According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 96.9% of businesses in South Carolina are classified as small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Given the significant presence of small businesses in our region, the Chamber is dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment by advocating for their needs in our community. Monthly Small Business Breakout meetings offer valuable opportunities for education, networking, and motivation while providing a platform to connect with local small businesses and gain insights from industry experts.

Venue: SEGRA Park | 1640 Freed Street | 3rd Floor Club Lounge

Registration:

  • Chamber Partner Registration - Free
  • Guest Registration - $20

Time: 8:00AM

2025 Dates (3rd Tuesday): Monthly

  • 1/21
  • NO MEETINGS IN JULY
  • 2/18
  • 8/19
  • 3/18
  • 9/16
  • 4/15
  • 10/21
  • 5/20
  • 11/18
  • 6/17
  • NO MEETINGS IN DECEMBER

Annual Benefits

  • Exclusive recognition as the Presenting Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Top billing in Small Business Breakout advertising
  • Opportunity for a company representative to have a seat on the Small Business Council (subject to prior approval)

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business event webpages

  • Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the program distributed to attendees 
  • Opportunity to provide speaker and/or topic input for the Small Business Breakouts (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity to display promotional materials during each Small Business Breakout including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
  • Opportunity to address the audience at Small Business Breakouts (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity to moderate one (1) Small Business Breakout (subject to prior approval)
  • List of attendees from each Small Business Breakout (available upon request)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year 

Annual Benefits

  • Recognition as an Influencer Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media 

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business event webpages

  • Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the program distributed to attendees 
  • Opportunity to display promotional materials at each Small Business Breakout including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
  • List of attendees from each Small Business Breakout (available upon request)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report

Annual Benefits

  • Recognition as a Supporter Sponsor and announcement of your sponsorship on social media

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business event webpages

  • Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the program distributed to attendees 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report

The Small Business Champion Program supports five local small businesses, each operating for two or more years and not currently Chamber Partners, by covering their Partnership dues for an entire year. This sponsorship enables these businesses to access the Chamber’s advocacy and networking platforms, empowering them to grow and contribute to the community. By sponsoring this program, your company demonstrates a commitment to fostering local business growth and expanding opportunities within the Columbia business community.

Monthly Small Business Breakout Benefits

  • Exclusive recognition as the Small Business Champion sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Opportunity for a company representative to have a seat on the Small Business Council (subject to prior approval)

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Small Business event webpages

  • Recognition in Small Business Breakout specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the program distributed to attendees 
  • Opportunity to display promotional materials during each Small Business Breakout including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
  • Opportunity to address the audience at Small Business Breakouts (subject to prior approval)
  • List of attendees from each Small Business Breakout (available upon request)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year 

Additional Small Business Benefits

  • Top billing in Small Business Champion advertising
  • Company logo featured on a dedicated Small Business Champion webpage 
  • Company name or logo on the digital Small Business Champion application
  • Company featured in exclusive press release announcing the Small Business Champion Program 
  • Dedicated Signing Day for the Small Business Champion chosen businesses 
  • Company featured during the City of Columbia’s Small Business Month Press Conference
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

 

The Small Business of the Year Award honors a Chamber Partner with less than 50 employees who has demonstrated notable achievements, economic and cultural growth, and outstanding contributions to the Midlands business community. This honoree will be recognized at a Small Business Breakout session. 

  • Exclusive recognition as the Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo on the digital award nomination form
  • Company name engraved on the award
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the webpage 
  • Recognition in Small Business eCommunications 
  • Opportunity for company representative to present the award to the recipient at a Small Business Breakout
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

For more information regarding sponsorships and events, please email Hilary Bell or call (803) 733-1115.