South Carolina Business

Moving businesses forward 

SC Commerce can help you connect with funding, local resources, buyers, even data and analytics to guide your business decisions.

Reach Peak efficiency

Looking to increase production & profitability?

Want to reach peak efficiency? Let us connect you with an area expert who can identify barriers or issues that may be stifling growth. These one-to-one consultations provide an assessment of your operation, moving your business potential to the next level.

Existing Industry Expertise
Start exporting

Looking to Export?

Whether it’s identifying potential markets for your export goods or understanding port regulations, SC has a wealth of international trade expertise. Your company can gain insight and practical knowledge from the proven success of trade specialists.

Trade Assistance Details
SizeUp SC Tool

Need Business Intelligence on SC Markets and Your Competition?

Business intelligence can be a huge differentiator. SizeUpSC is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to receive data to help your company make better decisions around competitive benchmarking, customers, suppliers, even marketing and advertising.

Watch Video Use the Tool
build your workforce

Need Help Recruiting and Retaining Employees?

What do SC companies say is their number one challenge? Employee recruitment and retention. The SC workforce system can assist with finding qualified employees, employee retention, as well as training programs through technical and community colleges or apprenticeships.

Workforce Support Details
All Enhancement Resources
build a business plan

Need Help Getting Started?

Starting any business takes a significant amount of planning and research. Exploring your business goals is extremely important. Take a look at our checklist and resources to see how we can assist you in building a concise, yet comprehensive business plan.

Get the Checklist
Secure financial resources

Are You Ready for Funding?

After outlining your business plan, the financial requirements of your business should become clear. The next step is securing financial resources. We can help you identify the funding available.

Types of Financing
Stand out from the competition

Looking to Market Your Business?

In today’s competitive marketplace, success is dependent upon clear and consistent marketing plans that make a company’s products or services stand out from the competition. Here are a few of the public sector marketing resources available throughout the state.

Marketing Resources
Get local business licenses

Need Licenses, Permits or Registrations?

Federal, state and local laws establish guidelines such as occupational matters, business licensing, environmental permitting and tax withholdings. Our state does not have a statewide business license requirement, so you must apply for local business licenses.

Business License & Permits
All Growth Resources
scout motors

Scout Motors

Become a supplier for Scout Motors' new production facility near Columbia, S.C. 

Become a supplier for Scout Motors
AESC

AESC

Become a supplier for AESC in Florence, S.C. 

Become a supplier for AESC
Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials

Become a supplier for Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials Supplier Interest Form

Note: This content will not be available after April 30, 2024.

COVID-19 Business Resources

The South Carolina Department of Commerce is actively engaged in supporting the business community for impacts of the COVID-19. Find pertinent resources, business assistance and timely information for your company at the SC Commerce Business Resource Center. 

Business Resource Center

Get Connected for Business Growth

List your business in the SourceSC Industry Directory.

By listing in the SourceSC Industry Directory, you receive:

  • Directory Listing
  • Industry sourcing requests
  • Invitations to exclusive B2B & supplier outreach events
  • Access to the Commerce newsletter
Add Your Business Manage Your Listing

Upcoming Events

The 2025 South Carolina Rural Summit

March 3 – 4 | 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Columbia

The Rural Summit provides community leaders, economic developers, and state officials the opportunity to come together and learn about innovative methods to improve rural South Carolina.

This year's even returns to Columbia, S.C., to highlight the collective potential of our 46 counties and inspire a renewed commitment to working together for a brighter future for all South Carolinians.

Event Details

Maritime & Logistics B2B Supplier Matchmaker Event

February 20 | 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
North Charleston

The Maritime Association of South Carolina will host its first B2B Supplier Matchmaker in partnership with the S.C. Commerce and the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance on February 20, 2025, at Trident Tech in North Charleston.

 

OEM / Tier 1 Suppliers (buyers) with interest to participate, please contact:

Taylor Jackson, [email protected]

Tammie Greene, [email protected]

Event Details

Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council - MLP Ring Meeting

March 6 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Columbia

This event is hosted by the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council in conjunction with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Join for a day of inspiration, learning and connection, and dive into the importance of inclusive leadership and its impact on our businesses and communities. Guest speakers include Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and the SC Department of Transportation.

Event Details

2025 SC Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker Event

February 25 | 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Greenville

This event offers businesses the opportunity to meet with leading OEMs and Tier 1 companies in the automotive industry. Whether looking to forge new partnerships, discover growth opportunities, or gain insights into the latest market trends, the SC Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker Event is the ideal event to showcase solutions and make valuable connections.

Event Details
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