We’ve partnered with some of Columbia’s small businesses to celebrate the folks who make up the backbone of our local economy.
Through Saturday, May 10, you can expect Q+A’s with local entrepreneurs and features on local businesses that shine a light on what it’s like being a part of Cola’s small business community.
Did you know 79+ Midlands small businesses are participating? | Proxi Map by COLAtoday
We have something special for our readers, too. We’ve created an interactive map of can’t-miss deals, limited edition menu items, and fun events being offered exclusively during Small Business Week.
From enjoying 10% off at State Street Trading Company to scoring $25 off standard dumpster rentals from Dumpster+, there are plenty of ways to support Columbia’s small businesses this week.
Events
Events
Monday, May 5
Monday Night Group Dance Classes | 6:15-7 p.m. | 103 Legion Plaza Rd, Columbia | $18 | Every class is beginner-friendly, and no partner or experience is necessary.
Tuesday, May 6
Art History 101: Modern and Contemporary | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $80 | This casual lecture series dives into modern and contemporary works of the CMA Collection with Brittany M. Watkins.
Say Cheese | 4-6:30 p.m. | Eighty Sixty Station, West Columbia | Donations requested | Get your free professional headshots, donated by Blackwell Video Marketing, benefiting the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter.
Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join like-minded literary lovers for this book club where you read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Wednesday, May 7
Forest Acres Farmers Market | 2-6 p.m. | Gills Creek Memorial Park | Price of purchase | Browse local farmers and artisans bringing fruit, produce, eggs, meats, honey, dog treats, and more.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Out of the Box Gardening | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Enjoy drinks and conversations with expert gardeners about ideas for alternative garden set-ups, styles, and techniques.
Two high-rises are planned for the 1400 block of Main Street — but what will happen to the Black business district mural? Developers say they’ll preserve Ija Charles’ artwork by setting the building back 20 feet and adding a pedestrian plaza. (The State)
Outdoors
Heads up, riverwalkers — the north end of Riverfront Park is closed on weekdays through Wednesday, May 21, for sidewalk repairs. That includes the lower trail and part of the levee trail along the canal. Good news — it’s open on weekends, and the levee reopens nightly by 5:30 p.m.
Mansion Monday
Get ready to host gazebo pool parties on 40 private acres. This 6-bed hideaway near Swansea has an outdoor kitchen, fireplace-lit dining, a finished room over the garage, and a barn for your hobbies (or horses).
Try This
Rocky shoals spider lilies are blooming — and you can see them up close by kayak or on foot. Try Landsford Canal State Park or the lesser-known Parks Mill Preserve, which has open house tours on Saturday, May 10 + 17.
Shop
Celebrate Mom at Wingard’s Market’s Bubbles & Blooms on Saturday, May 10. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy complimentary champagne and charcuterie, plus a gift with a $100 purchase. Explore six rooms of curated gifts, flowers, and home goods to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Sports
How does the Carolina Panthers’ signing of Hunter Renfrow impact the competition at wide receiver? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Cause
From rising temperatures to plastic pollution, our oceans need more help than ever. Ocean Conservancy shares news, stories, and ways to protect our planet. Sign up for updates + learn how to take action.*
Drink
Guac and roll toTaco Mundo in the Vista for Cinco de Mayo festivities tonight. All night long, enjoy $18 Casa Margarita pitchers, $2 off frozen margs + draft beers, and live music. See the deals + menu.*
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
The City of Columbia is also celebrating Small Business Week with a press conference today at 10 a.m. at Bierkeller Brewing Co. + hosting a conference on Friday at the Marriott Columbia. Registration is open now to connect with representatives and hear a keynote address from Maj. Gen. Daryl Hood.
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