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Consultant Profile: Jonathan Bennett 

Area Center: Orangeburg

Title: Orangeburg Business Consultant

Start Date: May 16, 2024


QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC? 

ANSWER: Before joining the SBDC, I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. During that time, I interned with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in external affairs and economic development. I also worked remotely with Backroads of Appalachia, a tourism nonprofit in my hometown of Harlan, KY. Additionally, I co-founded the Rural Growth Initiative, a 501(c)(3) providing consulting services to municipal governments and nonprofits in rural southeastern U.S. communities.   


QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring business owner?

ANSWER: My top piece of advice is this: Never use your personal residence as collateral to start a business. It's crucial to protect your personal assets while pursuing your entrepreneurial goals. Additionally, I always recommend gaining as much experience and industry insight as possible before starting a business from scratch. Working hard to understand the nuances of the field will give you a solid foundation and significantly improve your chances of success when you take on the challenges of entrepreneurship.


QUESTION: What area of interest/expertise do you offer your clients?

ANSWER: Prior to joining the SBDC, I worked with my family’s businesses in the agriculture, commercial real estate, retail, and hospitality industries. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with municipal governments and navigating state and federal grant opportunities, particularly in the areas of historic preservation and community economic development initiatives. 


QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? 

ANSWER: Honestly, I haven’t been here long enough to answer this, the Orangeburg center has been somewhat slow since joining.  


QUESTION: Why is the SC SBDC an important resource for business owners in South Carolina? 

ANSWER: The SC SBDC is a critical resource for South Carolina entrepreneurs because we are one of the few free services available to support the state's small business sector. With the extensive knowledge and experience of our team, clients benefit from working with seasoned industry professionals who help them navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial environment. Our expertise covers a wide range of industries, providing tailored guidance that empowers business owners to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth. 

 

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC?

ANSWER: My favorite part about working for the SC SBDC is the unpredictability of each day. I never know what challenge I’ll be helping an entrepreneur overcome tomorrow, and that keeps the work exciting. The diverse needs of our client’s present unique challenges, which push me to think creatively and strategically. It’s incredibly rewarding to assist business owners in navigating these obstacles and watching their ventures grow as a result. 

 

QUESTION: What quote/saying/maxim expresses your philosophy toward work and/or life?

ANSWER: “The best way to predict future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker 

 

QUESTION: What is the greatest challenge you’ve encountered while working as a consultant? How did you overcome it?

ANSWER: The greatest challenge I have encountered as a consultant, particularly outside of my work with the SBDC, has been navigating the political landscape within the nonprofit sector when assisting organizations with federal grant applications. This environment was more complex than I initially anticipated and required a strategic approach to overcome. By immersing myself in the intricacies of federal grant processes and building relationships with key stakeholders, I was able to develop a more refined and effective approach to pursuing federal opportunities. This experience has reshaped my perspective and will allow me to better support my clients in their future endeavors. 

 

QUESTION: What keeps you busy when you're not at work? What is your hobby and/or passion?

ANSWER: Outside of work, I spend time in my office researching and compiling data for various grant projects, focusing on economic development, tourism, and historic preservation in rural communities. I enjoy tackling challenging projects that others avoid, especially those with tough barriers and complex local community environments.  

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