The City of Columbia has launched a Resilient Columbia pledge challenge for small business owners as businesses in the City continue to open. We encourage citizens to visit our website in order to view the pledge map to see the list of businesses that have taken the pledge. By taking the pledge, a business declares that it is taking steps based upon guidance from the CDC and DHEC to: Monitor the health of their employees…
COLUMBIA S.C. – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will hold a Zoom conference meeting with the Resilient Columbia Economic Recovery Task Force, which is comprised of Midlands area local business owners as well as city and county officials, on Thursday, May 28 at 11:00 am to further discuss the most effective methods to successfully reopen business while keeping public safety first responders, front line employees and all people of Columbia safe. Members of the media…
The City’s Economic Development Department conducted a survey to better understand the implementation of safety measures and how protocols help increase both the reality and perception of a safe local shopping environment. With crucial feedback from local business owners, City staff were able to make informed decisions as Columbia businesses continue to reopen. Economic Development received almost 300 responses from business owners and leaders who took the time to fill out the survey. The thoughts…
Recognizing the enormous financial impact on local businesses resulting from drastic operational changes and closures due to the COVID-19 containment and social isolation measures, on March 20 Columbia City Council unanimously passed A Resilient Columbia: Economic Sustainability Plan. The plan provides forgivable loans offering short-term financial relief to small businesses, located within the corporate limits of Columbia, impacted by a loss of revenue because of COVID-19 containment and safety efforts. “The foundation of Columbia’s economic…
Upon the onset of COVID-19 in March, 2020, Columbia’s Parking Services Division quickly reacted as one of the first cities to suspend parking operations in support of social distancing, as well as the anticipated economic impact to our local businesses & community. This suspension included gates being raised at City Parking facilities, as well as complimentary on-street parking. Parking Services will continue to support and review the parking needs of our community as we all begin…
The Business License Division remains closed to the public until further notice to protect citizens and minimize opportunities to spread COVID-19 in our community. Please note the important details below regarding our services: The 2020 business license renewal deadline has been extended from April 15 to May 15. All in-city businesses must submit a copy of their 2019 IRS Tax Return and paid Business Personal Property Tax receipt along with the 2020 business license renewal…
COLUMBIA S.C. – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will hold a Zoom conference meeting of Midlands area local business owners as well as city and county officials on Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am to further discussion of ideas on the logistics and timetable to ease social distancing and reopen businesses. Members of the media and public will be able to view the meeting via livestream on the City of Columbia’s Website and YouTube page. Contact:…
COLUMBIA S.C. – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will hold a Zoom conference meeting of Midlands area local business owners as well as city and county officials on Friday, May 8 at 11:00 am to discuss ideas on the logistics and timetable to ease social distancing and reopen businesses. Members of the media and public will be able to view the meeting via live stream on the City of Columbia’s Website and YouTube page. Contact: Skot…
With the announcement of South Carolina reopening, the City of Columbia released the Resilient Columbia Business Reopening Survey to seek input from local business owners and managers. The survey will assess the timeframe of reopening and new enhanced safety protocols. This information is vital to understanding what practices are being implemented so the city can begin to time the promotion for a more widespread opening of our local business community. Business owners and managers are…
COLUMBIA S.C. – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will hold a Zoom conference meeting of Midlands area local business owners as well as city and county officials on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 am to discuss ideas on the logistics and timetable to ease social distancing and reopen businesses. Members of the media and public will be able to view the meeting via live stream on the City of Columbia’s Website and YouTube page. Contact: Skot…