Area Center: State Director’s Office Title: SC SBDC Minority Business Development Manager Start Date: November 2013

An entrepreneur herself for more than 20 years, Cheryl Salley has started several small businesses offering management and technical assistance, counseling, administrative management and strategic business growth. Salley currently leads development strategies to support small minority businesses, increase the SC SBDC’s visibility and client base as well as promote the collection, dissemination and sharing of information, ideas and best practices.

In the following consultant profile, Cheryl discusses how she strives to position her clients on a high-growth trajectory by promoting relationships and business opportunities that increase their market share, revenue, education and training.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: It provided me an opportunity to help reach an underserved segment of the market place and ensure they know that this valuable resource exists to help their business.

QUESTION: What challenges are unique to the business community you serve? ANSWER: The challenge in the minority business community remains fair and equal access to contracting opportunities and adequate capital for a business to grow in a healthy, long-term and profitable manner.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? ANSWER: Developing community partners and relationships (e.g., Richland County Library, Midlands Technical College, lenders, etc.) that ultimately benefit my clients.

QUESTION: The quote that best expresses your philosophy toward work/life/success is? ANSWER: Our faith can move mountains. Matthew 17:20

QUESTION: Your approach to client consulting is? ANSWER: Listening to the client.

QUESTION: What hobby or activities keep you busy when you’re not assisting clients? ANSWER: I enjoy singing Christian/Gospel music, I’ve recently begun growing plants and I care for my grandchildren as needed.