NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – In honor of May being National Small Business Month, a special event highlighting minority businesses in the Lowcountry was held Friday night.
The South Carolina Community Economic Development Association, in partnership with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Community Foundation, hosted a small business resource mixer, “Capital Conversations,” at the Opportunity Center.
The event featured several resource providers who help entrepreneurs with operations, marketing, and access to capital.
Cory Wallace, owner of The Stag Pad, says shared resources are important.
“If you want to get somewhere fast, you can go alone. But if you want to get there, stay there, and live long, you need a team. And it’s all about the ecosystem,” Wallace said. said.
Organizers introduced a new platform called the Ecosystem Resource Guide. This platform helps entrepreneurs find the specific agencies and resources they need to enhance their business.
Chantelle Broughton is the Small and Minority Business Development Coordinator for the South Carolina Community and Economic Development Association. She says the platform fills a resource gap.
“So for minority entrepreneurs in particular, there’s a gap, not only in having access to resources, but also in understanding the resources that are available to us,” Broughton said.
Participants also learned about two new programs. One is the Cummins CARE Loan Program, which provides working capital, equipment and inventory assistance. Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator Program.
The application deadline for the Cummins CARE loan program is October 31st.
The Business Accelerator Program is a 12-month program that provides business owners with a three-year growth plan.
Bernie Mazik, president and CEO of the South Carolina Community Economic Development Association, said this will not be the last event held in the Lowcountry.
“We know these are entrepreneurs from all over the Lowcountry with dreams, and we want to make sure the resources are available to them,” Majik said.
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