Five South Carolina SBDC Clients Win National and State SBA Awards
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
May 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Susan Sturgeon Marketing Manager
SC Small Business Development Centers
803-576-8080
susan.sturgeon@moore.sc.edu
Five South Carolina SBDC Clients Win National and State SBA Awards
Recipients Recognized in a Special Awards Ceremony
COLUMBIA, SC— The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), the state’s premier provider of business assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners, is pleased to announce that five clients were recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration-South Carolina District Office (SBA) at a special ceremony during the 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference hosted by the City of Columbia.
"We are proud to celebrate the success of our outstanding clients—trailblazers in South Carolina’s small business community," said SC SBDC State Director Marquise Jackson.
Nationally Recognized Award Winner:
National Specialty Award – Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year Industrial Motor Service Inc. – Owners Dough Powell and Taylor Powell, Anderson, SC
Industrial Motor Service is led by Doug and Taylor Powell, a father-daughter team blending tradition with the future of blue-collar business. Doug, now Owner and Shop Foreman, started at IMS at 18 and worked his way up over 30+ years, purchasing the company in 2015. His leadership reflects dedication, fairness, and respect for skilled trades. Taylor, COO, also began at 18 and now focuses on growth and opportunity—expanding access to trades through partnerships with schools, government, and workforce programs while continuing her father’s legacy.
South Carolina Regional Awards:
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
SealCath, LLC – Owner: Cephus Simmons, Sr. Mount Pleasant, S.C. Website: www.sealcath.com
Rural Small Business of the Year
Lowcountry Creamery – Owner: Patrick Myers, Bowman, S.C.
Website: www.lowcountrycreamery.com
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Dock Blocks of North America, LLC – Owner: Matthew West, Charleston, S.C.
Website: www.dock-blocks.com
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence & Innovation Award
Veteran Small Business Person of the Year
Green Gorilla Land Management, LLC – Owner: Daniel Beirne, Hollywood, S.C.
Website: www.gglandmanagement.com
The Myrtle Beach Area SBDC, led by Area Manager and business consultant Janet Graham, was named the state’s SBDC Center of Excellence and Innovation.
“South Carolina is home to over 530,000 small businesses, representing 99.4% of all small businesses statewide, a big reminder that when small businesses succeed, South Carolina succeeds,” said SBA South Carolina District Director Melissa Lindler.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC): At the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), we drive real results—fueling job creation, capital investment, and economic growth across South Carolina. By providing small businesses with no-cost access to high-quality business expertise, strategic guidance, and specialized resources, we help entrepreneurs start strong, grow smarter, and scale with confidence. With more than 50 professionals across 20 centers statewide operating as a cohesive network, we empower small businesses with hands-on expertise in funding, strategy, marketing, and operations. Whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, we connect clients with the tools, guidance, and support needed to take their businesses to the next level. Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC and on Twitter @SCSBDC . Our program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures are available at: South Carolina SBDC Network Funding Sources
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