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
SLBE Spotlight
We are proud to spotlight The Lemonade Twins as our SLBE Business Highlight for the month of July. Founded by twin entrepreneurs Faith and Malia Jeffcoat, this Columbia based business has grown from a neighborhood lemonade stand into a certified business with a mission to inspire others through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and a little sweetness in every cup. Their motto says it best: “We are not a lemonade stand. We are a growing lemonade business.”
Established in June 2020, The Lemonade Twins was created by sisters Faith and Malia Jeffcoat, whose passion for homemade lemonade and serving others parked a thriving business at a young age. Today, they offer a variety of handcrafted lemonade flavors while encouraging other young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
The business is built on a simple philosophy: every cup is made with fresh ingredients and their secret ingredient, love. Beyond serving delicious lemonade, Faith and Malia are committed to creating smiles, building community, and showing that age is no barrier to making a positive impact. You can often find them serving customers at Soda City Market in Columbia, where they continue to grow their business and connect with the community.
Business Name: The Lemonade Twins
Services: Fresh, homemade flavored lemonade and community events
Owner/President: Faith and Malia Jeffcoat
Website: https://thelemonadetwins.com/
Why We Chose The Lemonade Twins
We selected The Lemonade Twins for this month’s spotlight because they exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and determination that the SLBE program celebrates. Faith and Malia have transformed a simple idea into a growing business while inspiring other young people to dream big, serve their community, and pursue their goals with confidence and heart.
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