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TUESDAY SEPT. 29, 2026

8AM - 4PM 8th Annual Small Business Trade Show & Forum

Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity

From the Director When we connect people, ideas, resources and opportunities, outcomes are multiplied. A business might start with just one person, service, or idea, but the moment that business owner sits across the table or meets a potential customer, supplier, corporate or procurement professional, an “X” (extra) factor is created. Welcome to the eighth annual Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) Small Business Forum and Trade Show – THRIVE10X! THRIVE10X creates the environment for access, visibility and connections, with the resources needed to build productive relationships and open the door to new markets and opportunities. You are here not to simply attend another conference, but to intentionally move your business forward. You are here to meet the right partner, discover a new opportunity, and find the right resources to fit your business. What did we learn from last year’s THRIVE25 conference? Businesses THRIVE through relationships. Multiple joint ventures and partnerships were formed, creating additional revenue for many businesses during a very difficult economy. Opportunities were multiplied. THRIVE10X aims to turn one introduction or conversation into multiple paths. Therefore, the room is diverse by design – a contractor might need a mural from an artist, a business might need an app developed, or you might need an international connection to take your business abroad. Learn something you can put into action, or share a tip with someone. Find the possibility in the room and turn it into an opportunity. We are here to multiply the possible together! OSBO is engaged in the community, building relationships on your behalf to bring meaningful conferences, workshops and technical assistance throughout the year to help boost your business. Because you are a vital part of Richland County’s economic growth, we seek contracting opportunities within and outside the County to foster capacity building. We appreciate the time you chose to spend with us today!

Pam Green Director, Office of Small Business Opportunity

La’Sasha Breland Assistant Director

Wylondria Jefferson Certification & Compliance Specialist

To our committed sponsors, presenters and collaborative partners: Thank you for your investment and tireless efforts to support the most crucial part of our economy. To our family at the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (OBO): Thank you for the continuous partnership that allows us to multiply our impact. Timary Harris

Finally, the dedicated staff of OSBO appreciates the support of Richland County Council and County Administration.

Program Coordinator

Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity

Our Mission The mission of the Office of Small Business Opportunity of Richland County, South Carolina, is to provide a race- and gender-neutral tool for the County to use in its efforts to ensure all segments of its small- and local business community have a reasonable and significant opportunity to compete and participate in contracts.

Richland County’s Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program This program encourages greater availability, capacity development, and contract participation by Richland County small businesses in non-federally funded County contracts, including the County’s Transportation Penny program.

Eligibility Requirements for Richland County SLBEs Located in the County at least one year before submitting an application Independently owned and operated Not a subsidiary of another business Not dominant in field of operation Average gross annual revenues for the past three years that do not exceed the maximum permitted Not exceeding the maximum number of employees permitted (50 for SLBEs, 5 for ESLBEs) Compliance with program requirements that are monitored and enforced by OSBO

The Purpose of the Program The SLBE program was established by Ordinance No. 049-13HR to provide a raceand gender-neutral procurement tool for the County to use in its efforts to ensure all segments of its small- and local business community have a reasonable and significant opportunity to participate in County contracts. The County certifies in the areas of construction, architectural and engineering services, professional services, nonprofessional services and commodities. Moreover, the SLBE program provides additional avenues for the development of new capacity and new sources of competition for County contracts from a growing pool of small and locally based businesses. How to Get Certified A firm can become certified as an SLBE or Emerging SLBE (ESLBE) with OSBO upon submission of a completed certification application, supporting documentation, and a signed and notarized affidavit affirming it meets all the SLBE/ESLBE eligibility criteria.

Connect with OSBO

Richland County Councilmembers Jason Branham

District 1 2022-2026

Derrek Pugh

District 2 2024-2028

Tyra Little

District 3 2024-2028

Paul Livingston District 4 2022-2026

Allison Terracio

District 5 2022-2026

Don Weaver

Gretchen D. Cooper

Tish Dozier Alleyne

Jesica Mackey

Cheryl English

Chakisse Newton

District 6 2022-2026

District 7 2024-2028

District 8 2024-2028

District 9 2024-2028

District 10 2024-2028

District 11 2022-2026

Richland County operates under the Council–Administrator form of government. County Councilmembers are elected in November general elections from single-member districts for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1 of the following year. The 11-member Council appoints an Administrator to be the chief administrative ofﬁcer of Richland County Government and to manage all departments under the jurisdiction of Richland County Council. The Administrator executes the policies, directives and legislative actions of Council, manages and coordinates operations, prepares operating and capital budgets and performs essential duties in overseeing the daily and long-term activities of the County.

Office of Business Opportunities Ayesha Driggers

Shontay Cooper

Tonya Porter-DeBerry

Bret Whiting

Grants Coordinator

Commercial Loan Officer

Director

Administrative Specialist

Carla Eichelberger

Cassandra Fletcher

Latonya Germany

Program Compliance Coordinator

Program Compliance Specialist

Kalenna Ginyard Program Compliance Specialist

The Office of Business Opportunities is committed to supporting initiatives that benefit small, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned businesses located in or that want to do business with the City of Columbia. This is accomplished by providing creative financing, technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities that contribute to the economic growth of all communities.

THRIVE

Agenda

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2026 8AM - 4PM 7:30am

Registration

8:30am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

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Pam Green, Director, Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) Jesica Mackey, Chair, Richland County Council Tish Dozier Alleyne, Chair, Richland County OSBO Ad Hoc Committee Leonardo Brown, Administrator, Richland County Ayesha Driggers, Director, City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities

Recognition of Sponsors La’Sasha Breland, Assistant Director, Richland County OSBO Mike Cirri, CNY Attractions (Title Sponsor) Pelham Myers, P&B Promotionals (Emerald Sponsor) Adam Odom, South State Bank (Nexus Sponsor)

9am

The 10X Launchpad: Breakout Session Intros Ashton Williams Sr., Advance SC Dr. Dub Taylor, Dub Taylor Consulting Darrell Seabrook, Batson-Cook Construction Sam Herkowitz, Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) Deon Generette, 7Sunday

CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS All sessions presented on the hour. Choose two sessions.

9:15am 10:15am

Session One Session Two “Credentials & Capital: The Cross-Agency Toolkit” Location: Hall of Fame La’Sasha Breland, Richland County OSBO Zach Cavanaugh, Richland County Business Service Center Ashton Williams Sr., Advance SC Kelly Smith, City of Columbia Business License Division Melissa Lindler, Small Business Administration (SBA) (Sessions continued on next page)

Agenda (continued)

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2026 8AM - 4PM 10:15am

“Operation Next-Gen: Utilizing the Ultimate Workforce Model to Retain Local Talent” Location: Senate Room A Dr. Dub Taylor, Dub Taylor Consulting Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant, Office of Statewide Workforce Development Richard Miller, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR)

“The Scaffold to Success: A Small-Business Roadmap to Incoming Infrastructure” Location: Senate Room B Darrell Seabrook, Batson-Cook Construction Synithia Williams, Richland County Community Planning & Development Callison Rawl, Richland County Grants & Community Development Shannon Lizewski, City of Columbia Procurement

“Bytes & Biz: Flipping the Switch on Tech Growth” Location: Lincoln Room A Sam Herskovitz, Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) Javon Jones, S.C. Research Authority (SCRA) Kim A. Smith, Health Evolve Technologies Dr. France Jackson, Rice & Gravy Studio

“The Creative Lab: An Interactive Session for Independent Creators” Location: Lincoln Room B

Deon Generette, 7Sunday Xavier Blake, One Columbia Darlene Fields, D Sew Sew Good, DVness Fashions and D Sew Sew Good Sewing Academy

11:15am

Corporate Partner Procurement Panel “The Buyer’s Boardroom: Direct Sourcing Intel from Executive Decision Makers” Location: Main Ballroom Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Blue Cross Blue Shield The COMET Prisma Health Babcock Center M.B. Kahn SC State Fiscal Accountability Authority (Sessions continued on next page)

Agenda (continued)

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2026 8AM - 4PM 12:45pm

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Lunch Session “Borderless Business: A Small-Business Survival Chat” Location: Main Ballroom

Courtney Young, Moderator, Foresight Communications Ija Monet Charles, Muralist, Ija Monet Bettina Walker, Miss Annie’s Janitorial & Decluttering Services Chinenyem Nwadiugwu, She Biology Luis Serrano, Arion Construction Consulting Georgina Dukes-Harris, Swishvo Inc. TaNieka Wilson Myers, The Wilson Affect Summer Frost, Freehold Focus

2pm

10X the Vibe: Thrive in Motion | Brief Energy-Boosting Interlude

2:15pm

Closing Remarks and Release to Trade Show Pam Green, Director, Richland County OSBO Small-Business Networking and Trade Show County & City Departments | Main Ballroom Small-Business Vendor Booths | Center Main Ballroom Corporate Booths | Main Ballroom Collaborative Partners | Pre-function Area

4pm

Event Concludes

Meet Our Presenters La’Sasha Breland Assistant Director Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity

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Ashton Williams Sr. Small Business Outreach Coordinator Advance SC

An innovative trailblazer with over a decade of cross-industry expertise, La’Sasha Breland co-pilots the Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) program as a dynamic launchpad for modern outreach initiatives, seamless resource delivery, and small-business growth. Recognizing that robust small businesses are the foundation of economic vitality, Breland champions initiatives that keep public capital circulating locally, thereby creating sustainable jobs, boosting neighborhood wealth, and fostering a resilient market landscape. Her career trajectory bridges corporate management and public administration, seamlessly transforming past experiences in operations, client relations, and business-to-business sales into an adaptive economic development toolkit tailored to elevate grassroots commerce.

Ashton Williams Sr. serves as a Small Business Outreach Coordinator with Advance SC, where he works statewide to connect small-business owners and entrepreneurs with resources, technical assistance, procurement opportunities and pathways for business growth. He regularly provides training, one-on-one assistance and outreach throughout South Carolina, with a particular focus on reaching small businesses in rural communities. Passionate about entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, Ashton works alongside community leaders and resource partners to help business owners access the tools, relationships and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

Meet Our Presenters Kelly Smith

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Melissa Lindler

Business License Administrator

District Director, South Carolina

City of Columbia

U.S. Small Business Administration

Kelly Smith has served as Business License Administrator for the City of Columbia since 2022. Her municipal licensing career began in 2009 with the City of Seattle’s Business Licensing Division. She holds a Master Accreditation in Business Licensing, the highest certification in the profession. Kelly currently serves on the Board of Directors for the S.C. Business Licensing Officials Association (BLOA). Ms. Smith leads a dedicated team focused on business‑friendly process improvements, enhancements to service, and various initiatives. She takes pride in helping both new and established business owners navigate the licensing process with confidence. Having a front‑row seat to Columbia’s growth, advancements and successes continues to inspire her work.

Melissa Lindler oversees U.S. Small Business Administration operations statewide and works to ensure entrepreneurs and small-business owners can access the tools, resources and support needed to start, grow and thrive. Throughout her career, Ms. Lindler has held senior leadership roles across public and nonprofit sectors. Prior to SBA, she served as Chief of Staff for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, a federalstate partnership authorized by Congress to advance economic and infrastructure development across seven states. She also served as Director of the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities, where she led efforts to support small, minority- and womenowned businesses through technical assistance, access to capital, and supplier development initiatives. Previously, Ms. Lindler spent 12 years with the U.S. House of Representatives as Director of District Planning and Outreach.

Meet Our Presenters Zach Cavanaugh Director of Business Services Richland County Community Planning & Development

Zach Cavanaugh is responsible for overseeing a variety of critical programs and services within Richland County’s Community Planning & Development Department. These include the County’s Business Service Center and programs for hospitality taxes, local accommodations taxes, residential landlord registration, and short-term rental licensing/compliance. Zach is also dedicated to educating local businesses on federal, state and local licensing and permitting requirements. Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a master’s in public administration from the University of South Carolina. In 2021, Zach earned a Master’s in Business Licensing certification from the Municipal Association of South Carolina. A lifelong County resident, Zach is committed to leveraging their skills and experience to improve the community and serve residents with dedication and integrity.

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Dr. Dub Taylor CEO Dub Taylor Consulting

Dr. Dub Taylor is an executive leader, entrepreneur, educator, fundraiser and business strategist with more than three decades of experience spanning corporate America, higher education, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and community development. Throughout his career, he has led large organizations, developed highperforming teams, built strategic partnerships, and delivered transformational growth. Dr. Taylor’s work has focused on leadership development, organizational transformation, strategic planning, fundraising, business growth, and longterm sustainability. An experienced educator, he has taught business, marketing, leadership, global entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship and strategic management.

Meet Our Presenters Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant Director S.C. Office of Statewide Workforce Development

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Richard Miller Development Chair Columbia Opportunity Resource

As the first director of the Office of Statewide Workforce Development, Dr. Rebecca Battle‑Bryant leads the effort to coordinate, align and direct workforce efforts across South Carolina. The OSWD’s goal is to implement projects assigned by the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development to maximize available resources and create a customer‑centric workforce development system that is accessible, effective and easy to navigate.

Richard’s path to becoming a financial consultant began in 2019, after losing his father to a three‑year battle with pancreatic cancer. Helping his mom handle the retirement accounts, benefits and financial pieces left behind was the spark that created BACE Financial, a consulting group in Columbia. That experience gave Richard a deep passion for helping widows and families navigate life after loss with confidence and care.

Previously, Dr. Battle‑Bryant was President and owner of Battle Plan Consulting LLC, a full‑service consulting firm. She has also served as Vice President of Human Resources and Workforce Development at United Infrastructure Group; Assistant Executive Director, Workforce & Economic Development, at the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce; Vice President of Corporate Training and Economic Development at Orangeburg‑Calhoun Technical College; and in progressive management positions at SCANA Corp./Dominion Energy.

He also quickly realized how complicated personal and business finances can become. Without a cohesive strategy, people end up with mismatched financial tools that don’t work together to achieve their goals. Richard’s mission is to simplify the complex, align your financial tools, and guide you toward financial independence with service and legacy at the heart of it all.

Meet Our Presenters Darrell Seabrook Vice President, Business Development, Charlotte Division Batson-Cook Construction

Darrell Seabrook deeply enjoys all aspects of the construction industry, including building relationships within the community and developing the right team on each project. As a skilled builder and project manager with 25 years of experience, Darrell brings a wealth of knowledge to potential and current clients that can help them succeed in their building endeavors. Being honest and transparent with clients, providing real solutions to challenges, and building trust with clients are key to Darrell’s success. His personal construction portfolio exceeds $500 million.

Callison Rawl Division Manager, Grants & Community Development Richland County

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Synithia Williams Director Richland County Community Planning & Development

Synithia Williams has over 20 years of progressive experience in public administration and local government. With a strong track record in driving community-focused solutions, Synithia is committed to excellence in public service and crafting sustainable, forward-thinking policies that respond to communities’ evolving needs. Her previous roles include Deputy County Administrator (Fairfield County), Stormwater Manager (Richland County), and Development Administrator (Lexington County). Synithia has a bachelor’s in biology from the University of South Carolina and a master’s in public administration from Strayer University.

Callison Rawl leads the Richland County Community Development Office, which manages and invests funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through a record year of $3.9 million in HUD investment, her office has helped transform neighborhoods and improve residents’ quality of life. Callison has 20 years of experience in community development, public policy advocacy, program management, and fundraising.

Meet Our Presenters

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Shannon Lizewski

Sam Herskovitz

Director of Procurement and Contracts

Executive Director

City of Columbia

Ms. Lizewski has been with the City of Columbia for 27 years and in a full-time procurement role since 2010. She currently serves as the Director of Procurement and Contracts and as the City’s Purchasing Agent. Lizewski brings to the table diverse procurement and contracting expertise in professional services, construction services, and contracts administration, as well as a background in project management and training. She has built a team with a variety of procurement specialties that welcomes innovation and going beyond the status quo. Lizewski is passionate about ensuring the City benefits from highly trained staff, efficient processes, and thoughtfully engaging the public.

Boyd Innovation Center

Sam Herskovitz is Executive Director of the Boyd Innovation Center (BIC), Columbia's tech startup hub, where he leads the programs, community and coworking space to help founders build and scale high-growth technology companies in Columbia. Before working at the BIC, Sam spent 10+ years in enterprise software product management, including as Head of Product for StandOut, a strengths-based talent technology platform used by millions of employees worldwide and acquired by Fortune 250 HR Tech company ADP Inc. in 2017. He has also been a founding team member of a startup and independent product consultant. Sam holds a degree in psychology and human complex systems from UCLA. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Sam lives in Columbia with his wife and two young children.

Meet Our Presenters

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Javon Jones

Kim A. Smith

Senior Investment Associate

CEO

S.C. Research Authority

Health Evolve Technologies

Javon Jones is a Senior Investment Associate at the S.C. Research Authority (SCRA), where he invests across the state in advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences and software. As a venture investor, Javon backs transformational ideas, technologies and founders, with a focus on identifying and supporting category-defining companies. He has sourced and studied investments and developed them across emerging markets, working closely with founders on growth strategy, product development, unit economics and execution. Beyond providing capital, Javon offers tactical support to help companies scale with discipline and purpose. His investment approach centers on generating strong returns while backing innovaaative companies that can build sustainably and create lasting impact.

Kim Smith is CEO of Health Evolve Technologies, a digital innovation company closing the gap on poor maternal health outcomes. Her passion for transforming health equity comes from her own experience losing her first child because of a life-threatening hypertensive disorder. Kim uses her voice at local and global tables of influence to transform how the voices of Black, indigenous and people of color communities are amplified. She is the past Board Chair for the Preeclampsia Foundation and past Board President for the S.C. Midlands Chapter of the American Heart Association. Kim serves on several maternal health task forces, including Surgo Health's Pivotal Maternal Health Taskforce. She was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Columbia Area Development Partnership and the Central Carolina Community Foundation. As the founder and CEO of Health Evolve, her team built a full-circle digital health solution, Lauren, for women facing chronic disease before, during, and after pregnancy. and North Carolina.

Meet Our Presenters Dr. France Jackson Owner and Operator Rice & Gravy Studio

Dr. France Jackson received her B.S. and M.S. from Clemson University in 2011 and 2013. She then received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in human-centered computing in 2018. As a user-experience researcher and designer, Dr. Jackson’s graduate research focused on creating immersive experiences at the cross-section of technology and popular culture, including fashion, gaming and media. For her dissertation, she applied a female-driven user-centered design process to the development of wearable brain-computer interface devices. A Columbia native, Dr. Jackson is now based in Beaverton, Oregon, where she runs her own creative agency, Rice & Gravy Studio. She helps businesses expand their online digital footprint and scale through technology solutions, expert creative strategies, and cohesive brand storytelling. Before becoming a full-time consultant and leading an agency, she had an 11-year career at Intel Corp.

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Deon Generette Founder and CEO 7Sunday, Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen

Deon Generette is a purpose-driven leader, entrepreneur and community servant. A proud father of four, he is the founder of 7Sunday Live LLC, Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG), and BizArts - ventures that reflect his passion for education, the arts and community empowerment. An Iraqi War veteran, Deon served eight years in the U.S. Army before earning a B.A. in theatre from the University of South Carolina and an MBA in human resources/small business management from Strayer University. Through DDG, Deon mentors young men aged 10–18, offering training in character development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, etiquette and conflict resolution. He also serves as Vice Chair of Richland County First Steps and is a frequent speaker in schools across the Carolinas. Deon’s cultural impact is evident in 7Sunday Live, a production company and music platform often called “South Carolina’s modern-day Soul Train.”

Meet Our Presenters Xavier Blake Executive Director One Columbia for Arts and Culture

Xavier Blake serves as the Executive Director of One Columbia for Arts and Culture. In this role, Blake collaborates with citizens, the cultural community, and city government, with the mission of enhancing the quality of life for all residents through the arts, building sustainable and equitable pipelines for artists, and connecting diverse cultural communities. Blake previously spent over two decades at PBS affiliate SCETV, working with creatives and communities to create and amplify representative content. This led to important community conversations and engagement. He also held positions as the Community Programming and Engagement Coordinator at Nickelodeon Theater and Content and Engagement Manager at PBS affiliate WMHT. Fueled by a global commitment to service in the arts, Xavier participates annually in the International Public TV Conference as a session creator and moderator.

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Darlene Fields Founder D Sew Sew Good, Dvness Fashions, D Sew Sew Good Sewing Academy

Since 2010, Darlene Fields has steadily built D Sew Sew Good into a respected fashion brand recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, timeless elegance and personalized service. As the brand’s founder and creative force, Darlene specializes in couture bridal gowns, prom dresses, evening wear, custom tailoring, men’s suits, alterations, and one-of-a-kind garments. Her creativity extends beyond fashion into custom home décor, where she designs elegant curtains, draperies, fitted chair covers, and decorative fabric pieces that transform ordinary spaces into beautiful environments. Expanding her vision even further, Darlene introduced the Dvness Fashions clothing line under the D Sew Sew Good brand. Through Dvness Fashions, she offers distinctive, ready-to-wear and designer collections that combine timeless elegance with modern style. Driven by a desire to preserve the art of sewing, Darlene also established the D Sew Sew Good Sewing Academy, which trains aspiring designers and seamstresses in technical skills and professional excellence.

Meet Our Presenters

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Courtney Young Founder, President, CEO ForeSight Communications

Courtney Young is an award-winning communications strategist and entrepreneur and the founder, President and CEO of ForeSight Communications, a strategic communications, training and project management firm. ForeSight has grown into an SBA-certified 8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business serving government agencies, corporations, nonprofits and community-based groups.

Bettina Walker Founder, CEO Miss Annie’s Janitorial & Decluttering Services

Bettina Walker is founder and CEO of MAJDS (Miss Annie’s Janitorial & Decluttering Services), a commercial cleaning, decluttering and facility services company. With over 15 years of experience in information technology, Bettina combines her expertise in technology, project management, and business strategy to build scalable, customer-focused solutions.

Ija Charles Artist and Muralist

Ija Charles is a self-taught artist and muralist. Armed with artistic talent and an attitude of gratitude, she spreads joy to every canvas and wall her paintbrushes touch. While Ija’s talent has garnered national attention from celebrities, city leaders and national organizations, her real power lies in her love for people and the community, with her murals beautifying the city and neighboring states across the country.

Chinenyem Nwadiugwu Founder, CEO She Biology

Chinenyem Nwadiugwu is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur, senior software engineer, and the founder & CEO of She Biology, a luxury skincare and wellness company. Her work spans complex enterprise systems, data architecture and management, artificial intelligence, and software development using technologies including Java and Python.

Meet Our Presenters Luis Serrano Manager Director Arion Construction Solutions

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Georgina Dukes-Harris Founder, CEO Swishvo Inc.

Luis Serrano is a certified general contractor with Concrete CT‑2 Classification and Manager Director of Arion Construction Solutions. His primary responsibilities include concrete commercial project planning, tracking, overseeing and supervising. With more than 25 years of construction industry experience, Luis and his team are among the fully trusted general contractors in Columbia, S.C.

Georgina Dukes-Harris is founder and CEO of Swishvo Inc., the first healthcare technology platform making holistic, spiritual and ancestral care covered by insurance. LSwishvo serves the 9.59 million doulas, midwives, chaplains, grief counselors, herbalists and ancestral healers who have done this work for generations without the credentialing and billing infrastructure other providers take for granted.

TaNieka Wilson Myers

Summer Frost

Owner

The Wilson Affect

Freehold Focus

TaNieka Wilson Myers is a dedicated wellness entrepreneur and the visionary owner of The Wilson Affect. A licensed massage therapist, TaNieka has built her career on the belief that chronic pain should not be a permanent barrier to a fulfilling life. Under her leadership, The Wilson Affect has become the largest VA-approved provider for massage therapy in South Carolina.

Summer Frost owns Freehold Focus, a Charleston-based and SCDOT-certified DBE firm specializing in right-of-way acquisition and real estate services for public infrastructure projects. A licensed S.C. Real Estate Broker-in-Charge, Summer has experience navigating property acquisition, landowner negotiations, and working with public agencies and private property owners.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

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Our eighth annual Small Business Forum - THRIVE 10X - would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their partnership highlights the value of Richland County’s small businesses - and those fellow businesses that champion them. Because of their support, we are able to bring together hundreds of small-business owners, provide access to valuable resources and expertise, and create a space for engagement and opportunity. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment.

TITLE SPONSOR

EMERALD SPONSOR

NEXUS SPONSOR

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

THRIVE ources to Ignite Visibility & Exp Hold of Res ansion Taking

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SAPPHIRE SPONSORS

CANVAS SPONSORS

VERGE SPONSORS

Trade Show Directory

THRIVE ources to Ignite Visibility & Exp Hold of Res ansion Taking

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Small-Business Vendor Showcase

Special Thanks to Our DJ! RAY INGRAM OWNER

SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE INFO

7Sunday Alpha Janitorial Services LLC & Ling Jr. LLC Aries Crest Digital Arion Construction Solutions LLC Bella by Novella Bella's Design & Catering Best Digital Solutions LLC Burnette Shutt & McDaniel Calfia Love LLC Cedar Creek Construction Clarrisa's Kitchen and Catering LLC Cluckin Right Coefficient Technologies LLC dba Surveillent Cyber Columbia SC Financial Center Complete Comfort Air Construction Support Services LLC Consulting Experts & Associates LLC CWF Crating & Logistics LLC D Sew Sew Good D W Davis Consulting LLC Deeper Than Skin Dirt Professionals LLC DPJ PROS Dub Taylor Consulting Effie Patricia Williams & Co. LLC Elevate Impact EMILY Revolutionary Marketing Group Empowered to Win Global Epitome Equal Yolk LLC dba Eggs Up Grill Eunoia Soul Apothecary & Wellness Suite Faces by Etosh Ford's Fullcourt Pressure Washing LLC Foresight Communications Freehold Focus Go Labs Mobile Services LLC God’s Growing Hands Handyman Helper LLC HHJ Construction Inc. Ija Monet Impeccable Cleaning Service LLC Interactive Learning Solutions LLC Interpersonal CORE Consulting (ICC) iRealtyInternational LLC Javis Financial Services LLC JWR Automations & Analytics

Kalex Cosmetics Kamo Facility Supplies & Solutions Karen Alexander Banks LLC dba Auntie Karen KB&T Handmade Collections LLC Kkrafftyks LLC Lebby Consulting LLC Lee Transport Equipment Inc. LightDay Clinical Trials LLC Mary Kay Cosmetics Independent SD Metro Auto Insurance Agency Miss Annie’s Janitorial & Decluttering Service (MAJDS) Modern Tech Solutions LLC Moodsips Customs LLC Philippians 4:13 Home Health & Medical Express LLC Pies by Angela Promozation Roadside Manners LLC SHE Biology SHEAM Strategic Consulting Group Small Name Big Results Realty SNO Tax Services Southern Commercial Development LLC Squeegee Clean Inc. Squeegee Squad Columbia Superior Lab Services LLC Swishvo Inc. The Artsy Girl The Life Changing Agent LLC The Promotion Lady LLC The Web Bar Marketing Agency The Wilson Affect The Wright Moment LLC The Wright One Electrical services Total Employee Sourcing LLC Touch of Joy Tri-Logistics Tutwieler Dawkins LLC Venture X-Downtown Columbia W.E.A.L with Chelsea J LLC Wellbeing Technologies DBA JCBW Wendy Mills Agency

Trade Show Directory

THRIVE ources to Ignite Visibility & Exp Hold of Res ansion Taking

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Corporate Partners Babcock Center Batson-Cook Construction Blue Cross Blue Shield Dominion Energy M.B. Kahn

Michelin Prisma Health Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC The COMET

Collaborative Partners Advance SC Apprenticeship Carolina Benedict College Women’s Business Center (WBC) Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) City of Columbia Business License Division City of Columbia Department of Procurement & Contracts City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) City of North Charleston

CLIMB Fund Community Works Mota Crosslinking Business Academy S.C. APEX Accelerator S.C. Community Loan Fund S.C. Department of Agriculture S.C. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) S.C. State Fiscal Accountability Authority S.C. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) SCORE of the Midlands U.S. Small Business Administration – S.C. District Office (SBA)

Richland County Departments Richland County Planning & Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Richland County Business Service Center Richland County Grants & Community Development

Richland County Ombudsman's Office Richland County Operational Services Richland County Procurement Richland County Sheriff's Department (RCSD) Richland County Transportation Richland County Utilities

Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity

Doing Business with Richland County All parties interested in doing business with the County should first visit the Doing Business with Richland County page on the County website: richlandcountysc.gov/Property-Business/Purchasing. The links on this page will direct you to important information. To participate in the County’s open, competitive and inclusive participation process, click the Vendor Registration box and follow the instructions. The following vendor registration documents must be submitted: A signed IRS Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (downloadable from www.irs.gov) A current certificate of insurance indicating proof of insurance Registration with the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing Boards (POL), Office of Board Services (OBS), when required for services provided (register at https://llr.sc.gov) A Richland County Business Service License, when working in unincorporated areas of the County (visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/PropertyBusiness/Business/Business-License) The County advertises contracting and business opportunities online with: S.C. Business Opportunities’ (SCBO) webpage (scbo.sc.gov/online-edition) Richland County Procurement and Contracting Office’s Solicitations webpage (procurement.opengov.com/portal/richlandcountysc) For questions, please email the Procurement and Contracting Office: procurement@richlandcountysc.gov. For a directory of Richland County Government departments, go to: www.richlandcountysc.gov/Government/Organization/Departments

Connect via the County’s Procurement Portal

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Office of Small Business Opportunity RichlandCountySC.gov/OSBO