Office of Small Business Opportunity Ad Hoc Committee - September 1, 2026

The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity Ad Hoc Committee met on September 1, 2026, to discuss the establishment and ordinance revisions for the Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO). Key procurement-related topics included setting aspirational small business participation goals across county departments, clarifying the role of OSBO in procurement processes, and defining subcontracting requirements based on project scope and availability of qualified small businesses. The committee also reviewed the framework for a $3 million revolving loan fund to support small businesses, debating the procurement approach for third-party management of the fund, including concerns about sole source contracting versus competitive procurement. A motion was passed directing the county administrator to engage an outside consultant to research and develop recommendations for the revolving loan fund program. The meeting emphasized ensuring equitable small business participation in county contracts and refining evaluation criteria for bids involving small local business enterprises (SLBEs).