City of Columbia OBO

Richland County OSBO Presents The Power Behind Strategic Relationships
2023-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Online Webinar
Join Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity on Wednesday, June 7th for their virtual workshop The Power Behind Strategic Partnerships. Participants will hear from guest presenters on how they can establish strategic partnerships and what are the benefits from them. For more information, contact Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity at (803)576-1540 or send an email to osbo@richlandcountysc.gov!

Contract Bonds & Surety Bond Guarantee Program Webinar
2023-06-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration South Carolina District Office on Thursday, June 8th for this free webinar! Participants will learn how SBA can open doors for bonding and assist with any bonding concerns! For more information and to register, click on the link to SBA Events webpage!

Business Succession Planning
2023-06-13 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-06-27 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-07-13 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-07-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
Join the SC MBDA Business Center in June and July to learn more on succession planning for your business! There will be two sessions on June 13th and June 27th and two more on July 13th and July 27th. For more information and to register, click here to go to MBDA’s Zoom webinar registration page!

SC APEX Accelerator presents: Government Solicitation
2023-06-21 11:30 - 12:30 | Online Webinar
SC APEX Accelerator presents a three-part series on Government Solicitation. This series will provide participants resources and information on working with the government!
Registration is open for each part of the series beginning Wednesday, June 21st!
Part 1 – Learning the Basics (June 21st)
Part 2 – Solicitation Review (June 22nd)
Part 3 – After the Proposal (June 23rd)
For more information, please contact Tenell Fender at (803)521-2344 or click on her name to send an email!

Richland Library EiR Presents: How Do I Keep The Business Wheel Moving?
2023-06-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) presents: How Do I Keep The Business Wheel Moving? on Wednesday, June 21st at 6:00PM. Join Richland Library’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence Kevin Schumacher to learn how to keep your business from plateauing, or worse, sliding backwards!
For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s Events webpage!

Let's Talk Workplace Safety!
2023-06-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Join the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities on Wednesday, June 28th to learn more about workplace safety! Our featured speaker, Dr. Chandra Cleveland will teach participants how to plan, recognize, report, and recover regarding workplace safety topics! For more information and to register, click here to go to OBO’s Eventbrite page!

SCDOT Right-of-Way/Appraisal Opportunities Roundtable Discussion
2023-06-29 08:00 - 17:00 | South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC, 29202, United States
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will be hosting a Right-of-Way/Appraisal Opportunities Roundtable Discussion on Thursday, June 29th at the SCDOT Headquarters (955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29202). SCDOT is actively preparing for a number of projects requiring the purchase of rights of way.
To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gary S. Linn at (803)312-4118 or send an email to LinnGS@scdot.org.

Richland Library EiR Presents: Show Me The Money - Funding for Your Small Business Idea
2023-07-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library’s Summer Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Roshanda Pratt will moderate a powerful discussion to get you ready to unlock the secrets of successful funding and transform your business dreams into a profitable reality! For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s EiR webpage!

Richland Library EiR Presents: Content to Cash - Creating a Profitable & Visible Online Brand
2023-08-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main – Theater, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Join Richland Library’s Summer Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Roshanda Pratt to provide a step-by-step for harnessing the power of video to build a brand that attracts your ideal clients and converts them into paying customers. Participants will learn the insider secrets to crafting a compelling product that leave a lasting impression, harnessing the full potential of social media platforms, and leverages your brand for maximum profitability. For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s EiR webpage!

Be Business Smart: Entrepreneurial Finance - Capital Readiness
2023-08-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main, Meeting Room M, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library will be hosting Be Business Smart: Entrepreneurial Finance – Capital Readiness on Monday, August 14th at 6:00PM.
Join SC SBDC’s Allen Brown, Midlands Coordinator & Business Consultant and John Gethers, SC State University Region Director for this in person session to learn best practices to be “Capital Ready”!
For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s Events page!

Demystifying Small Business Financial Statements & Cash Flows
2023-08-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will host the Demystifying Small Business Financial Statements & Cash Flows workshop on Tuesday, August 15th at 10:00AM.
Join OBO and our presenters Hamilton & Tony Grant of Grant Business Advisors as they provide information and resources on how to unlock the mysteries of financial statements and cash flows!
To register for this event, go to OBO’s Eventbrite webpage!
For more information and to register, contact Kalenna Ginyard at (803)545-3960 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov!

I Don't Need Alot. I Just Need A Little: Let's Talk Microloans!
2023-08-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration will be hosting an online workshop to do a deep dive and learn about these “up to $50,000” loans. For more information and to register, click here to go to SBA’s Eventbrite page!

South Carolina Business Summit
2023-08-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Richland Two Institute Of Innovation (R2i2), 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC, 29229, United States
The Benedict College Women’s Business Center presents the South Carolina Business Summit on Thursday, August 17th from 9:00AM – 3:00PM. The South Carolina Business Summit aims to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners to come together and exchange ideas,, insights, and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success in today’s competitive business landscape. By focusing on breaking barriers, the South Carolina Business Summit seeks to empower individuals and organizations to overcome challenges and reach new heights.
Early bird registration is available at a special discounted price of $45.00 per person until Friday, July 28th. After this date, standard pricing is $55.00. For more information and to register, click here to go to the South Carolina Business Summit webpage!

Be Business Smart: Entrepreneurial Finance - Financial Management
2023-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library will be hosting Be Business Smart: Entrepreneurial Finance – Financial Management event on Monday, August 28, 2023 beginning at 6:00PM at the Richland Library Auditorium!
Join SC SBDC’s Allen Brown and John Gethers, Region Director for SC State University for this in-person session to learn how to maximize profits, track cash flow, ensure compliance, develop positive business scenarios, and manage professional relationships that support your business.
For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s Events page!

Carolina Crossroads Phase 3 DBE Outreach Event
2023-08-29 - 2023-08-30 | Online Webinar
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will be hosting a DBE Outreach Event on August 29 – 30, 2023. The purpose of this meeting is to inform DBEs of numerous subcontractor and vendor opportunities that are available for the most expansive phase of the Carolina Crossroads project!
For more information and to register, click on the link for SCDOT’s registration page!
Flyer #1
Flyer #2
Flyer #3
Flyer #4

Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds
2023-09-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The SC Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds workshop on Monday, September 11th from 10:00AM – 4:00PM.
During this workshop, participants will receive tools and resources on increasing bonding capacity and learn more on how to obtain contracts with city, state, and federal government and how to obtain a bond. For more information and to register, click here to go to SC MBDA Eventbrite page!

Columbia Lender Matchmaker Event
2023-09-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities along with SCORE, the U.S. Small Business Administration, South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC), Benedict College Women’s Business Center, and Richland Library will be hosting the Columbia Lender Matchmaker Event on Tuesday, September 12th beginning at 10:00AM.
During this event, small business owners and entrepreneurs will receive tools and resources to assist with funding opportunities. Business plans with financial projections are highly encouraged to bring.
For more information or to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s Events page!

Richland County OSBO 5th Annual Small Business Conference
2023-09-13 08:00 - 14:00 | Richland Two Institute Of Innovation (R2i2), 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC, 29229, United States
Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) will be hosting their 5th Annual Engage Richland: Unveil Your Potential event on Wednesday, September 13th from 8:00AM – 2:00PM at R2i2 Convention Center, 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC 29229.
For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland County OSBO’s Eventbrite page!

Selling My Business: Tools and Tips on Copyrights, Trademarks, and Contracts
2023-09-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Office of Business Opportunities will host the Selling My Business: Tools and Tips on Copyrights, Trademarks, and Contracts workshop on Thursday, September 14th beginning at 11:00AM at the Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29203!
During this workshop, our featured presenter Doug Lineberry will teach participants information and resources on copyrights, protecting your trademarks, and contracts. For more information and to register, click here to go to the OBO Eventbrite page!

All Access Columbia
2023-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia’s Community Development Department will be hosting All Access Columbia: Business Funding & Development Workshop on Tuesday, September 26th from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.
The City of Columbia Community Development, Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), and the Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. will be participating in this event to provide information and resources on business funding and exploration of business needs.
For more information and to register, click HERE to register on the City’s registration page!

Minding Your Own Business (Mindset Matters)
2023-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Join the Office of Business Opportunities on Thursday, September 28th for Minding Your Own Business (Mindset Matters) workshop!
Our featured speaker, Mr. Paul D. Smith, Jr. will be providing informative information to participants on how to fully leverage your unique business ideas, strengths, and talents in a way that enhances profits and cash flows! This is a FREE workshop, but registration is required.
For more information and to register, click here to go to OBO’s Eventbrite page!

Bridging the Generational Gap in the Workplace
2023-10-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
Join the Office of Business Opportunities on Thursday, October 5th at the Busby Street Community Center for this informative workshop on Bridging the Generational Gap in the Workplace!
Tyson K. Brown of Project OneWay will be discussing the generational gap with employees in the workplace and will cover topics on understanding the importance of healthy and complete communication between older and younger generations and how to engage a younger demographic in the workplace in spite of lack of relatability between age groups.
For more information and to register, click here to go to OBO’s Eventbrite page!

Mayor's Town Hall Tour
2023-10-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, 29201
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann will be leading a town hall tour across all four districts to share the state of the City. City Council members and City staff will join Mayor Rickenmann to discuss updates for each district.
The Mayor’s Town Hall Tour for the Columbia Business Community will be on October 16th beginning at 10:00AM at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The Office of Business Opportunities will be in attendance to answer questions regarding your small business! For more information, click here to go to the Mayor’s Town Hall webpage!

Make That Dough 23: Small Business Non-Profit Collaborations in Food Access
2023-10-19 08:30 - 10:15 | Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Streeet, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia Food Policy Committee and the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the Make That Dough workshop on Thursday, October 19th beginning at 8:30AM.
The purpose of this workshop is for food service/food industry small business owners to meet and network with other small businesses and non-profit organizations who are engaged in the work of expanding food access for our communitites.
For more information and to register, click here to go to the City of Columbia’s Food Policy Committee Eventbrite page!

Branding For Success
2023-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
The Benedict College Women’s Business Center will be hosting the Branding For Success webinar on Thursday, October 19th beginning at 11:00AM!
Presenter Ebony Looney of Make Me Over, Eb!will assist participants in embarking on a journey to unlock the secrets of effective branding. Also, she will provide information about strategies and techniques that set your business apart and help it thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
To register for this event, click here to go to the Benedict College Women’s Business Center Eventbrite page!

Richland Library EiR Presents: Marketing Your Business
2023-10-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Richland Library Main – Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Want to freshen up on your marketing skills? Richland Library’s Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) will be hosting Marketing Your Business on Tuesday, October 24th beginning at 6:00PM. Entrepreneur in Residence Noelle Jones will go over a guide to marketing your business and the steps to create your own personal marketing plan. For more information and to register, click here to go to Richland Library’s Events page!

Richland County Disparity Study
2023-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Richland County has contracted with Griffin & Strong, P.C. to determine whether a disparity exists between the percentage of available minority and women-owned firms in Richland County. To attend one of the information webinars, click on the one of the links below to register!
Tuesday, November 7th at 12:00PM
Thursday, November 9th at 6:00PM
