Our Business Calendar

**CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $17 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD START PROGRAMS**

Congressman James E. Clyburn Announced South Carolina Head Start Programs Will Receive More Than $17 Million In Federal Funding. These Funds Were Secured As Part Of The American Rescue Plan, Which Was Passed By Congressional Democrats Without Any Republican Support To Provide Relief From The Ravages Of The Covid-19 Pandemic. The Legislation Was Signed Into Law By President Biden In March.

“As We Begin To Recover From This Pandemic And Parents Start To Return To Work, It Is Essential That Our Children Have The Necessary Childcare, Education And Nutrition Services To Ensure Their Success,” Said Congressman Clyburn. “This Significant Investment Will Help Low Income And Rural Communities Across South Carolina And Will Allow Head Start To Continue The Great Work They Have Done For The Past 56 Years.”

**FMU's KELLEY CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO HOST SBA SERIES OF VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES**

FMU will host the six workshop series with the SBA on various topics concerning SBA programs and initiatives that span July and August. Topics include: Loan Guarantees, Minority, & Small Business; How to Register to Do Business with the Federal Government; How to Search for Contracts with the Federal Government; Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program: Becoming Certified; 8(a) Business Development Program Eligibility & SBA Programs: HUBZone & Veteran Assistance. Each workshop must be registered for separately to receive access information.

**GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER SIGNS BILL PROTECTING SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESSES**

Governor Henry McMaster was joined last week by members of the General Assembly and business leaders from around the state for a ceremonial bill signing of S.147, the South Carolina COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act. A pro-business bill that provides legal immunity to businesses, state agencies, and healthcare facilities that reasonably adhered to public health guidelines at the time a coronavirus-related claim arose. "South Carolina's businesses and medical professionals stood on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic adapting to ever-changing safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and community," said Governor Henry McMaster. "As they protected us, it is now time we return the favor and protect them from frivolous lawsuits brought on by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act carries on our rich tradition of common sense, pro-business legislation – which companies from around the world have come to recognize – bringing more jobs and investment to South Carolina."

**BUSINESS LICENSE TAX TRAINING WITH THE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SC**

In response to years of concerns raised by the business community over the administration of municipal business license taxes, the SC General Assembly passed the Business License Tax Standardization Act in September 2020. Cities are now required to implement the law on January 1, 2022. In anticipation of the new requirements, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is hosting a training session for businesses that will be offered by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) on July 21st at 9 am. MASC will provide training on the new Business License Tax Portal and an overview of the new Business License Standardization Act. Registration is free and open to the publi.