top of page

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been selected to launch a new, no-fee program to assist rural business community throughout the entire state.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federal program, funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, that is designed to help small businesses access capital to help them start, grow, create new jobs and become sustainable in the state of South Carolina.

 

Small Businesses and Very Small Businesses with less than ten employees (VSB) are undereducated on where and how to get funding for their business to expand operations through real estate acquisition and capital equipment purchases. 

 

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center assists this effort through its team of experienced SSBCI Business Consultants.  These consultants work confidentially, one-on-one with business owners to prepare them to secure the loan financing, whether SSBCI or other sources, they need to start and grow their businesses.

​

Our consultants work with clients to co-create salient business plans and financial projections that streamline the bank underwriting process, and pave the way to financing that is favorable to the growth of their business. 

Stylized white palm frond on a dark blue background.
Smiling Black woman in floral blouse in a bright modern hallway.
Smiling man in glasses and black suit jacket, modern office background.
Smiling blonde woman in blazer with green ornate fence background.
Smiling bald man with glasses in navy blazer, modern building background.

SSBCI Consultants

Vacant Consultant
Greenwood Area SSBCI Consultant

​

Joyce Black
Florence Area SSBCI Business Consultant

joyce.black@moore.sc.edu

Richard Pilston
Greenville Area SSBCI Business Consultant

richard.pilston@moore.sc.edu

Andrea Easterday
Charleston Area SSBCI Business Consultant

andrea.easterday@moore.sc.edu

Rick Vander Weele

Columbia Area SSBCI Business Consultant
rick.vanderweele@moore.sc.edu

SCHCC logo
Professional woman in blue blazer and glasses in a modern office.

Evelyn Lugo

Hispanic Language Services 

elugo@schcc.org

SSBCI Client Videos

Refuel of Abbeville
04:49
Pinchos
04:28
Southern Charm Nail & Skin Care
06:10
Good Deal Car Sales
06:11

SSBCI Client Success Stories

Older Black man in glasses, woman smiling with hand on his shoulder.

Good Deal Car Sales

Smiling woman in pink and purple scrubs by THE FLOWER INSTITUTE logo.

The Flower Institute

Smiling barista behind rustic wooden counter, "Sweet Treats" on blackboard menu.

Refuel of Abbeville

Smiling woman under "Southern Charm NAIL & SKIN CARE" sign.

Southern Charm Nail & Skin Care

We have access to lenders with favorable lending programs that lower the barrier to getting funding.  Favorable terms such as lower credit score and lower down payment amounts help the small business population get the funding they need on terms they can afford.

 

Our SSBCI Consultants are eager to assist you in three areas:

​

1. Financial Advice / Assistance

  • Help to write business plans and develop detailed financial projections

  • Establish relationships with lenders

  • Guidance on financial management and cash flow

  • Identify sources of credit, capital & other financing

  • Understand impediments to getting financing

  • Prepare loan applications
     

2. Accounting Services

  • Set up and utilize sound bookkeeping/accounting systems

  • Learn about accounting practices and maintaining accurate records

  • Create financial statements and other key business documents

  • Assist in reviewing and analyzing financial statements and related information
     

3. Legal Guidance

  • Learn types of business structure

  • Obtain licenses, registrations, certifications

  • Advice on preparing and executing contract documents

  • Succession planning/transfer ownership
     

Reach out today and see how we may be able to position you for business growth.

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY official seal with 1789 visible.
Palmetto LEADER School of Law mobile unit offers legal advocacy and education.

USC Moore School of Business     1014 Greene Street     Columbia, SC 29208

University of South Carolina logo, black palmetto tree icon above text.
South Carolina State University
Frank L Roddey
Winthrop University
Clemson University
Americas SBDC
POWERED BY SBA logo, SC SBDC funding, and non-discriminatory service disclaimer.

©2025 by SC Small Business Development Centers.

bottom of page