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Calling all entrepreneurs. Do you have a concept for a business but are unsure how to get your career off the ground, need to finalize your business plan, or need to know how to get a license?
Well, good news. Columbia ranks No. 4 on Wallet Hub’s 2023’s Best & Worst Places to Start a Career list, taking into account 180 cities’ job-market saturation, housing affordability, and commuter-friendliness.
Regardless of your current situation or business model, the City of Columbia has many resources available to help you get started and support you along the way.
Start here:
- Register your business with South Carolina.
- If you’ve already registered your business, apply for a license within the City of Columbia.
- Understand Richland County’s business requirements.
- Check out Columbia’s “Opportunity Zones” and apply for a location permit.
Get plugged in locally:
- Start with Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities.
- Join a local club or association.
- If you want to take your business to the next level + work toward becoming a Fortune 500 company, get involved with this Columbia-based collaborative partnership.
Attend community events:
- Attend events, like 1 Million Cups and Tech After 5.
- Join + attend our city’s many Chambers of Commerce.
- Pro tip — Richland Library hosts various events that cater to entrepreneurs.
Find local financial resources:
- Apply for a commercial loan.
- Explore potential grants.
If you’re looking for a more inclusive, step-by-step guide, here’s an all-inclusive resource to starting a business in SC, or check out SC Business 1 Stop.
