Small Business

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) has been awarded a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) for the 10th consecutive year. The state received its full requested amount of $250,000 to support and encourage small business export success.

The S.C. Commerce Office of Innovation today announced the cast of season four of Scribble’s Notes on Innovation series. The lineup includes thought-leaders from electric vehicle companies to innovative startups – all who exemplify the relentless pursuit of transformational ideas. The season four cast includes:

Allegiance Flag Supply, a producer of high-quality American flags, today announced plans to expand operations in Charleston County. The company’s $1.2 million investment will create 25 new jobs.

Founded in 2018, Allegiance Flag Supply utilizes American-sourced materials and seamstresses to produce high-quality flags that can withstand outside elements.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation has partnered with Venture Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurs, to launch a pilot fellowship program to create more local accredited investors, expanding risk-capital accessibility for early-stage startups in South Carolina.

Beyond Distilling Company, a craft spirit and distilling company, today announced plans to establish operations in Charleston County. The more than $767,000 investment will create 63 new jobs.

Founded in 2019 in Charleston, Beyond Distilling Company produces world-class spirits emphasizing both local and exotically sourced ingredients of the highest quality, reimagining classic recipes with a unique twist.

Cannonborough Beverage Company, a craft soda company, today announced plans to expand operations in Charleston County. The project will create 22 new jobs.

Founded in 2012, Cannonborough Beverage Company produces craft sodas and mixers made from whole ingredients including fruits, herbs and spices. 

APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc., a mattress manufacturing company, today announced plans to establish operations in Colleton County. The more than $1.9 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

Established in 2021, APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. produces mattresses for retail stores and e-commerce businesses.

Located at 304 Thunderbolt Drive in Walterboro, APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc.’s new facility is the company’s first manufacturing operation. 

Citadel Brands LLC, a clothing and apparel company, today announced plans to establish operations in Williamsburg County. The more than $7.5 million investment will create 116 new jobs.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation, in partnership with the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) and 3Phase, today announced the launch of the state’s first Phase IIB Match Fund for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.