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…