Message from SC SBDC State Director

Michele Abraham

For South Carolina’s small business community, 2022 was a year of many highs and lows. While the worst of COVID-19 was behind us, our relief of having survived the ordeal was short-lived by what the pandemic left in its wake. Ongoing supply chain disruptions, overwhelming challenges in hiring and retaining qualified staff, difficulty rebuilding and growing businesses, and inflation continued to exact an enormous toll on the lives and livelihoods of South Carolinians statewide.

Despite these repercussions, small enterprises persevered, remaining optimistic that the long and difficult road to recovery would lead to a brighter future. This positive outlook was not unfounded – many entrepreneurs started new businesses and numerous existing companies successfully expanded. Throughout their journey, the SC SBDC network was there, providing hands-on private consulting to 4,173 individuals and training workshops to 2,414 attendees. As a result, we helped clients create or retain 2,455 jobs, win $60.9 million in government contracts, start 206 new companies, and obtain $128.7 million in financing—a 43-year record.

Our consultants have a wealth of experience working with a diverse range of businesses in a vast number of industries. With a focus on growth, resiliency and success, they have consistently demonstrated the ability to drive positive change and help these businesses reach their full potential. Each SC SBDC team member has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those they assist, and they do it with professionalism and integrity. Author Steve Maraboli said, “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient": this perfectly describes the experience we endured in 2022.

This report is filled with stories about our clients, data and highlights of key initiatives the SC SBDC undertook in 2022. I hope you will take a few minutes to read about these accomplishments.

Michele Abraham State Director SC Small Business Development Centers