City and Chamber Recognize National Small Business Week

The City of Camden and the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce invite the community to join in the recognition of National Small Business Week, May 5-11, 2019. Several events are taking place during the week, which is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship and the innovation of small business owners. 

“The statistics don’t lie; small businesses make up more than 99% of the commercial landscape of our state,” said Chamber Director Amy Kinard. “Nearly half of all jobs in South Carolina are located in small businesses.”

Both the Chamber and the City's Downtown Camden program are committed to small business success, which makes National Small Business Week a special time to celebrate. And this year is particularly significant.

“One of our own small business owners, Kathryn Couch, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year,” explained Kinard. Couch owns Pink Stable women’s boutique in Downtown Camden and Evelyn’s Bridal in Lugoff.

Each year, the Small Business Administration’s South Carolina District Office honors South Carolina's top small businesses and small business advocates during National Small Business Week through its “Salute to Small Business” awards. Couch received her recognition on May 1st during an awards ceremony in Columbia.

“National Small Business Week is a time for us to stop and recognize the hard work, dedication, and true grit it takes to be a small business owner these days,” said Downtown Camden Program Manager Katharine Spadacenta. “We’re excited that this week allows us to host a variety of activities and events that both support and celebrate our small business owners.”

Events during National Small Business Week include:  

Networking Breakfast, hosted by the Business Network International (BNI) local Kershaw Connectors at 7:30 am Tuesday, May 7th at 833 South Broad. These weekly meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn more about the opportunities BNI provides.

A Google LiveStream Workshop for small business owners will be at 12:00 pm Wednesday, May 8th. Bring a bag lunch to the Price House, on the corner of Broad and York Streets, to learn about how Google Ads can boost your business results. Workshop should last an hour. Hosted by the Downtown Camden program.

The Kershaw County Library will host its Brown Bag Business Book discussion at 12:00 pm Friday, May 10th at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street. Discussion will be about The Power of a Positive No by William Ury. Brown Bag Business Book discussion take place every odd month as a way for business professionals to take a break, discuss important topics related to being a business owner, and network.

The Kershaw County Chamber’s 109th Annual Awards Ceremony and Gala will also be held Friday, May 10th. This invitation only event recognizes the outstanding small businesses and Chamber members in our community.

The 2nd Annual Spring Splurge takes place in Downtown Camden Saturday, May 11th. Visit participating downtown businesses for special sales, discounts and treats during regular business hours. Participating businesses include: Artists Attic, Beauty of AVON, The Edge of Broad Street, Habitat ReStore, the Kershaw County Farmers Market featuring the Art of Life Paint Studio, King Haigler Athletic Club, Menagerie Antiques & Collectibles, Palmetto Collectables, Pink Stable, Sweet Lili’s, Stitchin and Swanky Southern, with more to be added.

For more information about National Small Business Week, any of the events listed, or resources for small business owners, contact Amy Kinard at 803-432-2525 or Katharine Spadacenta at 803-425-6631.