Events

  The City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities in partnership with the SC Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and ForeSight Communications is sponsoring a Industry Day for Minority Contractors on Friday, April 29th from 9:00AM - 1:00PM! During this event, participants will learn more on certification best practices and upcoming bids and opportunities along with information from minority men and women who own successful contracting businesses, procurement office managers, technical assistance providers,...

  Join the City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities on Thursday, May 5th for the 2022 Small Business Week Celebration!  Our theme for this year is We're Open for Business: Celebrating Our Small Business Community!  During this year's event, participants will learn more on understanding the importance of perservering and being committed in starting, growing, and sustaining their businesses!  Also, we will recognize local business owners who found opportunities out of crisis.  This year's keynote...

The COMET in partnership with Central Midlands Council of Government will be having a DBE Public Participation Meeting on Thursday, June 16th beginning at 12:00PM.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, upcoming contracting opportunities, and DBE Certification.  If you would like to attend, please register here by Tuesday, June 14th.  For additional information, call The COMET at (803)255-7129 or email them at compliance@thecometsc.gov!

  Sidepreneurship is all about working your hustle or carving out a new business while working a job.  It's fascinating because you're creating something new and figuring out how to capitalize on your talents and skills all while maintaining a job and getting a paycheck.  Come join Richland Library's 2022 Summer Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, as she explores the various options of becoming a Sidepreneur! This event will be held on Thursday, July 14th at the...

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration on Thursday, September 8th for a weekly seminar about SBA loan programs offered through various lenders!  SBA resource partners will be attending who can assist you in developing your business plan and financial statements for your loan package!  To register for this webinar, click here to go to the SBA webpage!

The City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities will be participating in the 3rd Annual Engage Richland: Opportunity Day at Richland County on Wednesday, September 14th beginning at 10:00AM.  During this event, participants will learn and gain contractual, employment, and financial opportunities as well as learning about programs that are available for workforce development and retention.  For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland County's Eventbrite page!

The City of Columbia's Community Development and Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting their quarterly All Access Columbia event on Thursday, September 15th!  During this event, Community Development and the Office of Business Opportunities will provide sessions that focus on resources for small businesses and CDBG grants for your neighborhood and non-profit organization.  The purpose of the All Access Columbia event is to help develop strong and diverse neighborhoods by providing information and resources...

The City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities is partnering with The Big DM 101.3 FM to host the 2022 Women's Empowerment Expo!  This expo will be filled with informative sessions and special guests!  For more information, go to the Women's Empowerment 2022 website or to the Eventbrite page to purchase tickets!

  Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) online for a free information session on financing your small business!  During the seminar, participants will learn about the different SBA loan programs and the SBA's role in assisting small businesses and more!  This live webinar will be held on the 2nd Thursday of the month with the exception of holidays.  To register for this event, click here for more!

Join the City of Columbia's Office of Business Opportunities, Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity, Optus Bank, and KISS 103.1 on Thursday, October 13th for the After Work Biz Mixer!  During this event, small business owners will have the opportunity to meet and network with local business owners and others.  For more information, click here to go to the Eventbrite page to register!