On the morning of August 27, in the Statehouse Senate chamber, Senator Ronnie Cromer presented state director Michele Abraham a resolution commending the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers for the network’s positive economic impact on small businesses. Specifically cited in the resolution was business consultant Linda Blanton of the Charleston Area SBDC for her work with small business clients that brought more than $26 billion of government contracts into the state in 2012.

As the resolution states, “According to the Small Business Administration, more than half of all private-sector employees work for small businesses. In an economy struggling to produce jobs, many downsized workers have developed a high entrepreneurial spirit. Helping those who seek their fortune in the private-enterprise system not only paves the way for their success but also supports job growth.”

Seventeen South Carolina Small Business Development Centers across the state offer individual, confidential business consulting at no cost. Experienced, trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies. Consultants provide a variety of services, including advisement on business plans, fiscal and operations management, financing options, marketing strategies, human resources and much more. Centers conduct affordable education workshops and provide referrals to useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance and minority outreach.

Visit www.SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow small business news at www.facebook.com/SCSBDC and @SCSBDC.