Entrepreneurial Pathways – Strategic Foundations
Prepare your small business for success with the SC SBDC and the Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia Chambers of Commerce.
The 10-week Entrepreneurial Pathways series will complement and prepare small business owners for future success and training opportunities like the South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator.
Topics covered in the series include:
- Workforce Management
- Financial Management
- Sales & Growth Strategies
- Business Planning
- Marketing
Registration is required for attendance.
A ten-day notice is required for any cancellations.
Credit will be given toward a future class time in the event of a cancellation.
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.
Business Start-up/Preplanning
Tired of working for someone else? Do you have an idea for a business? How do you turn a hobby into a profitable venture? Join this free, one-hour SC SBDC webinar.
What you will learn:
1. What resources are available?
2. Where do I find the resources to start a business?
3. What actions do I need to take to make my hobby or idea a successful business?
Presenter: Barbara Miller, Business Consultant, Newberry Area SBDC
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.
We welcome North Charleston Chamber Members & Visitors to join us for our first Lunch & Learn of 2022 to learn about launching your business in the Charleston Metro in 2022 or growing your small business.
When: February 1, 2022 from 12pm to 1:15pm.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn “Charleston Airport” on International Blvd
Tickets: $15 for Members in Advance, $25 for Non-Members in Advance, $30 Day Of.
We recommend that you arrive early and stay late to network with other professionals.
Our Panelists:
Jenna Phillip (Commercial Real Estate) ~ Jay Robinson (Banker) ~ William Stroud (Attorney) ~ Paul Featheringill (SBDC) ~ Alan Thompson (Marketing)
Jenna Philipp
Jenna Philipp comes to Palmetto Commercial Properties with fifteen years of successful experience in Hospitality Sales, Business Development & the Tourism Industry. Jenna specializes in investment sales, advisory services, adaptive reuse projects, land development, and Landlord & Tenant Representation. Her extensive knowledge of the Greater Charleston real estate market, strategic thinking and creative approach makes Jenna a trusted real estate advisor to her clients.
Jenna’s talents have crossed numerous state lines to include the great cities of Charleston, Boston, Miami, Austin, Washington D.C. and Annapolis. Jenna’s talents for negotiation and creative solutions for clients has afforded her nationwide territory oversight for the Real Estate Industry. Jenna’s varying skill sets will continue her focus on niche markets such as Hospitality Development, small business growth, and partnering to establish exciting pockets of growth and vitality in the Greater Charleston area.”
James “Jay” A. Robinson III
Jay Robinson is the retail market manager for Synovus Bank serving the North Charleston Area. He joined Synovus Bank following his move to Charleston, SC, along with his wife and 3 children from Memphis, TN in 2019. Jay came to Synovus with 14 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. Specializing in business banking and commercial lending, Jay works with his clients using a holistic approach to help their businesses function in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Jay graduated from the University of Mississippi where he was a player, and then head defensive coach of the lacrosse team. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the North Charleston Chamber of Commerce, he is on the Board of Directors as treasurer for Father to Father, is a member of the Trident Area Association of Realtors – Commercial Investment Division, and past coach for the First Tee junior golf program.
Alan Thompson
Chief Executive Officer of Stingray Branding, North Charleston Chamber Co-Founder, Great Business Networking Founder, Director of Marketing for The Gator Collective, Graduate of the University of Florida
Alan Thompson has worked around small business owners and entrepreneurs his entire life. With a family owning small businesses 3 generations deep, it was an obvious path for Alan. Launching Stingray in 2008, he has been a part of dozens of business success stories. Founding two non-profits, the North Charleston Chamber and Great Business Networking, he is an entrepreneur for entrepreneurs.
Alan proudly serves in the US Air Force Reserves, and previously was in the US Army. He studied Business at the University of Florida and Web Design at the International Academy of Design. You’ll often find Alan at a networking event, spending time with his family, and cheering for the University of Florida.
William Stroud
Mr. Stroud manages Riley, Pope & Laney’s Charleston office. He primarily focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, commercial leasing, and commercial real estate development. William advises developers, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, lenders, and investors with regard to acquisitions, financing, leasing, and title insurance matters, and related business transactions.
William also oversees the residential real estate practice in the firm’s Charleston office. He is able to navigate through deals of various types, from closings on first homes to refinances to large, complicated property sales and purchases.
He is capable of handling all aspects of real estate and business transactions, representing clients in their capacities as lenders, purchasers, sellers, developers, landlords, and tenants. His familiarity with the aspects of a complex real estate transaction allows him to focus on the details necessary to complete the transaction efficiently and confidently.
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, William graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2017. William lives in downtown Charleston with his partner. When not practicing law, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends, and his dog.
Paul Featheringill
Paul Featheringill has over 15 years of experience in the economic development and small business finance fields. He joined the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) as the USC Region Director in October 2020. With SBDC he is responsible for seven offices throughout the Lowcountry and Midlands of South Carolina. Prior to joining SBDC, he spent five years as a Business Loan Officer for the City of Columbia and four years as a Commercial Loan Officer for the CLIMB Fund, a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) providing financial assistance to small businesses. He grew up in Charleston and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia.
Building Your Business Model for Long-Term Success
Description:
In this workshop, you will learn the basics for building a proven business model.
What you will learn:
1. How to develop a clear graphical picture of what you are planning to do.
2. How to identify key elements for how you plan to do it.
3. Eliminating/mitigating risks.
4. How to communicate a refined business idea to others.
Presenter:
Dr. Renee Stewart, Business Consultant
This is a Zoom event. To participate, a laptop or desktop is the recommended device.
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.
When: February 15, 2022
Where: Firefly Distillery
Who: Members & Nonmembers
Your first drink is included with the cost of your ticket!
Join us to meet business professionals from North Charleston and the surrounding area. Enjoy one of the amazing liquors that Firefly creates to share a drink and have some fun. We look forward to hearing about your business at our first Mixer of 2022.
How to Productize: 8 Steps for Turning Your Service Into a Product
Online Meeting (Live)
Managing a Business, Marketing/Sales
Generic services – whether you sell to consumers or businesses — are getting cut. When customers need to conserve cash, the first thing they cut are generic services. But they still buy products that solve a specific problem. Productizing your service makes it more tangible for consumers. It also allows you to hire people to deliver your offering because it’s the same every time. That’s why some of the most successful services companies go out of their way to package their service like a product. Today, in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, productizing is more critical than ever. Join this free, one-hour webinar and learn the eight steps to turn any service into a product.
What you will learn:
- 8 steps to create a productized service.
- Learn how Guerilla Tacos, Spiffy, Encore and other service-based businesses have productized and pivoted during COVID-19.
- Create a pricing strategy that encourages customers to buy.
- Discover your TVR Solutions.
Presenter:
Jonathan Bohn, Business Coach, Soko Ventures
This is a Zoom event. The link will be emailed when registration closes. A laptop or desktop are the recommended devices for participating in this event.
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.
All chamber partners/ambassadors please join us for our regular meeting to help improve the chamber and discuss upcoming events.
Topic: Government Contracting, Selling to Government, Woman-owned Businesses
Please Be Aware standOUT is not for everyone!
The event is designed exclusively for minority, women, and/or veteran-owned small businesses.
You can register in-person or virtual. Seating is limited, and social distancing and masks will be encouraged.
Learn how you could be doing business with BMW, Clemson University, GSP International Airport, Milliken, and Prisma Health. 
Additional topics include:
* Government Contracting – how and why you should be doing it!
* Intellectual Property and its impact on your business
* Get Certified: SMBCC minority-owned or woman-owned
* SBA programs and how your business can benefit
The standOUT symposium is becoming a signature event for practical information to help minority-owned and/or women-owned small businesses take the next steps to evaluate certifications, become certified, and leverage certifications.
Lunch is included with your in-person registration.
Lunch is included with paid registration for in-person standOUT participation.
Email agaleho@clemson.edu with any dietary restrictions (in-person only)
| In-person single admission – Early Bird | $45.00 | Admits 1 – Includes Lunch |
| In-person corporate admission – Early Bird | $115.00 | Admits 3 – Includes Lunch |
| Virtual Admission | $35.00 |
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.
Government Contracting
Is your business ready for government contracting ? Join the SBA and SC SBDC for this 1.5 hour, free webinar.
Topics will include:
- What makes a business eligible for government contracting?
- How do I register my business in the SAM System?
- How do I obtain a DUNS# and CAGE# for my business?
- How do I find my NAICS codes?
Presenters:
Angela Brewer, SBA, Business Opportunity Specialist
Scott Poole, SC SBDC, Government Contracting Consultant
This is a zoom event. The best device for participation is a desktop or laptop.
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
SBA Disclaimer: All SC SBDC training events are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Photography Disclaimer: Please be advised that by participating in SC SBDC events, you are automatically authorizing the SC SBDC and its employees to use your photograph or other likeness for purposes related to the mission of the SC SBDC, including but not limited to: publicity, marketing, websites and other forms of print and electronic media.