R E S O U R C E S 

Charleston Business Resources

1. Charleston Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Provides no-cost, one-on-one consultations to prospective and existing business owners, assisting with business plans, opportunity analysis, and securing capital funding.

Charleston, South Carolina, offers a variety of resources and opportunities to support small businesses and startups. Here are some key programs and organizations that can assist you:

Business Organizations

2. CLIMB Fund: A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution offering various small business loans and consulting services, particularly to entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans.

3. South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) – Grant Funding: Offers grants such as the Academic Startup Grant (up to $25,000) for startups advancing intellectual property from higher education institutions, and the Acceleration Grant (up to $50,000) to support critical milestones towards commercialization.

4. SC Launch Inc.: Invests seed funds into early-stage, high-tech startups in South Carolina, with the potential for subsequent follow-on investments.

6. City of Charleston – Business Planning and Education: Offers resources through partnerships with organizations like the South Carolina Small Business Development Center and SCORE, providing consulting on accounting, business planning, management, marketing, and free assistance with business planning and classes for small business owners.

5. Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Resources: Provides a variety of resources, including access to organizations, government agencies, and business publications to guide businesses through startup processes, funding, taxes, and more.

7. South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS): Provides information and links to assistance from South Carolina business organizations, including employer resources, federal resources, and state resources to support business operations.

8. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Carolina District Office: The SBA provides assistance with funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery, connecting businesses to partner organizations, lenders, and community groups.

These resources are designed to support the growth and success of small businesses and startups in Charleston, offering financial assistance, training, and valuable guidance.