On Saturday, July 27, NCGrowth hosted its annual Small Rural Business Workshop in Walterboro, SC. This year’s event brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and industry experts from across the Lowcountry, all committed to the growth and sustainability of rural small businesses. With an attendance of over 100, the event provided invaluable insights on a variety of crucial topics facing today’s rural business owners. 

Key Workshop Sessions: 

1. Cultural Heritage and Agritourism in the Lowcountry 
   Participants explored the rich opportunities that cultural heritage and agritourism present for sustainable business growth, particularly in preserving the unique Gullah Geechee culture and leveraging local agricultural assets. 

2. Heirs Property and Land Management 
   Addressing a critical issue in the region, experts provided strategies on how landowners can navigate the complexities of heirs’ property and ensure that their land remains a generational asset. 

3. Inclusive Lending and Funding for Small Businesses in Rural Communities 
   Access to capital is vital for small businesses. This session focused on breaking down barriers to funding and providing inclusive lending opportunities to foster economic growth in rural areas. 

4. Procurement Ready vs. Business Ready 
   Business owners learned the key differences between being ready to secure contracts through procurement processes and general business readiness, offering practical advice on how to position their businesses for new opportunities. 

5. Succession and Legacy Planning for Family-Owned Businesses 
   This session tackled the often-overlooked area of legacy and succession planning, helping family-owned businesses navigate their future to ensure long-term sustainability. 

In addition to these interactive sessions, the event featured a Small Business Showcase and Business Resource Fair, which gave attendees the chance to engage directly with both community resource partners and fellow small business owners. This one-on-one engagement fostered an environment of collaboration and growth, providing a vital networking platform. 

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our community and business resource partners who played an essential role in making this event a success, including: Bowman Vineyard and Farms, Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, Colleton County Probate Office, Charleston County Procurement Office, HR Cares Rx, Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, Lowcountry African American Cultural Arts Festival (LAACAF), Peculiar Pig Farm, Prudential Insurance, SCACED (South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development), South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition (SCBFC), South Carolina Community Loan Fund, SC USDA Rural Development, Titan Financial LTD, and the Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce. 

By fostering a space for learning, collaboration, and opportunity, NCGrowth is committed to ensuring that rural small businesses in South Carolina’s Lowcountry have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. We look forward to continuing this important work in future events and workshops, driving economic growth and preserving the rich cultural heritage of this unique region. 

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