Connecting Entrepreneurs with Opportunity

Highlights from the SBA Lender Matchmaker Event, where lenders, resource partners, and entrepreneurs came together to expand access to capital and celebrate outstanding lending partners.

Access to capital remains one of the greatest challenges facing entrepreneurs. For many small business owners, securing the right financing is often the difference between an idea that remains on paper and a business that creates jobs, serves customers, and strengthens a community.

That challenge—and the partnerships helping to overcome it—were front and center at the SBA Lender Matchmaker Event & Awards held May 26 at the Busby Community Center in Columbia.

Hosted by the City of Columbia and supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the event brought together approximately 50 lenders, resource partners, entrepreneurs, and economic development professionals committed to strengthening South Carolina's small business ecosystem.

The day began with a lender roundtable discussion focused on collaboration and identifying new ways to support entrepreneurs across the state. Later, small business owners had the opportunity to meet directly with lenders and resource providers during a matchmaking session designed to help them explore financing options and connect with resources that can support long-term success.

For the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), the event served as a powerful reminder that helping businesses access capital requires a team effort.

“Access to capital remains one of the greatest challenges facing entrepreneurs,” said SC SBDC State Director Marquise Jackson. “Events like the SBA Lender Matchmaker bring together the lenders, resource partners, and business owners who are all working toward the same goal—helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. When we strengthen these connections, we create more opportunities for entrepreneurs while driving investment, job creation, and thriving communities throughout South Carolina.”

During the event, the SC SBDC recognized two lending partners whose contributions have helped South Carolina entrepreneurs access the funding needed to pursue their goals.

Climb Fund received the SC SBDC Lender of the Year Award for Loan Volume, recognizing the organization for facilitating the highest number of loans among SC SBDC-assisted businesses. The award was accepted by F.A. Johnson on behalf of Climb Fund.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and are grateful for our work with the South Carolina SBDC,” Johnson said. “Together, we help small businesses access the resources and capital they need to grow and succeed.”

The SC SBDC also recognized First Bank with its Lender of the Year Award for Loan Amount, honoring the institution for achieving the highest overall loan dollar volume among SC SBDC clients. Although representatives from First Bank were unable to attend, the organization was acknowledged for its significant impact in helping entrepreneurs secure financing for growth and expansion.

SBA representative Frank Anderson also expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort that made the event possible.

“I just wanted to thank the SC SBDC for all of your efforts in making the Columbia Lender Matchmaker event successful,” Anderson said.

While the awards celebrated outstanding lending partners, the event's broader significance was the opportunity to bring together organizations that share a common mission: helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Behind every business that secures financing is a network of lenders, advisors, mentors, and resource partners working together to remove barriers and create opportunities. Through partnerships with organizations like Climb Fund, First Bank, the SBA, and the City of Columbia, the SC SBDC continues to connect South Carolina's entrepreneurs with the expertise, resources, and capital they need to build stronger businesses and create lasting economic impact.