Business & Startup Scene in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, United States, Columbia, Business & Work, Business & Startup Scene

Business & Startup Scene in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

1. Columbia Startup Lab (Co-Starter)

A hub for aspiring entrepreneurs offering workshops, mentorship, and resources to launch startups.
  • Accessible Resources: Provides free access to tools, software, and facilities.
  • Community Support: Connects entrepreneurs with like-minded individuals for collaboration and growth.
  • Mentorship Opportunities: Offers guidance from experienced mentors in various industries.

2. Columbia Technology and Venture Association (CTVA)

A network promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through events, resources, and connections.
  • Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
  • Educational Resources: Hosts workshops, seminars, and conferences on relevant business topics.
  • Collaboration Spaces: Provides spaces for collaboration, brainstorming, and ideation.

3. Innovista

An innovation district fostering entrepreneurship, research, and technology through collaborative spaces and programming.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses in a dynamic environment.
  • Access to Capital: Hosts pitch events and investor networking opportunities.
  • Technology Infrastructure: Offers cutting-edge technology resources, including incubators, labs, and prototyping facilities.

4. Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)

Provides resources for businesses to grow and expand in the city.
  • Business Assistance: Offers guidance, resources, and support for new and expanding businesses.
  • Incentives & Grants: Provides financial incentives and grants to qualifying businesses.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects businesses with local resources, industry experts, and potential partners.

5. University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business - Entrepreneurship Program

Offers entrepreneurship education, resources, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • Educational Opportunities: Provides academic courses focused on entrepreneurship.
  • Business Incubation: Offers incubator spaces and resources for early-stage startups.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects students with local entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors.

6. Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Represents the interests of businesses in the city and offers networking and educational opportunities.
  • Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections between local businesses and community leaders.
  • Advocacy: Lobbies on behalf of member businesses to promote a business-friendly environment.
  • Educational Resources: Hosts workshops, seminars, and conferences on relevant business topics.

7. Columbia Area Small Business Chamber of Commerce (CASBCC)

Supports small businesses by offering networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects small business owners with fellow entrepreneurs for collaboration and support.
  • Business Advocacy: Lobbies on behalf of small businesses to promote a business-friendly environment.
  • Educational Resources: Offers workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on small business growth.

8. Columbia Development Corporation (CDC)

Facilitates economic development by providing resources for businesses, attracting investment, and fostering entrepreneurship.
  • Business Assistance: Offers guidance and resources to support business growth.
  • Incentives & Grants: Provides financial incentives and grants to qualifying businesses.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects businesses with local resources, industry experts, and potential partners.

9. Columbia SCEDC (South Carolina Economic Development Corporation)

Promotes economic growth in the state by attracting businesses, investments, and talent.
  • Business Attraction: Works to attract new businesses to the city and state.
  • Incentives & Grants: Offers financial incentives and grants to qualifying businesses.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects businesses with local resources, industry experts, and potential partners.

10. Columbia Regional Business Report

A local publication that covers news, trends, and insights about the business scene in Columbia.
  • Staying Informed: Keeps readers up-to-date on local business news and trends.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other business leaders through events and advertisements.
  • Business Intelligence: Offers insights, analysis, and best practices for local businesses.

11. Columbia Business Magazine

A monthly publication covering news, trends, and profiles of successful local businesses.
  • Staying Informed: Keeps readers up-to-date on local business news and trends.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other business leaders through events and advertisements.
  • Business Intelligence: Offers insights, analysis, and best practices for local businesses.

12. Columbia Free Times

A weekly alternative newspaper covering news, music, arts, and business in Columbia.
  • Staying Informed: Keeps readers up-to-date on local news, trends, and events.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other professionals through events and advertisements.
  • Business Intelligence: Offers insights, analysis, and best practices for local businesses in the arts, music, and culture scene.

13. Columbia Startup Cup

An annual business competition offering prizes, resources, and mentorship to local startups.
  • Competition Opportunities: Provides a platform for early-stage startups to showcase their businesses.
  • Resources & Mentorship: Offers resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for participating startups.
  • Prize Incentives: Provides cash prizes, services, and other incentives to winning startups.

14. Columbia Angel Investor Network (CAIN)

A group of accredited investors who provide funding and mentorship to early-stage startups.
  • Access to Capital: Provides funding for qualifying startups.
  • Mentorship Opportunities: Offers guidance from experienced investors and mentors.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects startups with potential investors, advisors, and partners.

15. Columbia Venture Club (CVC)

A group of angel investors focused on supporting early-stage startups in the Columbia region.
  • Access to Capital: Provides funding for qualifying startups.
  • Mentorship Opportunities: Offers guidance from experienced investors and mentors.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects startups with potential investors, advisors, and partners.