July 12, 2010
The Lowcountry Small Business Hub Inc. will announce and celebrate its transition to an independent not-for-profit entity and the award of a major USDA Rural Development Grant at the Hub Membership meeting at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 20 at the Lowcountry Council of Governments (LowCOG) headquarters at Point South in Yemassee, S.C.
The Hub will receive a one-year USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant of $99,990. The public, Lowcountry small businesses and all who support small business in the Lowcountry are invited to attend.
Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) President Dr. Tom Leitzel will officially transition the Hub operations from a program established by the College to a community-based collaborative organization focused on complementing small business services being delivered across the Lowcountry.
D’Jaris Moore, President and COO of the Hub, will summarize the Hub’s accomplishments during its first two years and introduce several Hub clients who will talk about how the Hub has helped them to start and grow their businesses.
Vernita Dore, South Carolina State Director for USDA Rural Development, will present the Hub with a check symbolizing the grant award.
Jim Collett, Rotarian of the Year from the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club, will deliver the keynote address.
Ray Wenig, the Hub Board Chairperson, will present the Hub’s 2010-2011 plans, which include the launch of a Virtual Business Incubator, development of a Hub Portal that will provide services via the web, and a feasibility study of a Micro-Finance Program for Lowcountry small businesses.
The Lowcountry Small Business Hub consults with clients’ businesses to understand their situation and requirements and to develop a customized plan for how to proceed. The Hub connects clients with a wide variety of Lowcountry governmental, non-profit and commercial service providers and monitors and coordinates to make sure that the Hub clients get the help that they need.
Created and launched by the Technical College of the Lowcountry in 2008, the Hub is now an independent non-profit corporation funded in part by a USDA grant. Additional funding for the Hub comes from memberships, donations and sponsors. The Hub does not charge for its services, though Hub clients are encouraged to join as members and make donations.
In its first two years of operation, the Hub helped 194 businesses. By the end of 2010, the Hub will have helped create or save at least 46 Lowcountry jobs.
For additional information, please contact D’Jaris Moore, 843-645-1992 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
