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

Motivate Her SC Conference 2024

September 28 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Summerville

Join the I-HOPE Women's Business Center for this spectacular one-day event that will strengthen leaders, build relationships and help entrepreneurs gain access to opportunities like never before. The I-HOPE Business Center is building a community of hope and a sisterhood of growth-minded professionals who want to strengthen their skills and expand their network.

Event Details

Unlocking Opportunities: Effective Networking Strategies to Build, Grow, and Scale Your Business

August 22 | 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Webinar

The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) will be hosting the "Unlocking Opportunities: Effective Networking Strategies to Build, Grow, and Scale Your Business" workshop at noon on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

During this virtual workshop, participants will learn how to build/target/identify relationships for business growth, and how to initiate meaningful conversations to spark interest under 30 seconds.

Event Details

Second Annual South Carolina Business Summit

August 15 | 9:00 am–3:15 pm
Columbia

The Benedict College Women's Business Center hosts a day of learning and networking at the Second Annual South Carolina Business Summit. Attendees can expect a packed agenda featuring keynote presentations, expert-led sessions, and interactive discussions focused on innovation, branding and business growth.

Event Details

CONNEX SC B2B Matchmaker Event

August 27 | 9:00 am–2:00 pm

CONNEX SC members will have the opportunity to connect with the state’s Primes, OEMs, and Tier-1 suppliers. Hosted in a speed-dating format, each appointment at the B2B event is 10 minutes. The event is free of charge and open to any S.C. company that is currently registered with CONNEX SC.

This is a CONNEX SC member-only event.

Event Details
View all events