Office of Small Business Opportunity

Fueling Growth and Sustainability where Small Business Meets Opportunity

At the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO), we open the doors to growth for small businesses ready to compete and succeed. By streamlining access to government contracts, offering expert guidance, and connecting businesses with valuable resources, we help position small local enterprises for long-term success in both the public and private sectors. No matter your industry or background, if you're ready to do business, we're ready to help.

What We Do

  • Certify eligible small businesses to participate in County contracting opportunities
  • Help businesses understand and navigate government contracting processes
  • Provide training, workshops, and one-on-one consulting for business development needs
  • Host networking events and workshops
  • Maintain a directory of certified Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs) for increased visibility
  • Offer compliance support for businesses working on county-funded projects

Community Engagement

OSBO plays an active role in strengthening the local business ecosystem by building strong connections across public agencies, private industry, and the community. We collaborate with partners at the local, state, and federal levels to deliver high-impact workshops, outreach events, and business development programs. Our goal is to create an open and competitive environment where all qualified small businesses have access to the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed.

OSBO Certification Programs

Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE)

Must be an independently owned and operated for-profit business

Must be located in Richland County

  • Or 25% of employees must live in Richland County
  • Or 50% of revenue must be generated in Richland County

Must have been operating for at least 1 year or obtains significant documented experience

Meets size standard eligibility requirements for Small Business Enterprises as defined below:

  • Is not a broker
  • Is not a subsidiary of another business
  • Is not dominant in its field of operation
  • Whose owners are actively involved in day-to-day management and control of the business
  • And that also is performing a commercially useful function

The business must have no more than 50 full-time employees and must have been in business a minimum of 1 year

Emerging Small Local Business Enterprise (ESLBE)

An emerging firm that meets all of the qualifications of a Small Local Business Enterprise, and:

  • Is less than five (5) years old
  • Has no more than five (5) full-time employees
  • Annual gross sales as averaged over the life of the firm are less than $1 million

 

stars SLBE Spotlight stars

Mattlane Construction Logo

We are proud to spotlight Mattlane Construction, Inc. as our SLBE Business Highlight for May. Based in West Columbia, SC, Mattlane Construction is a family rooted concrete contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and DOT projects across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Known for precision, reliability, and advanced technology, the company delivers high quality concrete solutions that help support infrastructure and community development throughout the region.

Lauren Matthews

Lead by Lauren Mattews, President, Mattlane Construction combines generations of industry knowledge with a forward thinking approach to concrete construction. Founded in 2020 and built on a third generation legacy, the company provides services including curb and gutter, paving, sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps. Pervious concrete, and volumetric concrete delivery. Using GPS and laser guided technology, Mattlane Construction is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and high performing results for municipalities developers, and contractors. Under Lauren’s leadership, the company has built a reputation for professionalism, quality workmanship, and a strong commitment to community centered projects.

Business Name: Mattlane Construction, Inc.
Services: Concrete placement, paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps, volumetric delivery
Office Phone: 803-960-8494
Owner: Lauren Matthews
Website: https://mattlaneconstruction.com/
Email: office@mattlaneconstruction.com

Why We Chose Mattlane Construction, Inc.

We selected Mattlane Construction for this month’s spotlight because of their dedication to quality, innovation, and infrastructure improvement. Lauren Matthews’ leadership, combined with the company’s growing impact in transportation and concrete construction, reflects the excellence and forward momentum we value in our SLBE community. Their work demonstrates how specialized expertise can help strengthen communities and support long term growth.

Upcoming Events

Connect with Us

Click here to view form.

Department Head

Pam Green

Pam Green

Pam Green brings over 25 years of experience in the private and local government sectors. She holds a BS degree in Finance and Management from the University of South Carolina. Ms. Green has demonstrated her commitment to economic growth and small business inclusivity by driving meaningful opportunities for underrepresented businesses.