COLUMBIA, SC– The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) network, the state’s premier provider of business assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs, is pleased to announce that it will provide no-fee assistance to small businesses applying for a new SC CARES Act relief grant. 

Pursuant to Act 154 of the 2020 Coronavirus Relief Fund, Admin—working with grant management services provider Guidehouse—will award grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to compensate small and minority-owned businesses for expenses or revenue lost due to the pandemic.

To qualify, businesses must employ 25 or fewer employees, be physically located in South Carolina, be in operation from Sept. 13, 2019 to present, and have experienced a negative business impact due to COVID-19.

SC SBDC State Director Michele Abraham says a statewide network of business continuity consultants is available to assist minority and small business owners with preparing and submitting grant applications and with other pandemic-related challenges.

“We understand that this is a stressful time and that many small businesses continue to experience negative consequences as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic," said Abraham. "SC SBDC consultants have been helping business owners access the capital and resources they need to recover, rebuild and sustain operations."

To schedule a no-fee, confidential session with the SC SBDC, visit their website and register: www.scsbdc.com. A knowledgeable consultant will respond to your request within 24 hours.

"As during any disaster, we are here to help businesses prepare and recover," said Abraham. "Our team can also help small business owners develop a plan to safeguard their employees and customers, and ensure the continued operation of their business."

The online application process begins on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Applications must be received no later than Nov. 1, 2020.

To access the application, visit https://accelerate.sc.gov/cares-act/applying-sc-cares-act-funds.

During the application process, if a business needs assistance or has questions, they may contact the SC CARES Call Center (803) 670-5170 or https://admin.sc.gov/. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 13.

                                  

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About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC)

Twenty South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) located throughout the state’s 46 counties offer pro bono individual, confidential business consulting. Highly-trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies providing a variety of services including business plan development, fiscal and operations management, human resources, financing options, marketing strategies and much more. In addition to conducting a variety of free or low-cost education workshops, SBDC centers refer clients to useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance and minority outreach. Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment.

Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC and @SCSBDC.