Helpful Links
Download a Business Guide for Sumter County
Sumter Development Board/SSGI – Housed at the GSCC
Originally founded in 1957 by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly, the Sumter Development Board has taken on many forms and challenges throughout the years. The Development Board began operating independently in the mid-1990s as the lead economic development agency in the Sumter Community.
Funded by a three-way partnership of Sumter County Government, the City of Sumter and the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative, the Development Board’s mission is to increase per capita income by creating jobs and luring capital investment to our community.
Downtown Sumter
The revitalization activities in Downtown Sumter have stimulated a great deal of interest and activity in the Central Business District. The streetscape project, renovation to our parking lots and the numerous buildings that have received a facelift through our Facade Grant Program have all served as catalysts for development by the private sector. Because of the revitalization efforts, buildings that have been for sale for an extended period of time are now selling and the new owners are providing the necessary renovations to make the properties an attractive asset to the downtown area.
Commercial Development
The City of Sumter's Growth & Development Department is dedicated to growing Sumter's economic and business climate. Our goal is to be of service to both national retailers and developers that are considering expansion projects in the Sumter market. We are available to assist with demographic and psychographic research, site selection, zoning assistance and anything else that will make doing a project in our community a pleasant and rewarding experience for your company. To find out more about the economic development opportunities in Downtown Sumter, contact Ray Reich, Downtown Development Manager, at (803) 436-2535.
The Item Newspaper
The Item is Sumter's only newspaper and is printed 6 times a week. You can also reach them by calling (803) 774-1200.
Sumter City-County Planning Department
The Sumter City-County Planning Department provides responsive, efficient, factual, balanced, and transparent land use expertise to the citizens, property owners, businesses and public officials of the Sumter Community.
City/County Business License Department
Small Business Development CenterThe local office of the Small Business Development Center can be found on the USC Sumter campus and can be reached by calling Jim Giffin, Director at (803) 938-3833. SBDC services are free and can help with all aspects of starting or running a small business.
SCORE
SCORE is the Service Corps of Retired Executives, a non-profit association providing free business counseling on small business development and problems. Contact the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce for an appointment with SCORE Representative Jack O’Neal at (803) 775-1231.
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments
To serve as a forum of governments, advocating a regional vision through identification of opportunities, effective courses of action, and appropriate resources essential to enable local governments to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties. You can reach the COG at (803)775-7381.
South Carolina Department of Commerce
The South Carolina Department of Commerce works to promote economic opportunity for individuals and businesses. As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow.
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
When reliable employment proves difficult, we help people work toward financial stability by providing unemployment benefits, job opportunities, and workforce services. To promote stable employment and economic growth for all, we track trends and statistics and connect employers and job seekers in the true spirit of productivity. You can reach the SCDEW at (803) 775-7359.
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business and premier advocacy organization in the state. The South Carolina Chamber creates prosperity for all citizens through an economy of increased productivity and global competitiveness.
United States Chamber of Commerce
www.uschamber.com
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96% of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.