Sumter resident and founder of S.C. Women in Business is 2008 SBA Women in Business Champion of the Year
June 5, 2008
COLUMBIA, SC – June 5, 2008 – Rose E. Jackson, owner of Rose E. Jackson Financial Services in Sumter and founder of the Columbia-based non-profit organization South Carolina Women in Business, is the 2008 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Women in Business Champion for South Carolina. Jackson was nominated by Shannon Viera, Vice President of Events and Special Programs for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Jackson started her small business, Rose E. Jackson Financial Services, in 1993, and she currently serves clients throughout the Midlands and Pee Dee areas. A successful woman business owner in the male-dominated financial services field, Jackson realized the scarcity of resources for other women to start and grow their own businesses. In response to this need, she founded South Carolina Women in Business (SCWIB) in 2001.
SCWIB is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs in every stage of business. Jackson’s organization gives women the tools necessary to operating a business, including revenue development, strategic partnership opportunities, group membership with the Lexington and Greater Columbia chambers of commerce, and access to tradeshows. SCWIB also provides its members with mentoring and a motivational environment in which they and their businesses can flourish. As head of SCWIB, Jackson cultivates alliances with economic development organizations and government agencies, including the SBA and its resource partners and the USC Columbia Technology Incubator.
Jackson’s advocacy efforts also extend to the next generation of women business owners. A graduate of Wilson Hall and Columbia College, she has contributed to and created business programs at both of her alma maters. She implemented a Junior Achievement business program at Wilson Hall, and she has worked closely with Columbia College to give young women the opportunity to pursue business studies, including personally funding a scholarship.
Jackson was the 2006 Greater Columbia Chamber’s Women in Business Advocate and is Chair-Elect of the Chamber’s Diplomat’s Program.
Rose Jackson will be honored at the SBA South Carolina District Office’s small business awards ceremony, part of the Salute to Small Business on Tuesday, April 1, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
All SBA programs and services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.
