Building on Monday, November 17th beginning at 6:00 P.M.!
Join Richland Library’s EiR, Allen Brown and learn to identify, evaluate, and strategize for launching multiple ventures. Gain insights into advanced funding and portfolio management for sustained entrepreneurial success.
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to Richland Library’s webpage!

BizArts Presents: Friends Building
2025-11-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Keenan House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
7Sunday in partnership with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the November edition of BizArts to be held on Sunday, November 23rd beginning at 4:00PM at the Keenan House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203.
The November edition of BizArts celebrates the warmth and camaraderie of Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving! Entrepreneurs and creative can network and develop relationships while empowering each other to build awareness, capital, and mutual growth through engaging and collaborative experiences!
For more information and to purchase tickets, you can go to the 7Sunday Eventbrite webpage!

Legal Foundations of a Small Business
2025-12-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities is hosting the Legal Foundations of a Small Business workshop on Thursday, December 4th beginning at 10:00AM!
Aaron Taylor, founder of Cedar Tree Ventures Consulting, LLC will provide informative and insightful information to small business owners and entrepreneurs who are seeking to have a better understanding of the legalities of starting a small business! For more information and to register, click HERE to go to OBO’s Eventbrite page!

Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness Grant Program Overview
2025-12-04 16:00 - 17:30 | Online Webinar
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) will be hosting the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness Grant Program Overview workshop on Thursday, December 4th beginning at 4:00PM.
The Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness program, supported by Wells Fargo, helps small and medium-sized agribusinesses transform bold ideas into real growth. For more information and to register, click HERE to go to SC SBDC’s webpage!

BizArts Presents: A Christmas Story
2025-12-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
7Sunday’s BizArts, in partnership with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting BizArts: A Christmas Story on Sunday, December 14th from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Columbia Museum of Art!
Designed to bring together families, children, educators, artists, and local entrepreneurs, this event celebrates the magic of the holiday season through the creativity of the arts. Guests can enjoy hands-on art making, interactive learning activities, story time, and appearances from Ritchie the Rhino and Santa Claus!
Children and families affiliated with Richland County First Steps (RCFS) will receive complementary admission, ensuring equitable access to literacy-rich and creativity building holiday experiences.
For more information on BizArts and to make donations, click HERE to go to the webpage!

Let's Start A Business
2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) will be hosting the Let’s Start A Business webinar on Wednesday, January 14th beginning at 11:00AM.
During this webinar, participants will learn more about how to start a business and will have an understanding on:

What resources are available?
Where do I find the resources to start a business?
What actions must I take to make my hobby or idea a successful business?

For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the SC SBDC webpage!

SBE Certification Webinar for Small Businesses
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
The City of Charleston Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program and the Charleston County SBE office is hosting a free educational webinar on Wednesday, February 4th beginning at 12:00 P.M.
The webinar will feature certification experts from the City of Charleston and Charleston County and will focus on recent updates to the SBE certification application process and more.
For any questions, contact the City of Charleston Small Business Enterprise office at erc@charleston-sc.gov.

Are You Loan Ready?
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Join the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Tuesday, February 10th for Are You Loan Ready?
This informative online webinar will prepare business owners who are seeking funding to start or grow their businesses! For more information and to register, click HERE to go to SC SBDC’s registration page!

EiR Presents: Clarifying Your Business Idea - From Inspiration to Intention
2026-02-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Richland Library will be hosting the EiR Presents: Clarifying Your Business Idea – From Inspiration to Intention on Thursday, February 19th beginning at 6:30PM.
The Richland Library’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence Deanna Taylor will help aspiring and beginning entrepreneurs move from a general concept to a clear, focused idea rooted in a real problem and audience.
For more information and to register, click HERE to go to Richland Library’s webpage!

City of Columbia Procurement & Contracts Forum for Small Businesses
2026-02-25 15:30 - 18:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Procurement and Contracts office and DESA, Inc. will be hosting the City of Columbia Procurement & Contracts Forum for Small Businesses on Wednesday, February 25th at 3:30PM at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Street, Columbia, SC 29203.
During this event, small businesses will learn more on the City’s procurement and contracts process and more information such as upcoming procurement opportunities. For more information and to register, click HERE to go to DESA’s Eventbrite page!
