South Carolina Department of Commerce – Business Solutions Division
The S.C. Department of Commerce’s Business Solutions Division provides resource assistance to enhance business operations and opportunities for South Carolina’s existing and small business community. Business Solutions assists existing businesses with regulatory issues, supply chain opportunities, workforce resources and production and process innovation referrals. The division also houses the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office, which provides need-specific support to small business in the areas of business planning, finance, marketing, regulations, operations and workforce development. Large and small firms are supported, and the business sectors range from manufacturing to logistics, and service to technology-oriented. The division collaborates with a variety of allies to help meet the needs for business development and growth, and provides resource support to hundreds of South Carolina companies each year.
Contact:
Chuck Bundy, Senior Manager
S.C. Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-0440 (office)
(803) 806-3420 (fax)
[email protected]
www.sccommerce.com
South Carolina Department of Commerce – International Division
The International Division, part of the Business Solutions Division, is responsible for planning, organizing and leading all international trade missions done by the agency as well as assisting with international trade delegations and foreign leaders visiting South Carolina. The overseas missions provide opportunities for the state’s companies interested in exporting products and services to meet face-to-face with buyers and distributors. Missions also provide local government leaders and economic development officials the opportunity to promote the state and regions for international investment and provide government and university leaders the opportunity to exchange new ideas, discuss R&D collaboration and student exchanges with their international peers. Division staff also work with others in the South Carolina International Trade Coalition to provide export guidance and assistance to South Carolina companies.
Contact:
Clarke Thompson, Director, International Division
South Carolina Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-0438 (office)
(803) 806-3508 (fax)
[email protected]
South Carolina World Trade Center Charleston (WTCC)
World Trade Center Charleston is part of the World Trade Centers of America network in 90 countries, and is operated under the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The mission of WTCC is to be a resource for facilitation, promotion and education of global trade.
Contact:
World Trade Center Charleston
4500 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
843.805.3089 (office)
U.S. Department of Commerce – Export Assistance Center
Promotes exports of U.S. firms with the following services:
Gold Key Service / International Partner Search
Services to locate potential overseas representatives.
Customized Market Research
Provides information on sales potential, competition, sales channels, pricing, buyer profiles, market exposure, overcoming obstacles, potential representatives/buyers, and licensing/joint venture possibilities.
International Market Research
Comprehensive, in-depth research performed on location in overseas markets and posted on the National Trade Data Bank and Export.gov
Commercial News USA
A catalog magazine that showcases products and services to 70+ overseas markets.
International Company Profile
Background checks are prepared on potential trading partners.
Trade Promotion
Assistance with major industry trade shows in the U.S. and abroad
Trade Counseling/Training
In cooperation with local partners through seminars, webinars and one-on-one counseling.
Contact:
Phil Minard, International Trade Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
1362 McMillan Avenue, Ste 100
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-3404 (office)
(843) 529-0305 (fax)
[email protected]
www.export.gov
South Carolina States Ports Authority
The Port of Charleston, one of the nation’s 10 largest ports, offers South Carolina companies frequent access to markets across the globe. Most of the world’s leading ocean carriers, including 17 of the top 20, calling on Charleston with service to nations around the world. The variety is unmatched on the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts, providing a closer link between South Carolina companies and foreign suppliers and customers. Transportation professionals at more than 350 companies smooth international business transactions, offering services including international marketing and consulting, freight forwarding and brokerage, trucking, inbound logistics, warehousing, insurance and many others.
Contact:
Byron Miller, VP Marketing & Sales Support
South Carolina State Ports Authority
PO Box 22287
Charleston, SC 29413
(843) 577-8197 (office)
(843) 577-8710 (fax)
[email protected]
www.port-of-charleston.com
ECI/Find New Markets (FORMERLY SOUTH CAROLINA EXPORT CONSORTIUM)
ECI/Find New Markets is a non-profit organization that specializes in the development and implementation of business, marketing and global trade strategies. By customizing its approach to market research, staff is able to assist clients with all of the elements necessary to grow a business regardless of where they are in the market development process.
Market Research
ECI/Find New Markets provides client-specific solutions to help companies compete successfully in the global market. It also helps companies with domestic market identification. Through in-depth market research and a competitive analysis, staff identifies new opportunities for a client’s products or services. Whether you have an existing product and are looking for new markets or are an entrepreneur with an innovative new product, the Export Consortium is your portal to new business.
Contact:
Fred Monk, President
ECI/Find New Markets
PO Box 12186
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 255-2623 (office)
[email protected]
www.findnewmarkets.com