The IET Industry Day at Fort Jackson aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and education by bringing together government and industry to address mission requirements and technology solutions. This event, open and free to all Fort Jackson personnel, offers a platform to explore cutting-edge technologies and engage with industry professionals.

This webinar is designed to help small business owners understand their Federal and South Carolina State tax responsibilities.

Learn the fundamentals of project management from an expert who has managed many projects to their successful implementation.

Tech Beans is the weekly morning coffee / networking event for the Columbia Underground Startup Community. This meetup is for tech startups and their supporters. Each week, come for networking, coffee, and learn about our startup community!

• 7:50 - Grab some coffee from the bar and network with other attendees
• 8:10 - Welcome and Community Updates
• 8:15 - Topic of the Week
• 8:45 - Wrap-up

The Columbia Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament is a can't miss event by Chamber Partners. Held each spring, this Captain's Choice event is a great opportunity for business leaders to network while enjoying some of the finest golf in the Midlands. Players can tee it up with the movers and shakers of Columbia's business community, all while enjoying the hospitality of top-notch sponsors. All proceeds will support the Chamber's ongoing mission of promoting a business-friendly environment.

Come one, come all! Join Leadership Columbia Class of 2024 for an unforgettable day of celebration as they launch Serve & Connect’s new headquarters and community center, dedicated to serving the Decker Boulevard community.

Hear from seasoned women leaders and professionals. Join us for a day of learning, empowerment and networking!

Join us for this special event to meet one-on-one with over a dozen SBA lenders. Pitch your request in private in a speed dating format. Do you need funding to expand your business, purchase a building, or new equipment? Are you prepared to take the next step to get your startup off the ground? Take advantage of this free opportunity! Business plans with financial projections are highly encouraged.

As a CEO, entrepreneur, or executive of a small to mid-sized company, tapping into the wealth of R&D resources and innovations created by the research enterprise at Clemson University could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your business. Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF) focuses on increasing industry engagement and commercialization opportunities of Clemson's intellectual property portfolio. They can help you navigate the extensive research enterprise to address your specific R&D needs.

This course will take you through the step-by-step process of developing a business plan.

A business plan is very specific to each business. However, while each business needs a unique plan, the basic elements are the same in all business plans. To complete an effective business plan, you must dedicate time to complete the plan.

About DisruptHR:

Founded on the belief that traditional approaches to people and talent are ripe for disruption, DisruptHR encourages leaders across all fields to think differently and be more innovative in the global marketplace.

What to Expect:

• Dynamic Talks: Each speaker will have just 5 minutes to share their insights, with slides rotating every 15 seconds.
• Networking: Engage with fellow professionals and thought leaders.
• Recertification Credits: Attendees will receive 2 hours of SHRM/HRCI recertification credits.

Wow, I can't believe there are only 5 tickets remaining for Founders Weekend presented by Chase® Ink® next month! I am so excited for all the amazing connections and learning that will happen.

We have such an incredible lineup of panels, keynotes, and educational sessions planned, led by some of the most inspiring and successful women business owners out there.

The Columbia Chamber's Breakfast Briefing exists to provide a place where Columbia Chamber Partners can discuss and address local, regional, and federal issues facing the business community. Briefings are currently being held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 AM. Briefings include a hot breakfast and networking.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be creative or have a magical 'aha' moment to find a great startup idea. In reality, anyone can come up with innovative business ideas by following a structured process. On this live event, Jonathan Greechan (Co-Founder & CEO of Founder Institute) will share a framework for crafting great startup ideas that he has learned from working with over 10K startups worldwide. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas, get feedback from others, and meet aspiring entrepreneurs interested in their space. If you have rough ideas and don't know what to do next, this is the event to attend!

The Communities of Color Initiative’s (CoCi) Heritage Month Committee asks that you SAVE THE DATE for the NGLCC Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month program scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 2 pm ET. The theme will be “A Roundtable Discussion with LGBTBQ+ Leaders in the AANHPI Communities''. More information and details in the days to come.

Fort Jackson is hosting an Education and Career Fair on Thursday, May 9. This event will feature approximately 60 education institutions and employers, providing in-person opportunities to support our community in achieving their education and employment goals.

The fair is free and open to soldiers, veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, adult family members, and Department of Defense civilians. If you are an employer interested in participating, please fill out the form using the link below by April 23rd. Employers participating in the fair are required to have a minimum of two job openings available.

SCORE has partnered with Truist to bring you information on why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to help get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome. The webinar will be led by Ann Luke, Senior Vice President, and Zack Sink, Small Business Lending Product Manager, at Truist and will include a Q&A session. Attendees will receive a workbook after the event.

Join us to discover how open innovation bridges the gap between startups and corporates. We'll explore global challenges and spotlight two major initiatives: the GAEA program, aimed at driving energy autonomy innovations in Europe, and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, which fosters digital transformation partnerships. Learn how these initiatives empower innovators and idea holders to refine their concepts, navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, and unlock new funding opportunities for corporate collaboration and growth.

The federal government is one of the world’s largest spenders. If you want to do business with the Federal Government, you need to be registered with SAM.gov (System of Award Management) and learn how to navigate the system.

What You will learn:

1. Entity Registration - Getting Started
2. Review of the Domains
   1. Contract Opportunities
   2. Assistance Listings
   3. Entity Information
   4. Federal Hierarchy
   5. Wage Determinations
3. Federal Service Desk (Help Desk)

Presenter: Scott Poole, Government Contracting Specialist, SC SBDC

Join us at Bierkeller Brewing Company for an evening of fun and networking at our May Partner Engagement! We are celebrating Small Business Month with our friends from the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

Learn How to Select a Franchise

What considerations should you consider before beginning your research?

• * Personal Financial Capabilities?
• * General Characteristics of Desire Franchise
• * Honest assessment of Your Greatest Strengths & Skills and Likes & Dislikes

Where do you go to find what franchises are available?

How do you evaluate the franchise?

What to Ask the Franchisor?

What to Ask the Franchisee?

Every startup's success hinges on a well-crafted go-to-market strategy. At this live online event, we unlock the secrets to defining and reaching your target market effectively. You'll gain insights into identifying your ideal customer, crafting a value proposition that resonates, and deploying marketing tactics that convert. If you're determined to accelerate your startup's journey from concept to market leader, this event is your stepping stone.

This webinar is designed for business owners who are interested in learning more about exporting and new markets. The webinar will cover:1. Overview of the Export Process2. How to Become Export-Ready3. The Export Business Plan and Financial Forecast4. The STEP grant5. Using the SBA Export Express Loan/Line-of-Credit to finance operations International trade assists a business owner with growing their business through diversification in customer, geography, seasonality, and product mix. SC SBDC Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) assist business owners with all aspects of the export process. Come see why new markets can work for you!

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? There's never been a better time! But with so many people jumping into the startup scene, it's getting harder to grab investors' attention and get customers interested. That's where we come in. Join our event to learn simple yet powerful ways to make your startup stand out. We'll talk about what catches an investor's eye, common early mistakes to dodge, and what you should do before even thinking about creating your product. After the talk, stick around for a networking session with other startup founders just like you. Get ready to make your startup more appealing, step by step.

In this course, you will learn key elements of business finance basics to manage your cash flow, explore ways to expand your business and understand insurance for your business.

Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.

Agenda:

• Improve the cash flow of your business
• Continue to build and expand your business
• Protect your business

This webinar will cover the various types of business entities, benefits and drawbacks when it comes to taxes, liability, ability to obtain bank loans, ease of creation, and management and provide information to help you select the business structure that is right for you.

Are you new to the Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce? We'd love to spend an hour getting to know you, hearing how you plan to engage with the chamber, and showing off some of our capabilities. Register today to complete your Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce onboarding!

Do you want to start your own technology company, but don't know where to begin? You are not alone. Every day millions of people go to jobs they don't enjoy, but few do something about it. At the "Employee to Entrepreneur" event, you can hear the stories, tips, and best practices of those who left their jobs to pursue their own startup company. Listen to the experiences of people just like you who have made the transition, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to network with other aspiring entrepreneurs and share their ideas for feedback.

How to Start a Restaurant - In-Person Event

Are you passionate about food and dreaming of starting your own restaurant business? Whether you aspire to open a cozy cafe, a trendy bistro, or a fine dining establishment, this workshop is your essential guide to turning your culinary vision into a thriving reality!

Overview:

Join us for an engaging workshop where seasoned restaurateurs and industry experts will share their insights on creating a solid foundation for your restaurant venture. From conceptualizing a unique restaurant idea to assessing its feasibility in the market to understanding the financing of the business, we will cover all the crucial aspects you need to consider before embarking on this exciting journey.

To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. First, you'll learn the best practices for creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Then, you will have the opportunity to share your pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch.

In this course, you'll learn the "why" and "how" of separating your business and personal finances that can set you and your business up for success.

Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.

Agenda:

• Why separate personal and business finances?
• How to set and refresh business goals.
• How to pay yourself.
• Business structure and organization.
• How to organize your finances.
• Financial accounts and tools.

Emergencies can strike at any time and any place.
Emergencies vary from a fire in a business to a major hurricane even a worldwide pandemic.
Business Owners should be prepared with spring and summer storms and an active hurricane season on the horizon.

The time to prepare is NOW!

What you will learn:

• What steps should you take to prepare your business before a disaster strikes?
• What training do your employees need so that your business will survive a disaster?
• How should you communicate with your customers before and after a disaster?
• How can the SBDC help a small business owner recover from a disaster?

Are you a startup seeking to incorporate AI into your product? Wondering how AI startups ensure safety and compliance? Dive into the fast-paced realm of AI with us! Join our event to uncover real-life examples and learn practical steps to make your AI startup safer, more reliable, and compliant. Don't miss this chance to navigate the dynamic landscape of AI innovation!

The greatest variable in the success or failure of a startup is the Founder, especially at the earliest stages. Join us at our live online event to discover what makes a successful entrepreneur. We will be sharing insights from 15 years of startup research that lead to startup success. Do not miss this chance to learn how to develop these traits and hear stories of entrepreneurial achievements.

In this course, you will learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome.

Miranda Teague from Truist Bank will facilitate the session and will provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.

Agenda:

• Why businesses need funds
• Where to find funding
• How to select the right type of financing
• What lenders look for
• The borrowing process
• How to create your business borrowing profile
• Next steps after a financing decision

Do you want to ask questions to startup investors about fundraising in a friendly, judgment-free environment? Are you looking to raise funding in the future, and want to learn what investors look for and how they evaluate potential investments? Then join us for this live, interactive Q&A event featuring VC's and other investors from our FI Venture Network - the Founder Institute's global network of investors actively funding early-stage startups. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and ask in-depth questions.

Are you interested in starting your own business or nonprofit? If so, the STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS course is right for you. In this course, offered via Zoom, you will learn all about start-up funding, financial tools, business plan essentials, marketing considerations, and more.

Assets, equity, and liabilities. Are you recording, assessing, and communicating financial transactions correctly in order to understand the financial health of your business? Do you or your accountant keep track of expenses, profits, and losses? What is the difference between cash and accrual? Join this one-hour, free webinar hosted by the SC SBDC and learn basic accounting practices to ensure the financial health of your business.

What you will learn:

• Bookkeeping best practices
• How to maintain tax records
• The purpose of a balance sheet
• The purpose of a P & L Statement and how it relates to the balance sheet
• Explanation of accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Other essential accounting practices

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be creative or have a magical 'aha' moment to find a great startup idea. In reality, anyone can come up with innovative business ideas by following a structured process. On this live event, Jonathan Greechan (Co-Founder & CEO of Founder Institute) will share a framework for crafting great startup ideas that he has learned from working with over 10K startups worldwide. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas, get feedback from others, and meet aspiring entrepreneurs interested in their space. If you have rough ideas and don't know what to do next, this is the event to attend!

Do you want to start your own technology company, but don't know where to begin? You are not alone. Every day millions of people go to jobs they don't enjoy, but few do something about it. At the "Employee to Entrepreneur" event, you can hear the stories, tips, and best practices of those who left their jobs to pursue their own startup company. Listen to the experiences of people just like you who have made the transition, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to network with other aspiring entrepreneurs and share their ideas for feedback.

Welcome to Power in Heels, an exciting women's event hosted by the Columbia Chamber! This event is designed to empower women in business by providing a platform to network, learn from successful leaders, and socialize in a fun and engaging environment.

Building a great Co-Founder team is one of the most difficult yet important steps in founding a startup. While many founders may start alone, there are multiple benefits of having a Co-Founder and taking the time to establish a quality team can mean the difference between failure and success. Join us for this fun and interactive event where you will learn best practices for building and formalizing a Co-Founder relationship. In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking for a Co-Founder at virtual tables and speed networking sessions.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development will be hosting multiple webinars with the S.C. Department of Revenue, providing Enterprise Program participants with in-depth information on program and reporting requirements.

Focus areas: Completing the Revitalization Agreement, submitting certification documents, completing Elections Forms, Quarterly and Annual Reports, as well as, Quarterly Tax Returns and Preparation for Annual Audits.

Finding the sweet spot where your product meets market demand is vital for startup success. In our upcoming online event, you'll discover how to refine your value proposition, effectively gather and utilize customer feedback, and adjust your product to meet the exact needs of your target audience. This is an invaluable opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to make their product truly resonate in the marketplace. Secure your spot now for insights that could transform your approach and elevate your product to its perfect market fit.

To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. First, you'll learn the best practices for creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch. Then, you will have the opportunity to share your pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch.

The Southern Economic Development Council, North America's oldest and largest regional economic development association, will convene in Savannah for #SEDC2024 on July 28 - 30. Join 500 of the world's leading economy builders for a capacity-building and fun experience. Ticket sales are open now!

It's a place for minority business owners to:

• Maximize your sales opportunities
• Match with major corporations
• Engage with thought leaders & minority mentors
• Network and connect with other diverse suppliers
• Grow your business

It's a place for corporations to:

• Engage with qualified minority suppliers
• Collaborate with CVMSDC corporate partners
• Build relationships with minority businesses
• Diversify your supply base which increases competition, innovation, and agility