Miss Lesavsia Brayton, representing the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity, briefed the committee on SLBE program metrics and outreach.

"As it relates to our certified SLBEs, we have 9 architectural and engineering, 67 construction services, 127 non professional, 84 professional and 6 wholesale, which gives us a total of 293 SLBE certified," Brayton reported. She said the office currently has 25 pending new applications and 66 renewing SLBEs.

Brayton described AusBO Connect, an engagement series launched to help small businesses learn about contracting opportunities with Richland County facilities, larger firms and corporate partners, and noted that on Dec. 18 the office joined the Greater Irmo Chamber for a ribbon-cutting partnership. She said staff are expanding outreach to small businesses in District 1 to provide resources and SLBE certification assistance.

Brayton closed by inviting questions and noting AusBO is actively tracking SLBE participation goals on several county projects.