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Greenville Leads Small Business Support Initiative

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. lle-leads-small-business-support-initiative.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 14:48 GMT by WNCT Greenville
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

GREENVILLE, S.C. - February 22nd, 2026 - Greenville is currently serving as a hub for small business support, hosting 50 individual consultations throughout February as part of a broader initiative by the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). What began as a focused effort in Greenville is now being hailed as a potential blueprint for statewide expansion of personalized business guidance.

The initial announcement, made earlier this month, detailed the commitment of the SBDC to offer tailored support to entrepreneurs facing the unique hurdles of launching and scaling their ventures. These aren't simply pep talks; the one-on-one sessions are deep dives into critical business functions, encompassing everything from robust business planning and astute financial management to targeted marketing strategies and operational efficiency. Karen Wooley, Director of the SBDC, emphasized the significance of individualized attention, stating that these sessions are designed to "provide individualized support to help them succeed."

But the Greenville initiative is more than just a series of meetings. It represents a strategic shift within the SBDC towards a proactive, personalized approach. For years, the SBDC has been a valuable resource for South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing free and confidential consulting services through its network of offices across the state. However, traditional workshops and generalized seminars, while beneficial, often struggle to address the specific nuances of each business. The 1-on-1 format allows consultants to diagnose problems with precision and offer solutions directly applicable to the entrepreneur's circumstances.

The demand for these personalized sessions in Greenville has been exceptionally high, with the 50 slots filling up within days of the announcement. This surge in interest points to a growing need for more accessible and focused support for small business owners, particularly in the current economic climate. Several factors contribute to this need. Post-pandemic recovery continues to be uneven, with many businesses still grappling with supply chain disruptions, inflation, and shifting consumer behaviors. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and digital marketing has created new complexities for entrepreneurs who may lack the expertise or resources to navigate these changes effectively.

The SBDC's partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration is crucial to its success. This collaborative framework ensures access to vital funding, resources, and expertise, enabling the SBDC to deliver high-quality services at no cost to small business owners. The Department of Commerce is actively exploring ways to replicate the Greenville model in other key economic hubs across the state, including Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg.

A pilot program is currently underway in Charleston, focusing on businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which have been particularly affected by recent economic fluctuations. Early results from Charleston are mirroring the success seen in Greenville, with participating business owners reporting increased confidence in their business plans and improved financial performance.

"We are carefully monitoring the outcomes of both the Greenville and Charleston initiatives," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a senior economist with the S.C. Department of Commerce. "Our goal is to create a sustainable system of personalized support that empowers small businesses to thrive, driving economic growth and creating jobs throughout South Carolina."

The SBDC is also investing in technology to enhance its consulting services. A new online platform, currently in beta testing, will allow entrepreneurs to submit detailed business profiles and receive preliminary assessments, streamlining the 1-on-1 consultation process and ensuring that consultants are well-prepared to address specific needs. This platform will also facilitate ongoing communication and support, extending the benefits of the consultation beyond the initial session.

The Greenville initiative, and the potential statewide expansion it represents, underscores the vital role that small businesses play in the South Carolina economy. By providing targeted, individualized support, the SBDC is not only helping entrepreneurs succeed but also fostering a more vibrant and resilient business community.