According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there will be more than 400,000 small businesses in the state as of 2022, employing more than 800,000 people.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — This week is National Small Business Week, an opportunity for local leaders to celebrate and highlight what small businesses mean to their communities.
“I think if we can make a little more information public and help in all these areas, a lot of small and medium-sized businesses that are struggling will be able to get back on their feet,” Mauricio Otich said.
Ottich is co-owner of Ottich Enterprise, a used car dealership in West Columbia. He says being a small business owner comes with a lot of struggles.
“We can't offer as many benefits as a big company. I think that's one of the things that's happened in the last two years. We've found great people, great teams. But because we can't offer them good benefits, they end up going elsewhere and getting hired,” Otich said.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state will have more than 400,000 small businesses and employ more than 800,000 people in 2022.
“Small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in our state, which means we are part of the huge economic engine that runs our state. The contributions that tax dollars make are significant, and we want to ensure that we recognize and value these small businesses and the contributions they make to our society as a whole.” Chair Karen Jenkins said.
As part of Small Business Week, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union to provide five small businesses with guidance, resources and motivation to get started.
Williams & McCall Consulting was one of those five firms.
“I think this will help us grow a lot because when you start as a small business, sometimes there can be obstacles and things you don't know. Research shows that it takes about three years to stabilize, which helps drive growth. It may take more time to do so. We are very honored to have been selected,” said Crystal Williams of Williams & McCall Consulting.
Small Business Week continues all this week and ends on Saturday.
