Citizen Portal
Sign In

Richland County small-business office reports 293 certified SLBEs, expands outreach

Richland County Transportation Advisory Committee · January 12, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity reported 293 certified SLBEs across multiple categories, 25 pending new applications, 66 renewals, and described a new AusBO Connect engagement series and a partnership with the Greater Irmo Chamber.

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.