VOLUME 23 NUMBER 12 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM
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JUNE 15 - JUNE 28, 2020 ■ $2.25
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Facebook sets up shop, serves as barometer By Molly Hulsey
In Focus
Midyear forecast
Economist Bruce Yandle looks at where we were and where we’re going. Page 31
A
mhulsey@scbiznews.com
s South Carolina’s small businesses feel the economic crush of COVID19, Facebook’s Diana Doukas argues that they have found an unlikely ally in the social media giant. “Facebook has long been in the business of small business, and it is our job to support the community,” said Diana Doukas, Facebook’s economic impact director and former White House Business Council director. “As soon as we even had an indication that COVID-19 was going to impact the small business com-
munity as it has — even though I’m not sure any of us could have predicted how bad — we knew that we needed to act.” Features of Facebook’s small business promotional campaign include a “Support Small Business” sticker added to Instagram’s roster in early May (Facebook owns Instagram) and a “Businesses Nearby” tab that filters posts and deals from venues within 1 to 500 miles away from a location. A business resource hub relays sector-by-sector guidance for the pandemic, a resiliency tool kit and curriculum on how businesses can best leverage Facebook marketing platforms. In late May, the platform also unveiled
“Facebook Shops,” a feature that allows business owners to create and customize their digital storefront as a number of retailers are forced to prioritize e-commerce over brickand-mortar sales. “I think it’s a matter of helping facilitate that transition, if businesses choose to do so, and making it as easy as possible,” Doukas said. Still, Facebook’s analytics and data collection capacities may play an even larger role in helping small businesses chart their next leaps into an ever-expanding online marketplace. Adding to the slew of Facebook’s joint archival projects with the World Bank and the See FACEBOOK, Page 12
Greenville firm creates new swab Hoowaki to make medical device by the millions through injection molding. Page 6
Oobe forms new medical division
Greenville apparel company eyes post-panedmic mask market. Page 8
Paper on a roll
Paper companies report brisk business. Page 9
INSIDE
Leading Off .......................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 C-Suite ................................ 4 In Focus: Midyear economic forecast ............................. 31 LIST: Largest Employers .....34 At Work ..............................37 Viewpoint ...........................39
FARM FRESH Saturday market brings ‘near tourists’ to Greenville’s Main Street
See story on Page 10
Marley McAfee and Carolyn Henry operate the Tryon Mountain Farm booth at the TD Essential Market. (Photo/Ross Norton)
MEET THE CLASS OF 2020 We’re excited to honor the 2020 Women of Influence! SEE PAGE 14 VIRTUAL EVENT AIRS JUNE 17TH AT NOON | REGISTER TODAY AT HTTPS://BIT.LY/GSA2020WOIREGISTER