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
This month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Carrie Vine’s Homemade Treats, a standout SLBE that represents both creativity and commitment to quality. Carrie has built her business on the simple belief that desserts should bring joy, and her made-from-scratch treats reflect the passion and care she puts into every order. Her story is an inspiring example of how local entrepreneurship can leave a sweet and lasting impact on both our community and beyond.
What they offer
Carrie Vine’s Homemade Treats is a Columbia-based bakery that takes pride in creating small-batch, scratch-made desserts that are both delicious and beautifully crafted. From chewy pecan bars to zesty lemon brownies, each treat is designed to delight and satisfy any sweet tooth. While deeply rooted in the local community with pickup options in Columbia, the business also offers nationwide shipping, making it easy for customers everywhere to enjoy Carrie’s signature desserts.
- Scratch-made treats crafted in small batches—perfect for gatherings, and holidays.
- Specializes in desserts
- Shipping is available nationwide
Business Name: Carrie Vine's Homemade Treats
Business Owner's Name: Nailah Darby
Phone Number: 803-681-0881
Email: hello@carrievinetreats.com
Website: www.carrievinetreats.com
Why they stand out
We are proud to recognize Carrie Vine’s Homemade Treats as our SLBE highlight for September because of the owner’s dedication to quality, care, and community. Carrie’s commitment to baking from scratch with love reflects the values of consistency and excellence we celebrate in small businesses. Her ability to balance strong local connections while reaching customers nationwide shows how small enterprises can have both a community impact and a broader influence.
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