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Chambers of Commerce

Berkeley Chamber of Commerce – A membership organization that works to promote the business, commercial, manufacturing and civic interests of Berkeley County.

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce – A business membership organization that serves as the catalyst to maximize the power of business, improve quality of life, advance the region's economy and help ensure the success of its members.

Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce – A business membership organization that works to protect and promote the quality of life in the local community with a specific emphasis on improving its economic vitality and providing a favorable business climate.

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce – Operates as a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit organization representing businesses, industries, professions and associations of all sizes and types.

South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce – An advocacy organization representing the general interests of small business in state and local government.

Technology Business Development

Charleston Digital Corridor – A creative effort by the City of Charleston to attract, nurture and promote knowledge-based enterprise in targeted areas of the city.

FastTrac^ฎ TechVenture™ – An entrepreneurial program that offers technology and life science entrepreneurs the tools needed to start or refine their business venture, including the business concept itself, learn to access capital, and advance their venture to the next business stage.

Innoventure SE – Connects venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, researchers and large companies from throughout the Southeast through yearly venture capital conferences and ongoing forums.

New Carolina – An initiative by the SC Council on Competitiveness that works with companies, government, universities, economic development organizations and other groups to identify and implement actions and policies that will boost the competitiveness of South Carolina firms.

Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance – Recognized by BIO as the South Carolina affiliated state chapter. The Alliance acts as a catalyst to promote the growth of the life sciences in South Carolina.

SC Launch! – An initiative of the South Carolina Research Authority; provides mentoring and seed funding to South Carolina start-ups and existing businesses to assist in the commercialization of new technologies.

South Carolina BIO – A public/private, not-for-profit organization comprised of industry, university and private entities collaborating to develop new life science companies in South Carolina. SC Bio aids in commercialization by supporting financial growth, process development, and marketing for emerging life science companies.

South Carolina Investor Network – Brings together professionals from around the state of South Carolina to network and consider current issues in financing and structuring business investments; managing the start-up, growth and liquidity of business ventures; and in expanding the state’s entrepreneurial resources. Through this voluntary network, also assists entrepreneurs in tapping into resources throughout the state.

South Carolina Research Authority – not-profit contract R&D organization established to grow South Carolina’s knowledge economy. In partnership with the state’s three research universities, SCRA has established a network of Innovation Centers and Launch Zones to assist start-up and existing businesses with commercializing new technologies.

South Carolina Technology Alliance – Provides information and support for start-ups and rapidly growing technology-intensive firms.

ThinkTEC – An initiative of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, assists start-up and fast-growing technology firms with business development, venture capital and product commercialization; also helps to foster an environment for knowledge-based business growth in the Charleston region. Also offers short-term office space and services for qualifying start-up and early stage companies.

Investment Capital

Azalea Capital, LLC – A Greenville, SC based investment and merchant banking firm specializing in strategic financial transactions for privately owned, middle-market firms in the Southeast.

Banyan Mezzanine Fund – Provides mezzanine capital to smaller middle-market companies headquartered in the Southeast.

Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester (BCD) Council of Governments – One of South Carolina's 10 regional planning councils, providing local governments with planning and technical support including business loan programs.

Charleston Angel Partners – A membership organization dedicated to seed capitalization of high growth companies in the Carolinas. The partners support local business growth and improve personal investment returns through collective knowledge and experience.

Charleston Venture House – Providing business development expertise, network connections and capitalization for companies in the Southeast. Contact Robert Donato, Managing Partner, via email at rdonato@msn.com or call (843) 856-0316.

SC Launch! – An initiative of the South Carolina Research Authority; provides mentoring and seed funding to South Carolina start-ups and existing businesses to assist in the commercialization of new technologies.

Sequence Holdings – Full spectrum firm offering investment banking and advisory services to small to middle market companies.

The Trelys Funds – An early stage venture capital firm specializing in capitalization of high growth companies located primarily in South Carolina, North Carolina and the surrounding region. Has partnered with The Aurora Funds, based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, to create a dominant brand in the Carolinas and Southeast.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – South Carolina office – Provides financial, technical and management assistance to help entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses. Administers business loan programs.

Small Business Development

Charleston Small Business Information Center – A one-stop small business center operated by the Small Business Administration under a partnership with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The SBIC has resources for addressing a broad variety of business startup and development issues.

EXECnet^SC – An initiative of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. EXECnet^SC is a bank of retired, semi-retired or employed senior executives or business owners, from a variety of industries able to serve in management positions of start-up ventures.

FastTrac^ฎ – A comprehensive entrepreneurial training program that provides entrepreneurs with business insights, leadership skills and professional networking connections to prepare to create a new business or expand an existing enterprise. The program includes practical, hands-on business development programs and workshops for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) – Provides free mentoring, business counseling and low-cost workshops to prospective and established small business owners and managers.

S.C. Business One-Stop – Provides small businesses in South Carolina a single online resource for new business registrations, information updates, business licensing, etc.

Small Business Resource Network – A collaboration of non-profit organizations and agencies that provide assistance and resources to entrepreneurs and existing small business owners.

Small Business Development Center of South Carolina – Offers a variety of services and management training courses tailored to meet the needs of small and medium sized businesses. Also assists with securing funds from relevant sources.

Tate Center for Entrepreneurship – Offers a range of educational programs, research services and outreach activities to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and encourage innovation.

ThinkTEC – An initiative of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, ThinkTEC facilitates the growth of knowledge businesses in the Charleston region by leading initiatives, providing programs conducting conferences and forums, and connecting needs with resources to create a thriving high-tech business environment.

University of South Carolina Small Business Development Center, Charleston Office – Offers the budding entrepreneur a chance to interact with local experts and other business owners to gain support and foster growth.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – South Carolina office – Provides financial, technical and management assistance to help entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses. Administers business loan programs.

Minority Business Development

Center for Women – Non-profit organization that connects thousands of women across the Charleston area to professional sources for practical help by providing counseling, facilitating support groups, making referrals and providing educational programs on important issues.

South Carolina Minority Business Enterprise Center – Offers a wide range of services, including initial counseling, government/private sector contracting assistance, financial management and international trade franchising.

South Carolina Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance – Promotes the interest of small and minority businesses as a part of the free enterprise system; thereby, enhancing economic growth and development in South Carolina.

South Carolina Women’s Business Center – Provides business and technical assistance to prospective and existing women-owned businesses throughout the state of South Carolina. Part of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), and funded by a cooperative agreement from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Workforce Development

Apprenticeship Carolina – S.C. Technical College System's newest tool to help businesses achieve their workforce development goals. Its primary mission is to ensure that all employers in South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance needed to create demand-driven apprenticeship programs.

readySC – South Carolina's nationally recognized workforce training program; provides tailor-made training to new and expanding industries in South Carolina at no cost to qualifying companies.

Trident One-Stop Career Center – Provides workforce development services for both employers and job seekers, including job search assistance and job training.

Trident Technical College – The region's technical school is also on the cutting edge of workforce development, partnering with local businesses to ensure that course offerings accurately reflect today's workplace requirements. Trident also provides customized training programs in partnership with area businesses.

International Trade

Port of Charleston – The Port’s website also includes a Directory of Transportation & Trade Services, a comprehensive guide to local trade and transportation-related services.

South Carolina Department of Commerce – The state’s lead agency for the growth and development of business and industry.

ECI-Find New Markets – Helps South Carolina's small to medium-sized companies with export market studies, consulting services, problem solving and on-site training.

South Carolina World Trade Center – Provides international trade and business services (import and export), and facilitates interaction with key South Carolina contacts and other trade centers worldwide.

U.S. Export Assistance Center, Charleston Office – International trade specialists offer trade assistance to help businesses export their products and services to markets worldwide. Services include market research, identifying export markets and providing international contacts.

Manufacturing

Lowcountry Manufacturers Council – Focuses on the unique issues and common goals of the manufacturing sector in the Charleston region.

South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership – Helps manufacturers throughout the state by solving business and supply chain process problems.

Education

South Carolina Department of Education – Comprehensive directory of the SC Department of Education, including resources and links to public school districts and private schools.

The Education Foundation – In partnership with local schools and the four school districts in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, builds coalitions, mobilizes resources and advocates for new initiatives to prepare students for careers.

American College of the Building Arts – Provides a focused liberal arts education and trains new generations of artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment and appreciation of the nation's architectural heritage. Students major in one of the six traditional building trades: architectural metal, architectural stone, carpentry, masonry, plaster working or timber framing.

Art Institute of Charleston – A leader in creative education offering degree programs ranging from interactive media and graphic design to commercial photography and the culinary arts.

Charleston School of Law – Offers full and part-time courses of study leading to the Juris Doctor degree.

Charleston Southern University – The second largest private university in South Carolina, offering both undergraduate and masters degree programs.

Clemson University – Located in Clemson, SC (approximately 200 miles from Charleston), offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in more than 70 fields of study, including engineering, agriculture, forestry and the life sciences.

College of Charleston – The oldest institution of higher education in South Carolina, offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Offers associate, bachelor and master programs related to the operation, engineering, research, manufacturing, marketing and management of aircraft and supporting systems.

Limestone College – Offers associate and bachelor degree programs in a variety of majors.

Lowcountry Graduate Center – A cooperative effort of The Citadel, the College of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina offering a number of graduate-level courses in a central location.

Medical University of South Carolina – Forming the core of South Carolina’s largest medical complex, operates six colleges: medicine, nursing, health-related professions, pharmacy, dental medicine and graduate studies.

The Citadel – The largest non-federal military college in the U.S., offering both graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

Trident Technical College – Emphasizes practical, marketable job skills by providing diversified, comprehensive and updated technical programs and certifications.

University of South Carolina – Located in Columbia, SC (approximately 100 miles from Charleston), offering graduate, undergraduate and doctorial degree programs, including business, engineering, information technology, science and mathematics.

Webster University – Offers masters degrees in business, management, human resources development, counseling and computer resources / information management.

County & State Government

Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester (BCD) Council of Governments – One of South Carolina's 10 regional planning councils, providing local governments with planning and technical support to improve the quality of life in the Charleston region. Administers business loan programs.

Berkeley County – The largest of the three Charleston area counties and one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

Charleston County – The most populous county in South Carolina, containing the urban core of the three-county Charleston region.

Dorchester County – Encompasses the western section of the Charleston region, with a rapidly expanding economy and residential population.

South Carolina Department of Commerce – South Carolina’s lead agency for the growth and development of business and industry.

State of South Carolina – Official website of the State of South Carolina.

Research Resources

Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research – Conducts environmental research and develops diagnostic tools to measure coastal ecosystem health.

Center for Forested Wetlands Research – Provides the data and tools necessary for managing forested wetland landscapes to sustain ecosystem functions, goods and services for future generations.

Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) – the first formal academic initiative in the nation focused on the restoration economy. Its new, 82-acre campus is bringing together experts and researchers in design, planning, construction management, real estate, historic preservation, materials science, environmental science, forestry and more to advance global restoration methods and technologies.

Health Sciences South Carolina – Joins medical organizations and colleges/universities from across the state to provide a structure and vehicle for medical research, including clinical trials.

Hollings Cancer Center – Offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, cancer prevention, cancer information and innovative research programs to benefit people throughout South Carolina and the U.S. Southeast. the center is working to achieve National Cancer Institute status as a comprehensive cancer center, a designation that will make an even wider range of cancer treatment programs available to those it serves.

Hollings Marine Lab – Formed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the Medical University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston; houses more than 100 researchers, fellows, students and staff focused in an interdisciplinary fashion on marine and human health. Key focus areas include marine genomics, ecotoxicology, analytical chemistry and environmental microbiology. Designated a NOAA "Center of Excellence."

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation for Research Development – Dedicated to moving technological advances from the laboratory to the marketplace.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center – Works with various branches of NOAA and other Federal agencies to bring information, services and technology to the nation's coastal resource managers.

Savannah River National Laboratory – A key Department of Energy industrial complex; processes and stores nuclear materials in support of national defense and

U.S. nuclear non-proliferation efforts; also develops and deploys technologies to improve the environment and treat nuclear and hazardous wastes left from the Cold War. Located approximately 100 miles from Charleston.

South Carolina Research Authority – A $75 million, not-profit contract R&D organization established to grow South Carolina’s knowledge economy. In partnership with the state’s three research universities, SCRA has established a network of Innovation Centers and Launch Zones to assist start-up and existing businesses with commercializing new technologies.

USDA Agriculture Research Service – Conducts research to improve genetic populations of vegetable crops and to develop knowledge on disease and pest biology, ecology and epidemiology.

Employment / Relocation

Charleston Trident Association of Realtors – Offers assistance with locating a realtor and provides a searchable database of current property listings.

Charleston Job Network – A service provided by the Charleston Regional Business Journal, the region’s bi-monthly business publication.

The Post and Courier Online Classifieds – A service provided by the Post and Courier, Charleston’s daily newspaper.

SCIway.net Jobs – A service of SCIway.net, a comprehensive directory of South Carolina information and websites.

Technology Talent Portal – An online job listing and skills bank repository for the region's rapidly-growing, knowledge-based work sector. Designed for members of the Charleston Digital Corridor who are searching for talent, and for individuals who desire tech-related work opportunities in the Charleston region.

Professional Associations (with local or statewide chapters)

Advertising Federation of Charleston – Professional association comprised of advertisers, agencies and media companies in the Charleston area.

American Institute of Architects – Comprised of architect professionals. Contact the Charleston chapter by calling Chris Karpus at 763-2300.

American Marketing Association, Charleston – A professional association for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing.

Association for Information and Technical Professionals – Charleston Chapter - Provides networking opportunities and special programs for IT professionals.

Association of Operating Room Nurses – Charleston Chapter – Professional organization of perioperative registered nurses.

Carolina Film Alliance – Works to stimulate the area’s film, television and print industries by raising awareness of the economic advantages of filming in South Carolina and providing a forum for the exchange of creative ideas and information.

Charleston Association for Female Executives – Professional association for female executives and business owners, providing resources and services through education, networking and public advocacy. Contact Elaine Domin at 696-4735.

Charleston County Bar Association – Comprised of practicing lawyers, judges and other legal professionals in the Charleston area.

Charleston County Medical Society – Comprised of more than 1,000 area physicians.

Charleston Defense Contractors Association – Advocates for, preserves and protects the real, capital and economic interests of the defense industry in the Charleston region.

Charleston Women in International Trade (CWIT) – A non-profit professional organization designed to promote women in the field of international trade.

Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston (MAPCHA) – Contributes to the growth and success of the port. Once limited to companies engaged in or providing services to the maritime trade, membership is now open to a much broader base of port supporters.

National Defense Transportation Association – Charleston Chapter – Links all segments of the transportation industry in its role as a worldwide transportation association.

Propeller Club – Provides a network for those who wish to engage and succeed in transportation-related and service industries.

Public Relations Society of America – S.C. Chapter – Serves public relations practitioners all over South Carolina with a variety of regional meetings and events.

Society for Technical Communication – S.C. Lowcountry Chapter – Provides networking opportunities for technical writers, graphic artists, multimedia specialists and many other communications professionals.

South Carolina Association of CPAs – A statewide professional organization representing more than 3,300 CPAs.

Travel & Tourism

Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau – The official Charleston area online guide for visitor and convention information.

General Information

S.C. Information Highway – A comprehensive directory of South Carolina information and websites.