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

SC Automotive Council/ MEMA-OE SC Regional Supplier Meeting

May 16 | 11:30 am–6:00 pm
Greenville

MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers and the South Carolina Automotive Council (SCAC) invite suppliers and industry guests to attend the 2024 South Carolina Regional Meeting. This event aims to empower suppliers by equipping them with knowledge about legal trends and industry forecasts directly from key executives.

Event Details

America’s Seed Fund 2024 SBIR Road Tour: Columbia, South Carolina

May 13 | 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Columbia

America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund”.

America's Seed Fund Road Tour plays an important role in encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by members of underrepresented groups while supporting the mission of the SBIR/STTR programs to support scientific excellence and technological innovation to build a strong national economy.

Register to attend to learn more about SBIR/STTR programs from federal agency experts!

Event Details

From Production to Procurement: Maximizing Government Contracts for Manufacturers

May 21 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm
Online

In this webinar, you'll delve into the array of business prospects available at federal, state, and local levels, showcasing how statewide innovative supply chain solutions and government contract compliance can be your gateway to discovering and capitalizing on these opportunities. Learn about SCMEP’s programs, designed to enhance manufacturing competitiveness. Additionally, discover how your business can leverage the SC APEX Accelerator to navigate the government procurement processes effectively.

Event Details

2024 Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Conference

May 22 | 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Spartanburg

The 2024 Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Conference, will provide attendees the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various backgrounds as well as 60 of Milliken & Company's Tier 1 suppliers. This event will also provide several educational opportunities with a focus on Sustainability. Discover new strategies, exchange ideas, and explore ways to foster inclusivity and collaboration in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Event Details
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