NORTH CHARLESTON — The city’s newest department aims to guide and support the growth of small businesses.
The Department of Small Business offers a range of services tailored to the specific needs of small businesses, such as expert guidance, access to finance, networking opportunities and training programs.
Frank Ancrum, department manager, calls the services a “personalized approach.” He said business owners can come to the office at any stage of development, whether the business is in the idea stage or a veteran entrepreneur looking for their next step.
One of its goals is to meet entrepreneurs where they are.
“At the end of the day, having access to resources is important,” Ancrum said. “This initiative, encouraged by the new administration, wants to ensure that anyone from neighboring areas can come to the same place and ask a simple question.”
He said no question is too small to ask.
One of the new department’s first clients was a Jedburg businessman seven years ago. She came to the office asking for advice on how to create an LLC. She told Ancrum that she hadn’t asked this question in years because she was afraid it would be an ignorant question.
Ancrum emphasized that the department’s goal is to help companies become the best they can be.
This new department grew out of one of Mayor Reggie Burgess’ goals of improving the city’s economic development.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” Burgess said. “The creation of the Department of Small Business reflects our dedication to providing the resources and support these businesses need to thrive.”
Prior to this role with the city, Ancrum, who owns a business in North Charleston, considered himself a business “middleman,” making connections between business owners and guiding them through decision-making.
His new role in the city was a natural progression.
The office connects business owners to resources to help them succeed. This includes one-on-one conversations about financial and business planning, marketing and operations. For example, Ancrum said it can help companies move from the traditional method of using paper flyers and programs to developing a social media strategy.
