Last month, Womply, a technology and data service that caters to small business, released the results of its national small business optimism study. Unsurprisingly, the Palmetto State ranked first in the nation with an optimism ratio of 95 percent. Rounding out the top five were Georgia, Texas, Washington and Ohio.
So, why are South Carolina’s small businesses so optimistic, and how are they finding so much success? Across the Palmetto State, it’s recognized that small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy. They make up more than 97 percent of all private employers within the state. Team South Carolina recognizes these things and works together to help the smaller firms in our state succeed.
At S.C. Commerce, we offer a key resource to South Carolina’s smaller companies – SourceSC. A material and service locator program, SourceSC is designed to connect South Carolina companies with in-state suppliers and vendors. Since its inception, many participating firms have won contracts and gained new business through the program.
They do this by participating in a variety of events hosted by the state, such as supplier matchmakers, subcontractor outreach sessions and more. Earlier this year, as part of the S.C. Automotive Summit, approximately 110 automotive suppliers and 10 original equipment manufacturers participated in more than 350 meetings during a supplier matchmaker session. A similar, aerospace-focused event will be taking place later this year.
Moving forward, S.C. Commerce and its allies will continue to support businesses of all shapes and sizes. By doing so, we’ll aim to keep optimism high in South Carolina for years to come.