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 Farmer National, LLC as our SLBE Business highlight for November. Established in 2018 and based in Blythewood, South Carolina, Farmer National provides land management, landscaping, and site preparation services throughout the Midlands and the surrounding southeastern region. With capabilities that support residential, commercial, and infrastructure related projects, the company plays an important role in maintaining properties and preparing sites for development.
About the Business & Owner
Led by Andra Farmer, Farmer National, LLC offers a wide range of services, including tree removal, vegetation management, stump grinding, land clearing, site preparation, and storm-damage cleanup. Additional capabilities include right-of-way clearing for utilities, soil grading, bush hogging, pasture restoration, and trail and road maintenance.
Serving clients throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, Farmer National brings together a broad range of land management and site services to address varying project needs. The company’s diverse capabilities and commitment to serving its customers make it a valuable resource for property owners, contractors, and organizations seeking dependable land and site preparation solutions.
Business Name: Farmer National, LLC
Owner/Chef: Andra Farmer
Location: Blythewood, South Carolina
Email: fconstruction@fcllc.biz
Service Area: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia
Why We Chose Farmer National, LLC
We selected Farmer National, LLC for our November spotlight because of its diverse service capabilities and contribution to the region’s landscaping, land management, and infrastructure needs. Under Andra Farmer’s leadership, the company demonstrates how local small businesses can provide specialized services that support property improvement, project development, and community growth.
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