2020: the sbdc pandemic response

the SC SBDC RESPONds TO COVID-19

The advent of the coronavirus in early 2020 thrust the SC SBDC to the forefront of the pandemic, compelling every member of the network to run at a full sprint to outpace the debilitating economic impact of COVID-19. SC SBDC consultants worked around the clock, serving as a cornerstone for small business owners by: Monitoring, vetting and curating COVID-related information, then delivering a distilled version to small businesses focusing on the issues most important to them; Explaining the details of EIDL/PPP and other funding relief programs and helping them submit comprehensive, compliant applications; Developing the SC SBDC’s “Operation Open Doors” toolkit, which provided clients both a chronological checklist and detailed manual walking them through the steps of safely re-opening and sustaining their businesses; Helping clients become more resilient by revising their business models and generating new revenue streams; Offering a robust series of online training webinars addressing emerging issues specifically impacting small businesses.

Some of the SC SBDC’s clients flourished during this challenging time. Despite collapsing supply chains, employee shortages and service disruptions, these resilient clients remained laser-focused on overcoming obstacles, pivoting their business models and tapping into alternative revenue streams. Their inspiring stories begin on page 16.

operation open doors

Tools for COVID-19 Recovery

To help clients navigate the challenges created by the pandemic and make the right decisions for their businesses, the SC SBDC launched “Operation Open Doors,” in May. This three-prong initiative comprises a checklist that includes several selfassessments to help businesses gauge their fiscal fitness, resiliency, adaptability and future prospects. The Business Continuity Guidebook is a detailed companion piece to the Checklist that provides business owners the insight they need to decide if/when they should resume business operations, formulate a reopening action plan, address financial concerns and build long-term resiliency. The third prong of “Operation Open Doors” is the network of consultants who provide business owners ongoing assistance with completing the Checklist and Guidebook.

SC SBDC and Host Universities Help small businesses

In 2020, the SC SBDC worked closely with its host universities (Clemson, South Carolina State, Winthrop and the University of South Carolina) to help mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic by implementing programs that supported the small business community at large while also benefiting faculty and students. Some of the most notable initiatives included:

Hiring. Amidst hiring freezes, the universities helped facilitate the employment of essential staff so that critical services could be seamlessly delivered.

Procurement. Host universities helped streamline the the purchasing of critical resources needed to maintain services authorized under the CARES Act.

Student Internships. Business schools worked closely with the SC SBDC to recruit students for internships at numerous SBDC centers. These internships expanded the network's capacity to help businesses recover and rebuild from the impact of COVID-19.

10,000 people attend covid training

Adapting Your Marketing to the New Normal

Business Sustainability During/After COVID

Cyber Security For Small Business

Improving Your Cash Flow

Navigating CARES Act Funding Applications

COVID Recovery: Reopening Your Business

intellectual property webinars

In response to the special challenges relating to intellectual property (IP) the pandemic created for small businesses, the Charleston Area SBDC developed a dynamic, six-part webinar series to help the small business community recognize and mitigate IP threats including protecting core technologies, negotiating contracts and safeguarding their trademarks and copyrights.

Each 60-minute session was led by an IP industry expert or the USPTO.

cybersecurity assistance program

To help small businesses protect themselves against threats jeopardizing their operations in a virtual business environment, the SC SBDC launched an expanded Cybersecurity Assistance Program. The online training provides participants guidance on implementing a cybersecurity strategy that minimizes their exposure to destructive cyber threats. In recognition of the program’s success, the SC SBDC was selected to co-lead the development of a national cybersecurity initiative for SBDC networks throughout the country.

the six domains of basic cyber awareness