Ready to Start Your Own Business?
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
- Small Business Development Center
- The mission of the SC SBDC is to advance South Carolina’s economic development by helping entrepreneurs grow successful businesses. This means not only assisting the formation of new ventures, but also finding ways to help existing businesses to compete in a demanding market and faltering companies to stay on course.
- SCORE-Grand Strand
- SCORE Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs & professionals who volunteer their experience & knowledge to help small business professionals start & grow businesses. They offer free, confidential business advice, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous business templates & tools.
- SC Business One Stop
- Created by the South Carolina Legislature, SCBOS started as an online portal for managing business accounts with various state agencies. Today, SCBOS has advanced to become the bridge to reliable resources for new and existing business owners.
- SC Business
- Get the support you need to start your new endeavor. Find the certifications you need to operate and services to grow your business.
- Grow your business wisely with the help of state laws, services and best practices.
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
- SBA’s Guide to Starting A Business
- Veterans Business Center Outreach
- USDA Business Loan Programs
- LOWER YOUR GENERAL TAX LIABILITY AS YOU HIRE NEW STAFF
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program provides tax credits for businesses each time they hire a new, eligible employee. The program is simple. Businesses make the hiring decision and complete minimal paperwork to apply for the credit. With absolutely no limit on the number of qualified hires your business can claim, you can receive a maximum credit anywhere from $1,200 to $9,600 for each one of your eligible employees. Take advantage of the WOTC program and increase your return on investment while helping targeted employees become self-sufficient and earn a steady income. Contact the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce for more information at wotc@dew.sc.gov or visit https://bit.ly/4bxwnBA.
- EXPAND YOUR CANDIDATE POOL & MITIGATE RISK
- Federal Bonding is a fidelity insurance program that helps employers confidently hire jobseekers who are considered “at-risk.” The program provides risk mitigation for employers willing to hire employees who may be hard-to-place due to circumstances such as judicial involvement. The fidelity insurance coverage can be issued from $5,000 to $25,000 for the first six months of employment at no cost to either the employer or the employee. Contact the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce for more information at FederalBonding@dew.sc.gov or visit https://bit.ly/406aVwt.
BUSINESS PLANNING
STATE/LOCAL AREA STATISTICAL INFORMATION
BUSINESS EDUCATION
- Learn How to Start Your Own Business with My Own Business Institute (Santa Clara University)
BUSINESS TAXES
BUSINESS LOCATION MAPS AND INFORMATION
We’re Here to Help
As a business owner, your job is to minimize cost and maximize profits. The Conway Chamber of Commerce is here to help you do just that.
As a Member, the Chamber provides you with a wealth of tools and information to assist in successfully running your business:
- Networking Opportunities
- Quality Business Counseling
- Training + Education with SCORE and Coastal Carolina University Small Business Administration
- Business Recognition
- Economic, Geographic and Demographic Data
Questions? Call the Conway Chamber of Commerce office at (843) 248-2273.
WHY SHOULD I DO BUSINESS IN CONWAY?
The Conway area offers a wealth of strategic benefits that often allow anyone looking to open a new business or relocate an existing company strong advantages over competitors.
Cost of Doing Business
Taxes – South Carolina taxes are among the lowest in the nation with a 5% corporate income tax.
Utilities – The cost for utilities – electric, hydroelectric, nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewable resources – is 15% less than the national average.
Top Employers
From education and government to a handful of manufacturers, the top employers in the Conway area come from varied industries that support our area workers and their families.
The largest employers are:
- Horry County School District
- Horry County Government
- Coastal Carolina University
Benefits include:
- Business-friendly tax environment
- Diverse workforce
- Award-winning school district boasting 51 schools, including two academies with concentrations in math, technology, science and arts
- Higher education opportunities at four institutions, which offer degrees and certifications in more than 200 programs of study combined:
- Outstanding healthcare options and a strong healthcare network boasting several quality medical centers with over 500 beds
In 2021, South Carolina “Ranked among the Top 10 Best Business Climates in the U.S.” by Area Development Magazine.
The Palmetto State consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation with a low cost of doing business.
South Carolina tax base lends itself to the growth of self-employment, exports, job placement efficiency and industry.
Plus, South Carolina has the lowest percentage of unions in the country and offers the most competitive average wages in the Country.
Incentives + Info
The City of Conway has developed multiple incentive options to stimulate the redevelopment, establishment, and continuation of the growth of our community. These incentives are offered for a wide range of business opportunities and some residential opportunities. These incentives are essential for future progression as well as historical preservation of our City. Below you will find a brief description of each incentive that is offered through the City of Conway as well as the links to find out more information for each category.
Available incentives
Family Entertainment Incentive-This incentive applies to any person, firm or corporation establishing a cinema, bowling center or other family entertainment facility in the city limits of Conway through annexation, redevelopment or new construction. All eligibility is subject to review and approval by city council.
Hotel Incentive– This incentive applies to any person, firm or corporation establishing a hotel or commercial short-term rentals with a minimum of 8 units in the City of Conway. All eligibility is subject to review and approval by city council.
Preservation Tax Incentive– This incentive is designed as a special tax assessment that was created for the rehabilitation of historic properties. This special tax assessment is for eligible properties for 15 years equal to the fair market value of the property at the time of preliminary certification. This incentive can apply to both residential and commercial properties.
Redevelopment Incentives– There are 3 categories of the Redevelopment Incentives. One of these categories is specific to the zoning district of the proposed redevelopment, another is specific to vacant buildings in the Central Business District and the other is specific to vacant commercial buildings 25,000 square feet or greater.
Industrial Incentive– This incentive applies to any industrial use being established or expanded within the City of Conway.
Planning & Zoning
City of Conway
Horry County Government
View the resources provided to you by the economic development division of the Conway Chamber of Commerce.
Insurance, Regulatory & Tax Support
Contact us to learn more about Business Development in Conway.