USCA student-entrepreneurs urged to open their own businesses

There’s no time like the present.

That’s what a business consultant with the South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) said to USCA students interested in starting their own businesses.

“If you’ve done the research, don’t be afraid to take a calculated chance. It’s much easier to do so in or right out of college than later on in your life,” said Brent Hoover with the SBDC.

The university offers several resources to student-entrepreneurs, the SBDC being one of them, as the organization has an office on campus.

SBDC provides for-profit start-up and existing businesses free consultation, whether exploring product ideas, creating business plans or building funding sources.

“The SBDC had a major impact in my journey as a business owner,” said Karli Stone Miller, USCA ’16, who graduated with a business degree and now owns Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery, located in North Augusta, South Carolina, and Evans, Georgia.

“Brent and the SBDC went above and beyond to make sure I had every resource needed, from starting my business to continuing business. There was never a question unanswered to anything I inquired about. From student-to-client and now friend, Brent with the SBDC has been a valuable resource in my corner.”

The organization, which is part of the U.S. Small Business Association, is publicly funded and covers all 46 counties in the state. The organization has experts available to assist students in a variety of areas, including manufacturing, contracting, research and development. Specifically, Hoover focuses on cash flow management, accounting systems, loan assistance and cybersecurity fundamentals.

“Every company that has ever been created has started from scratch in some capacity. Therefore, whether a company is pre-venture or existing, we can help them. As a former business instructor at USCA, I certainly understand the importance of supporting student entrepreneurs,” said Hoover, USCA ‘11.

He said offering the right tools is key to student-entrepreneurs’ success, and the SBDC wants small businesses to succeed. Hoover said their success contributes to an area’s economic wellbeing.

“Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of communities.”

As students give thought to their own businesses, Hoover advises to start with the end goal in mind.

“I call it reading from right to left. It allows you to think strategically about the future of the company, particularly when data modeling cash flow,” he said.

Having a plan and an intentional way ahead will help students increase their bottom line in short order. Hoover advised students to do their due diligence before jumping into business. He said financing can be difficult for start-ups.

Ultimate success depends on having the right product or service that offers something new or solves a problem for consumers.

“Your product or service has to bring unique value to the marketplace. In increasingly saturated industries, how do you differentiate yourself from the competition?” Hoover said.

Editor’s note: According to the U.S. State Department, November is National Entrepreneurship Month, “a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy.” For more information on the services offered by the South Carolina Small Business Development Center, email Brent Hoover at hooverbm@mailbox.sc.edu.

This story is one in the “Making Our Way” series, celebrating USCA entrepreneurs.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.