The City of Charleston's Office of Business Services will host a Business Finance Resource Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Founders Hall, 1500 Old Towne Road. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
This free, in-person event will connect local small business owners with banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and resource partners for one-on-one meetings focused on funding and financing opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to explore a range of loan and alternative funding options, ask questions directly to funding experts, and build relationships that can help grow their businesses.
Financial institutions include:
- Climb Fund
- Lowcountry Local First / KIVA
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union
- Bank of America
- Catawba Regional Council of Governments
- Community Works Carolina
The event is free and open to small business owners ages 18 and older, with free parking available on site.
"We understand finding the right funding can be difficult and time-consuming for small business owners," said Sarita Blackshear, Business Services Manager for the City of Charleston. "This event is about connecting owners directly with the partners who can help, all in one room, streamlining the process."
Attendees are encouraged to bring their business plans to make the most of their appointments. Because appointment slots with lending institutions are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, business owners are asked to register in advance and select a meeting time with their preferred lender. If multiple people from the same business plan to attend, each participant should register individually, though only one registrant is required to secure a lender session for the business. Complimentary boxed lunches will be available to attendees who select that option during registration.
Registration and additional event details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/