State outreach agency offers small-business certification, outreach to Hampton County

Hampton County — On Oct. 6, 2025, representatives from the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement told the Hampton County Council they are expanding outreach across the state and can help local small businesses with technical assistance and vendor certification.

The agency, formerly the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs, was created in 1993 and its mission was expanded in 2003, the presenters said. Under legislation signed earlier this year the agency’s name and focus changed; the commission now emphasizes rural and under-resourced communities rather than narrowly defined minority populations.

“We are not here to stand in front of you and say that we're experts,” said Brenton Brown, chief of staff for the commission. “This is your home. This is your community. We want to come in and supplement the work that you're doing to make the lives of your residents better.”

Joshua Shumack, the commission’s regional coordinator for the Low Country, told council members the agency maintains memoranda of understanding with state and federal partners and has worked on FEMA grants and other programs to direct resources into counties. He distributed a one‑page summary and information about the commission’s small-business certification program.

Officials described a transferred function that had been housed in the state Department of Administration: a small-and-minority-business contracting and certification unit now operating within the commission. That unit helps businesses obtain state certification and vendor registration, including registration through the South Carolina Fiscal Accountability Authority (SPA), the presenters said.

The council asked how the agency supports start-ups. Brown and Shumack described a tiered approach that includes technical assistance, help with vendor registration, and pathways to scale businesses that are already state‑certified.

The commission’s representatives asked councils and staff to identify local gaps so the agency can coordinate referrals to partner programs and grants. The presenters said they would provide contact information and printed materials the council can share with local businesses.

The visit concluded with council members thanking the presenters and noting the county will consider how to route local business inquiries to the commission for follow-up.