SBDC opens office in Goose Creek

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Current and prospective business owners from Goose Creek, Moncks Corner and surrounding areas now have a convenient one-stop location to seek guidance on all of their business-related questions.

The Charleston Area Small Business Development Center is expanding to Berkeley County with a new office in Goose Creek.

Beginning today, consultants will be available 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays at the Creek Compass Room in Goose Creek City Hall, located at 519 North Goose Creek Blvd.

The move is the result of an alliance with the City of Goose Creek Economic Development Department.

The growing need for a new office in Berkeley County was first recognized by department director Matt Brady and Berkeley Chamber of Commerce CEO Elaine Morgan, who would send their clients from Berkeley County to SBDC consultants in North Charleston.

"We decided we'd set up an office over there because it's a pretty good drive from Moncks Corner to North Charleston," said business consultant Tom Lauria.

The move will also help consultants reach new clients who may not have been previously aware of South Carolina SBDC's services.

"It's advantageous to us because it helps us get the word out to make sure people understand who we are and what we can provide," said Paul Featheringill, region director for the S.C. SBDC. “Especially since we've been doing so much of our work remotely, to be able to get back out into these areas and reestablish our presence is a tremendous benefit.”

SBDC consultants work with business owners on a variety of topics, such as business plans, marketing, sales growth strategies and fiscal management. The new office of the Charleston Area SBDC is one of 21 centers in South Carolina, with additional offices at The Citadel and on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Consultations are free and by-appointment only.