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Richland County OSBO reports 261 certified firms, announces June 26 workshop on county contracting
Summary
The Office of Small Business Opportunity reported 261 certified firms across multiple categories and announced an in-person "Beyond the Bid" workshop June 26 that will include a live demo of Richland County's new OpenGov e-procurement portal and a presentation by the county procurement director.
LaSasha, a staff member with the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO), told the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee the office currently certifies 261 firms across certification categories and is actively processing new and renewal applications.
"We currently have 7 architectural and engineering SBE firms, 65 construction, 104 nonprofessional services, 79 professional services, and 6 wholesale certified firms, which puts us at a total of 261," LaSasha said. She added the office had two pending new applications and 20 renewing small local business (SLB) applications awaiting recertification.
OSBO announced an in-person workshop titled "Beyond the Bid: Strategies for Success with Richland County" to be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Richland County Council Chambers, 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204. The announcement said the workshop will include a live demo of OpenGov, Richland County's new e-procurement portal, a presentation by Jennifer Ladyshkin, Richland County director of procurement, and information on solicitation, subcontracting and tips for successful bidding. Lunch will be served; the office noted free parking is available in the surface lot behind the parking garage and provided OSBO contact information for early registration.
LaSasha said OSBO is actively recruiting small businesses to apply for the county's Small Local Business Enterprise program and emphasized the program is race- and gender-neutral and certifies firms in several categories. The office provided a phone number, (803) 576-1540, and an email contact of osborichlandcountysc@ (as given in the packet) for registration and certification questions.
The committee did not take action on certification matters during the meeting; the OSBO presentation was informational.
