Columbia Standard

An event Wednesday, Sept. 14 will provide direct access to job and procurement opportunities in Richland County.

The County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) is organizing the third annual Engage Richland Opportunity Day in Richland County from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the R2i2 Conference Center at 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia. Open to the public, the event will feature:

• employment agencies available for interviews on site
• panel discussions on procurement and workforce development
• access to federal, state and local procurement opportunities

“We are excited to present this event for the small-business community,” said Erica Wade, OSBO manager. “We recognize the need for additional resources in contracting opportunities for small businesses, but equally important is the need to connect our local workforce to available job opportunities.”

To register to attend, go to bit.ly/RCOppDay or search for Opportunity Day on the Eventbrite website.

Jobs, Contracts Available

Opportunity Day will provide small-business owners relevant and timely information on accessing contractual, financial and employment opportunities through agencies in the County. All attendees can meet with other business owners, lenders, affiliates and County partners about obtaining contracts and employment. Richland County Human Resources and other County departments seeking to fill open positions will be on hand.

Keynote speaker John B. Gethers, COVID business consultant for Columbia Area Small Business Development Centers, will discuss establishing business credit.

The first half of the event will include a panel discussion for small-business owners on navigating challenges with procurement and workforce development. The second half will focus on matchmaking for procurement and job opportunities and feature an event matching small-business owners with Richland County departments in need of supplies and services.

To prepare for the event, job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their résumé, capability statement and business card and be ready to discuss job opportunities with employment agencies, who will be onsite to accept applications and interview applicants.

A vendor village during the event will feature various businesses, schools and County partners sharing information and training opportunities.

For more information, contact OSBO at 803-576-1540 or osbo@richlandcountysc.gov.