A Tactical Approach to Business

Elite Tactical, a laser tag facility in Florence, became a South Carolina Community Loan Fund borrower in 2016. Although they are holding their grand opening later this month, this community business has already been hard at work providing their community a safe and fun place to play. 
Elite Tactical Laser Tag hosted YMCA summer campers.

When asked about the highlights of business ownership, for owner Efrem Andrews the focus is on families and fun. "We are proud to provide people with a genuinely good time. It's gratifying to see everyone leave Elite Tactical so happy. People are so guarded sometimes-they have their reservations about playing, and by the time they leave they've really come out of their shell. Then they recognize you around town and come over to say hello."

Elite Tactical has created a business providing a positive experience for kids of all ages. As part of ETLT's growth, they have purchased equipment which allows smaller children to take part in laser tag and creates opportunities for families to be active together. Last week, ETLT hosted 241 children as part of a YMCA camp tournament. But teenagers and their parents have also found a fun place to gather. For Efrem, earning parents' trust has been part of ETLT's impact on their community. "On their first visit, parents are a bit skeptical about bringing their children, but we've earned their trust as a safe place for teens to play. They are happy to drop off their children for the afternoon because they trust us and are excited we're here."

Community businesses like Elite Tactical Laser Tag are not only destinations for fun; they are a critical part of South Carolina's economy. Small businesses in SC employ nearly half of the state's private sector workforce. At SCCLF, we're proud to partner with community businesses like ETLT to help them build relationships, create jobs, and drive economic growth in their neighborhoods. Visit our website to learn more about our community business lending program. 
Thanks For Sharing
SCCLF just concluded its demand survey and we truly appreciate the response we received. We will be releasing the report results shortly and can't wait to share them with you! Until then, check out our resources page for more information from across our lending areas. 
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Borrower Bluewater Horizons and their newest affordable housing development, Delta Place Apartments in North Charleston, was recently featured in the Post & Courier. 
Feeding Innovation Colleton & Catawba
Applications accepted for Colleton & Catawba
Concurrent Feeding Innovation courses are scheduled for York and Colleton counties. Learn more about how to take part in this unique entrepreneurial development program.
Borrower Q&A
Read more about Greenville-based community business borrower Atlas Organics and their ever-expanding impact through their education outreach program.
Did You Know?
How many South Carolinians work for community businesses? Visit our blog to find out about the impact small businesses have on our our state economy, as well as SCCLF's lending efforts.
NMTC Workshop in Columbia
SCCLF is partnering with SunTrust to host a no-cost workshop in Columbia tomorrow. Register now and learn about how New Market Tax Credits can be a catalyst for growth in underserved communities.
Welcome CFO Leigh Ann Shelton 
Leigh Ann came to SCCLF with  more than 20 years of experience in the finance and accounting field, working in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Recently, she served as the controller of an organization that received six New Markets Tax Credit Allocations totaling $277MM. 

Since 2004, we have provided 313 loans for $39 million in financing that facilitated more than $246.3 million in community development projects; we financed 1,410 housing units,  9 healthy food outlets, 10 community facilities, and 16 community businesses, creating or retaining 2,896 jobs and providing a safe, affordable place to call home for 3,525 individuals and families.