Business Information Center (BIC)
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is home to the Business Information Center (BIC), which is a collaborative endeavor of the Chamber and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The BIC offers numerous resources for the business entrepreneur or for the small business owner with a growing company. Information available includes books on starting a business, running a business and research information, including facts, figures and statistics. Computers with printers and Internet access are also available. For more information call 843.805.3092.

SCORE
The BIC is also home to the Charleston Chapter of the SCORE program or, Service Corps of Retired Executives. SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. The SCORE Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. To find out more about the Business Information Center (BIC), please call 843.805.3092.

FastTracSC
FastTrac programs. created by the Kauffman Foundation, are designed to train aspiring and existing entrepreneurs by offering a condensed series of entrepreneurial training programs that culminate with the participants' producing a feasibility or business plan for their ventures. It is an award winning program that fosters the creation of new sustainable businesses. ThinkTEC introduced this program in Charleston, and has since expanded offerings statewide through FastTracSC - a coalition of statewide providers. Three programs are offered: FastTrac New Venture, FastTrac Growth Venture and FastTracTech. For more information call 843.805.3089.

EXECnet^SC: South Carolina Executive Network
In order for entrepreneurs to commercialize an idea and have a better chance to obtain funding, participation of seasoned business professionals is often needed. To meet this need, ThinkTEC has formed the EXECnetSC: South Carolina Executive Network. EXECnetSC is a bank of retired and semi-retired executives available to serve in, or suggest others for, leadership positions in start-up companies. The positions include, for example, board of directors member, CEO, CFO, COO and CTO. The assignments may be short or long term and may include compensation. Executives are matched with entrepreneurs according to expertise and assignment description. There is no obligation to accept an assignment, and matches may arise frequently or not at all. Information provided by executives and entrepreneurs is kept confidential. Once a match is made, determination of type and length of, and (if applicable) compensation for, participation is arranged between the executive and entrepreneur.

ThinkTEC Incubator
ThinkTEC has an incubator suite at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce to provide office space for up to four knowledge-based start-up companies for one to six months. For $1 per day services include: Receptionist, office space, meeting space, wi-fi connectivity, access to office equipment, signage, access to the Business Information Center and consultation with SCORE staff.If you are seeking to establish an office in Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester counties and would benefit from temporary office space, or are ready to take your home-based business to an outside professional business environment, ThinkTEC is ready to serve you. For more information call 843.805.3015.

Small Business Charleston Resource Network
The Small Business Charleston Resource Network is a collaboration of non—profit organizations and agencies that provide assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. Their goal is to provide resources for opening a small business or for those who want to take their existing business to the next level. The network serves as a clearinghouse of information on services in the Charleston area that are providing small business counseling, seminar education and guidance for securing financial backing.

In addition, the Chamber's Center for Business Research provides Charleston area demographics and economic statistics helpful in starting your business.