According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 96.9% of all South Carolina businesses are considered small businesses. Within the Columbia Chamber, many of our Partners are small businesses with less than 100 employees. The Chamber is focused on creating and promoting an environment where businesses can flourish. The Small Business Council of the Columbia Chamber serves as an advocate for small business issues in our community, and the Small Business Breakouts provide a forum for education, networking, and motivation. These monthly meetings also provide an opportunity for Chamber Partners and those interested in becoming a Chamber Partner to interact with the small businesses in the region.
The quarterly Northeast Connection meetings bring small businesses in the Northeast Columbia region together to promote growth and enhance community awareness of small businesses that are independently owned and operated in this area. The connection between the Northeast region and downtown Columbia will strengthen relationships, promote growth, and enhance community awareness for small businesses.
Small Business Breakout Venue: SEGRA Park – 1640 Freed Street
Northeast Connection Venue: R2i2 (Richland Two Institute of Innovation) – 763 Forum Drive
Small Business Breakout and Northeast Connection Dates for 2024 (4nd Tuesday of Every Month):
- 1/23
- 2/27
- 3/26 (Northeast Connection)
- 4/23
- 5/21
- 6/25 (Northeast Connection)
- NO MEETINGS IN JULY
- 8/27
- 9/24 (Northeast Connection)
- 10/22
- 11/19 (Northeast Connection)
- NO MEETINGS IN DECEMBER
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Top billing in Small Business Breakout advertising
- Opportunity for a company representative to have a seat on the Small Business Council (subject to prior approval)
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business Breakout webpage and registration page
- Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials, including the agenda distributed to all attendees at each Small Business Breakout
- Opportunity to provide speaker and/or topic input for the Small Business Breakouts (subject to prior approval)
- Opportunity to display promotional materials during each Small Business Breakout, including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
- Opportunity to address the audience at each Small Business Breakout
- Opportunity to moderate one (1) Small Business Breakout (subject to prior approval)
- List of attendees from each Small Business Breakout (available upon request)
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
This award recognizes a Chamber Partner who has shown great growth, significant achievements, or realized economic and cultural growth that benefits the Midlands business community. This honoree will be recognized during Small Business Month at the Small Business Breakout on 5/28.
- Exclusive recognition as the Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on Small Business Month Breakout registration page
- Recognition in Small Business Month Breakout specific eCommunications
- Sponsor will be highlighted in Small Business Month marketing throughout the month of May
- Opportunity for company representative to present sponsored award to recipient
- Company name or logo on the screen during Small Business Month Breakout
- Registration for six (6) guests to attend the Small Business Month Breakout
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
- Recognition as an Influencer Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business Breakout registration webpage
- Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the agenda distributed to all attendees at each Small Business Breakout
- Opportunity to display promotional materials at each Small Business Breakout including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
- List of attendees from each Small Business Breakout (available upon request)
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- Recognition as a Supporter Sponsor and announcement of your sponsorship on social media
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business Breakout registration webpage
- Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials, including the agenda distributed to all attendees at the Small Business Breakout
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
For more information regarding sponsorships and events, please email Hilary Bell or call (803) 733-1115.