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SBDC asks for $350,000 to restore capacity after pandemic demand surge
Summary
Michelle Abraham, acting state director of the SBDC, told the committee the network served about 4,005 clients last year and helped clients secure nearly $80 million in loans; the SBDC requested $350,000 recurring to increase capacity and staff compensation.
Michelle Abraham, state director (returning part‑time) of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), briefed the subcommittee on the SBDC's statewide counseling and training work and requested a recurring increase in the agency's state line item to meet demand and raise staff compensation.
Why it matters: The SBDC provides no‑fee consulting and training across 46 counties, supporting startups and small businesses to access financing and contracts; Abraham said the program yields a high return on investment for the state.
Abraham said the SBDC served about 4,005 clients annually, helped clients obtain nearly $80,000,000 in loans in the last year, and is hosted by a consortium of four universities (University of South Carolina, SC State, Clemson and Winthrop). She said the SBDC's current state line item is approximately $791,000 and requested a $350,000 recurring increase to address staffing market‑rate shortfalls and capacity constraints.
What's next: The SBDC offered to provide follow‑up materials and said staff will be available for additional questions as the subcommittee reviews the request.
