SC Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) opens satellite office in Chapin
March 23, 2022
The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), the state’s premier provider of business assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs, has opened a satellite office in Chapin, SC, to provide consulting services to existing and prospective small business owners in the area.In partnership with the Chapin Chamber of Commerce, this initiative is being led by Senior Business Consultant Beth Smith, who currently offers appointments every Tuesday and intends to increase her availability as demand grows.
Chapin Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Nancy Williamson, was the former manager of the Newberry Area SBDC for nine years. Her firsthand knowledge of the SBDC’s extensive resources inspired the idea for a new office in Chapin—and having worked with Smith since 2010, she endorsed her colleague for the job right away. The two knew that Lexington County would be an ideal SBDC location, given that the northwest side of Columbia is the highest growth corridor in the region. Furthermore, the Chapin Chamber of Commerce’s proximity to I-26 offers area clients convenient access to face-to-face consulting services. Chapin Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Sadler is thrilled to welcome Smith to the Chapin community.
“Her wealth of knowledge in all types of business will be an asset to all those who have a business or those thinking of starting a business,” he said.
Smith has been with the SC SBDC since August of 2008, helping her clients obtain nearly $30.5 million in funding. She managed the Spartanburg Area SBDC from 2011 to 2019 and, in a typical year, conducted more than 1,290 counseling sessions, assisted 195 clients and hosted workshops attracting more than 200 attendees. In addition, the SC SBDC named Smith the South Carolina State Star in 2016. This award is a testament to her exemplary performance, enthusiasm for representing the SBDC network and contributions to local economic development.
Smith assists clients pursuing international trade and is the Chairman of NASBITE International’s Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Governance Council, which oversees all aspects of the CGBP accreditation exam. Smith also is the SC SBDC’s representative to the South Carolina International Trade Coalition.
“Locally-owned small businesses are the backbone of the Town and having Beth Smith’s expertise available to current business owners or those who are considering ownership is a huge asset for our community,” said Chapin Mayor Al Koon. “We are thrilled to have this service available to our citizens.”
Chapin resident and current client Caroline DuBose says that Smith has provided outstanding support. “Beth Smith has been a keystone for me, making sure I maximize my business’ potential,” she said.
SC SBDC State Director Michele Abraham notes that Smith is a respected and highly productive consultant for the network. “Beth helps many business owners chart a path to success, and she has been instrumental in making the SC SBDC a vital player in the state’s economic landscape,” she said.
Like all SC SBDC network professionals, Smith draws upon her breadth and depth of experience when advising existing businesses and early-stage venture clients. For more than four decades, she has worked with large corporations and small businesses alike and assisted in strategic planning, business development, distribution management, marketing, lean manufacturing, and financial planning. Among a long roster of grateful clients, there are many who praise Smith for her personal approach and expertise, often attributing her as a significant factor in their business’ success.
“As an advisor, Beth’s insights and vision proved invaluable,” said Brenda Wieland, owner of Horse of My Heart, LLC. “I was overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a business plan, but Beth took the time to get to know me so that my business would reflect my experience and interests.”
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 no-fee individual, confidential business consulting. Highly trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies by providing a variety of services including business plan development, fiscal and operations management, human resources, financing options, marketing strategies and much more. In addition, the SC SBDC conducts a variety of affordable educational workshops and connects clients with useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance, cybersecurity and minority outreach. Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC and on Twitter @SCSBDC.
