Archive for year: 2023

As the Federal Reserve increases its effort to cool inflation and the economy, American small businesses have seen a surge in hiring. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, small companies (those with fewer than 250 employees) have been responsible for all the net job growth in the United States and currently account for nearly four out of five available job openings. Starting February 2020, these small establishments have hired over 3.6 million more people than have been laid off or who quit, while larger companies have cut a net 800,000 jobs during that same time.

Small businesses accounted for 78 percent of the U.S. job listings in November 2022, and 91 percent of the post pandemic increase in job openings. While many big companies have laid off workers and/or ordered hiring freezes in recent weeks, small businesses have continued to hire workers at a rapid rate, although many are unable to fill open positions.

However, central bankers have pointed to the labor market as a primary driver of high inflation. The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates seven times last year, bringing U.S. interest rates to their highest level since the global financial crisis, and has plans to continue to increase rates this year to slow the economy. These rate increases are making it harder for small businesses to find outside funding, including personal and small-business loans.

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Building Bridges Leadership and Diversity Summit will take place from 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20th at the Florence Center.  The cost is $30 per person or $25 per person for groups of 5 or more, which includes continental breakfast and lunch.

For more information, click here.

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, along with Francis Marion University’s Kelley Center for Economic Development, have partnered to present a small business session for individuals looking to network among local entrepreneurs and gain useful insight on protecting and growing a business. The in-person event will take place on Wednesday, February 15^th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM in the Community Room at the Florence Chamber office (100 W Evans St) This workshop will offer advice on intellectual property law and details to understand about how digital marketing is used to grow business. You would be surprised at you need to know to protect your intellectual property of your business and avoid areas of trouble. This session will discuss what your business needs to know about trademarks, copyrights, patents and more – yes, even in small businesses. You will also hear about how to do compete and competitive digital marketing for small business.

Join this small group of individuals for a free lunch sponsored by First Citizens Bank and information you never knew you needed to know about managing a small business. Speakers include Douglas L. Lineberry, a licensed attorney that practices at Burr & Forman, LLP in South Carolina. He practices in the intellectual property practice group with representation including patent, trademark, copyright protection, as well as intellectual property litigation. Josh Richardson is the Sales Director at Influence Digital Agency, LLC in South Carolina and has more than 25 years of experience in building brands and driving revenue through innovative strategies, excellent leadership skills, and meticulous project execution.

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Join Young Professionals of Florence for their kick off social event of the year on January 19th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Wholly Smokin’ Downtown! What better way to kick off the new year than by networking with new friends!

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