Last week, members of B.E.L.L.'s Executive Board had the chance to attend the SC Community Capital Conference hosted by the SC Community Capital Alliance - a statewide CDFI (community development financing institution) made up of a network of community development stakeholders, lenders, financiers, and investors focused on increasing capital resources for South Carolina’s most underserved and undercapitalized communities to support job creation opportunities.
The conference highlighted innovations in impact investing, and creative community financing tools , and identified new capital sources to support community economic development in South Carolina.
Conference sessions included a talk with Mayor John Gettys on the strategic vision of Rock Hill, tours of key development sites including Knowledge Park, The RH Sports & Events Center, Southside Revitalization, a Downtown Civil Rights tour. B.E.L.L. Board Member, Tadean Page, also moderated a panel discussion with investors and developers who were key stakeholders in the Knowledge Park development.
Pictured from left to right: Tadean Page, Tara Sherbert, Justin Smith, & Gary Williams
The conference also featured a keynote from Dr. Tonya Matthews, President & Chief Executive Officer for the International African American Museum opening June 2023 in Charleston, SC. Dr. Matthews inspired us all with the story of 20+ year journey it took to bring to life the $200 million dollar project.
Pictured: Dr. Tonya Matthews
To wrap up the conference, B.E.L.L. and other state-wide organizations hosted a Minority Business Networking Mixer showcasing organizations and resources available throughout the state to support minority businesses.
Here are a list of those resources -
South Carolina Association of Community Economic Development (SCACED)
The South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is a coalition of individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. Our members work collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents, and many of our efforts are focused on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream.
Programs - Community Development Institute & Community Impact Fund
Increasing Hope
Since 2003, Increasing H.O.P.E (Helping Others Prosper Economically) has been providing financial training educational opportunities to the local community. We are a nonprofit Financial Training Center with a passion to see individuals and families become educated, enriched and empowered in the area of personal finance.
Programs Offered - Financial Training, Housing, Women's Business Center, Small Business Training
CommunityWorks
CommunityWorks is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to financial equity. We're a non-profit organization that provides resources supporting small business growth, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, and homeownership, leading to stronger and more just communities.
Services -
Coaching in Financial Wellness and Business Support
Lending in Small Business, Community Development Loans, and Down Payment Assistance Loans
Optus Bank
We are committed to helping all people build wealth and improve their lives, regardless of their background or situation. We offer innovative ways to manage, move, save and borrow money for individuals and small businesses with the goal of ensuring that wealth building is not just for the wealthy. Unlike traditional financial institutions that seek to solely maximize the financial returns for their shareholders, we strive to balance the needs of all stakeholders – our customers, communities, employees and shareholders.
Services -
Small Business & Personal Banking
Personal, Business, and Home Lending
South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The SCHCC exists to develop innovative programs that will help the business community. We hope to set a strong foundation that future generations can continue to build on. We are proud members of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C. Through this association, we have access to helpful business information, membership benefits, and programs especially designed to help you start, grow and expand your business.
Services offered to help Start, Grow, and Sustain your business.
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