Spring is almost here and we are thrilled to inform you about the return of an exciting event; one we hope you will share with the bright students in your community. On Saturday April 11th, the City of Columbia and Soda City Market are collaborating to host our fourth annual Student Market Pop Up. Students 16 and older will have the opportunity to showcase their goods, services, and enterprising ideas to the Columbia community at…

  The City of Columbia announces the business licensing renewal season begins on Monday, February 2, 2026!  All 2025 business licenses expire on April 30, 2026 with a five percent (5%) late penalty accrual per month starting on May 1, 2026. To go to the renewal portal, click HERE. If you have any questions regarding the business licensing renewal season, please contact City of Columbia's Business Licensing department at (803)545-3345 or send an email to businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov.  

After internal discussions with our partners at BullStreet, the City of Columbia will begin phasing out the REI/BullStreet Food Truck Friday location at the end of December 2025.  This transition will go into effect beginning January 2026. The Office of Business Opportunities is currently working on securing a new location for more Food Truck Friday opportunities.  Beginning in January 2026, Food Truck Fridays will relocate to: Finlay Park 1400 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC The new…

The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards!  National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America's 36 million small businesses - which make up 99 percent of all businesses in America, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of America's workforce.  For more information, click HERE to go to SBA's webpage! Nominations must be submitted by Monday, December 22nd at 2:00 P.M.