General Info:
Welcome to SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, a statewide, 10, 000 member advocacy organization working to make state government more small business friendly. Small Business Chamber is both non-partisan and non-profit. We do not endorse candidates for public office nor contribute to political campaigns. We are not affiliated with any other chamber of commerce. Since our beginning in February of 2000 we have successfully promoted the general interests of small business in state government and from time to time at the local and federal levels. Taxes, health insurance, workforce development, economic development, energy, utility rates, workers' compensation insurance, and government procurement policies are some of the issues we are addressing to benefit small business. Advocacy for Small Business Here are some of the successes of The S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce since it began in 2000: Reducing the income tax on small business from 7 to 5 percent Regulation of workers' compensation rates to reduce premiums Opposing SCE&G electricity and gas increases at the S.C. Public Service Commission resulting in savings to residential and business customers of over $172 million since 2003 Opposing workers' compensation proposed rate increases in the Administrative Law Court resulting in saving state businesses over $185 million on premiums since 2006 Our success is due not only to our legislative and regulatory efforts in Columbia, but also because of the active participation of our members. E-newsletters, legislative up-dates and action alerts routinely keep our members informed on issues, give detailed information about pending legislation and tell how and when to contact legislators. When our elected leaders hear from our members, they know the small business community is watching. It works. Membership in Small Business Chamber is unique to other chambers of commerce. Basic membership is free. A $50 and $100 annual membership entitles the member to added benefits. We do this so that every small business in the state can afford to be a part of this effort. With our dues structure, we insure that our position on issues is not influenced by money. We are truly unconflicted. In addition to the support of our thousands of business members and trade association members ( listed below ), Small Business Chamber has formed an alliance other national business organizations ( listed below ). Together, our members and partners enable The South Carolina Small Business Chamber to deliver a strong voice in the governmental process for the small business community.