Best Small Business Resources in the Columbia Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. South Carolina has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Columbia area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in South Carolina.
Resources Available in your Area
Nx Level Micro Entrepreneur
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The City of Columbia has partnered with Benedict College Business Development Center to create a course that will train entrepreneurs in various sets of knowledge needed to launch their business. With coursework and mentoring in marketing, product development, and other business analysis provided at a subsidized cost, Nx Level Micro Entrepreneur gives aspiring entrepreneurs a great head start. The course is offered annually, starting each January and lasts for 10 weeks.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Columbia Area SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1225 Laurel St., Third Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
803-777-5118
browna89@mailbox.sc.edu
Columbia SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Richland Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The Richland Library offers a no-cost coworking space for freelancers and entrepreneurs as well as a plethora of databases useful for researching the viability of your business idea. Reservations can be made in advance for up to 3 hours a day. The amenities include a Mac station with helpful apps and lounge setting, with a beautiful view of downtown Columbia. This library also hosts weekly 1 Million Cups meetups, a nationwide entrepreneurship networking organization. Other business-related events are also held here, including SBA workshops and classes on how to use databases.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
SOCO Work
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
SOCO is an all-in-one coworking space, providing various rental space options at different price points, as well as providing unique networking opportunities and various workshops to help entrepreneurs build their products. The community and educational support make SOCO a great place to work.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
University of South Carolina Technology Incubator
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
USC's Technology Incubator includes 3 programs that assist different needs. The Colab, conveniently placed in downtown Columbia, allows for entrepreneurs to be at the center of the start-up scene. The Launch Pad’s ten-week program works to grind out the first ideations into concrete business plans with help from mentors and feedback sessions throughout. The Business Incubation Program is for more advanced entrepreneurs who has a solid product in mind, providing them space to work, mentors and networking opportunities. The Incubator also hosts frequent events such as 1 Million Cups or education seminars, most of which are open to the public for free. Their unique culture and sense of community foster creativity and support, leading to a high success rate among member companies.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth