Happy Holidays!
UofSC Region Clients and Stakeholders,
As 2021 comes to a close, let's reflect on the accomplishments of this year. Entrepreneurs started businesses, obtained capital and pivoted their marketing plans to adapt to the changing needs of consumers.
Alongside those entrepreneurs and business owners were SC SBDC Business Consultants to coach them through each step of building sustainable and growing businesses. Thank you for trusting us to help you create solutions for the needs of your business.
Now it's time to look forward to what 2022 may bring --- prosperity. Go forth with goals of growing your business and achieving new milestones in the coming year. The UofSC Region staff is ready and capable of assisting you in achieving and surpassing your goals.
Contact Us. We Can Help.
Best,
Paul Featheringill
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CRAFT Flight Training and Simulation receives Entrepreneur of the Year Award |
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Pictured (left to right) is Jay Robinson, Synovus; Amanda and Jay Aldea, CRAFT Flight Training and Simulation; Tom Lauria, Business Consultant, Charleston Area SBDC; Paul Featheringill, UofSC Region Director, SC SBDC. |
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The Charleston Area SBDC presented the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Jay and Amanda Aldea, owners of CRAFT Flight training and Simulation, at the North Charleston Business EXPO in October. Synovus sponsored the award presentation and the SC SBDC participation in the EXPO.
The Aldeas purchased the flight school in 2019. They are located at Charleston International Airport and Summerville Airport and have plans to expand the business. SC SBDC Business Consultant Tom Lauria offered the Aldeas advice on how to make the business successful and where to find online resources. When COVID-19 impacted the business, Lauria helped them obtain EIDL funding.
"The SBDC has been invaluable to the growth of our business," said Jay Aldea. "Tom Lauria's insights helped us build a road map to the success we have had so far. Our relationship with the SBDC will continue to be a strategic resource for CRAFT."
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Procurement event held in Sumter |
Paul Featheringill, UofSC Region Director and Michele Abraham, State Director of the SC SBDC recently participated in a Procurement event for Minority Business Owners. More than 200 people attended the event at Morris College, one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Sumter Black Chamber of Commerce hosted the event which featured speakers from Optus Bank, the SC SBDC, SBA, Senator Tim Scott's office and many others. Participants learned how to prepare their businesses to pursue government contracts. |
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Disaster Funding Updates: EIDL and PPP |
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EIDL application deadline is Dec. 31; PPP Forgiveness continues |
The deadline to apply for EIDL funding is December 31. If you need assistance with your application, contact CARES ACT Consultant John Gethers. Phone: 803-777-7877
Email: getherj@mailbox.sc.edu
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PPP Forgiveness
The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) is no longer accepting applications. Funding for the program has been depleted. Business owners can still apply for forgiveness on the funding they received in a first or second draw. Learn More
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UofSC Team Members receive awards |
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Business Consultant Pat Cameron received the Individual Achievement Award recently from the SC SBDC.
Cameron, located at the Hilton Head Area SBDC, was chosen for the award because she "assisted 97 clients with almost 600 hours of consulting, including 43 Long-Term Clients. She also contributed almost $5M in capital formation, helped clients create and obtain 109 jobs and start 5 new businesses," said Michele Abraham, State Director, SC SBDC.
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Bob Jones received the Rising Star Award which is presented to a SC SBDC staff member with 3 years or less tenure. He is a Business Consultant with the Columbia Area SBDC.
"Bob Jones joined the SC SBDC with experience as owner and operator of a successful business. Jones has a strong passion for supporting the underdog and finds fulfillment in assisting small businesses," said Michele Abraham, State Director, SC SBDC. "He hit the ground running to the benefit of our clients, the community and the SC SBDC. "
The awards reflect the work and achievements of SC SBDC staff for 2020.
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UofSC Region Director Paul Featheringill presented the Region MVP Award to Business Consultant Robert Jones.
''He is our Marketing Magician for the Region," said Featheringill. "He addresses the needs of his clients with professionalism and develops relationships with community partners which benefit the SBDC."
Jones is located in the Charleston Area SBDC and joined the organization in 2016. In addition to his business consulting responsibilities, he manages the marketing strategies for the UofSC Region.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities |
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It's a New Year! Let's Start a Business! |
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
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 1 pm
LOCATION: Zoom
REGISTRATION: Closes at 4 pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022
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Building Your Business Model for Long-Term Success |
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
DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 1 pm
LOCATION: Zoom
REGISTRATION: Closes at 4 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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How to Productize:
8 Steps for Turning Your Product into a Service
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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
DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 1pm
LOCATION: Zoom
REGISTRATION: Closes at 4 pm on Wednesday, February 16, 2022
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Government Contracting 101 |
Is your business ready for government contracting ? Join the SBA and SC SBDC for this 1.5 hour, free webinar.
What you will learn:
- 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
DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 1 pm
LOCATION: Zoom
REGISTRATION: Closes at 4 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2022
To view a list of upcoming webinars throughout the state and to access a list of recorded SC SBDC webinars, click here.
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Check us out on Facebook! We post upcoming webinars, important COVID - 19 updates and more! Like our Facebook page to stay informed on important resources for business owners.
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“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.” |
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Consulting * Education * Resources |
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