Small Business News

"There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens." -Tommy Lasorda

As the season of giving approaches, it's important that we remember our local mom and pop businesses, as they have been profoundly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Those famous words of wisdom by Roman philosopher Seneca translate into how we do business today and illustrate the level of preparedness it takes to compete in the economic development arena.

While industry giants often dominate the business headlines, more than 99% of all private employers in South Carolina are small businesses.

"It may sound strange, but many champions are made champions by setbacks." Those words by American Olympic legend Bob Richards ring true today, as Team South Carolina taps into our state's champion spirit to rebuild and reinvigorate our economy from COVID-19.

A little more than a month ago, LaPorte’s Products in Dorchester County was busy manufacturing boat covers and shades for the marine industry. When COVID-19 began spreading across the country and personal protective equipment (PPE) became hard to access, owner Darren LaPorte knew his homegrown company could answer the call to help. 

“We quickly realized the water resistant, spandex-like material we use for our boat shades would be a favorable fabric for non-medical face masks,” said LaPorte. “Within days, we created our design, trained our team and started producing.”

As South Carolina’s lead economic development agency, the S.C. Department of Commerce is steadfast in our commitment to providing businesses the assistance and resources needed during this uncertain time. We are working with our partner agencies and organizations to continue equipping companies with critical and timely information as we all navigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Community leaders, economic developers and state officials all gathered for the 30th annual S.C. Rural Summit this week hosted by the S.C.

The S.C. Commerce Business Services team recently partnered with the Fort Lawn Community Center to host the inaugural Small Business Forum for the town of Fort Lawn and surrounding areas. Attendees traveled from Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster and York counties, representing eight cities in the region. 

The S.C. Commerce Business Services team recently partnered with the Fort Lawn Community Center to host the inaugural Small Business Forum for the town of Fort Lawn and surrounding areas. Attendees traveled from Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster and York counties, representing eight cities in the region.