Whenever someone wants to start or grow a business, they have far more things to consider than they first realize. Sometimes, they aren't yet sure what questions to ask, what challenges they need to foresee, or how they are going to turn their vision into a reality. That's why, every year in the Clemson area of South Carolina, entrepreneurs turn to Ben Calhoun, area manager and business development specialist for the Clemson SBDC at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.
“As a former small business owner, I can relate first-hand to the challenges that come with entrepreneurship,” says Ben. “The mission to help the small business community has always been near and dear to my heart.”
Throughout South Carolina's 20 area centers, consultants like Ben assist over 6,000 clients annually through seminars, resources, and free consulting. Those educational efforts pay off: Since 2006, South Carolina has seen the creation of over 500 new operations and over $383 million in capital formation. In one five-year period alone, SBDC consultants were integral in helping small businesses secure over $1 billion in government contracts.