Berkeley County Economic Development (BCED) is actively engaged in supporting the Berkeley County Industry Community for impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
BCED, in coordination with SC Department of Commerce, Berkeley County Government, and other local and state agencies, is committed to closely monitoring developments and is available via email at webecd@berkeleycountysc.gov to answer non-medical questions related to business and industry support.
Berkeley County Economic Development offices might be physically closed, but we are still doing business and ready to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to a staff member directly, via phone or email. We are here to help and support our Berkeley County Industry Family.
Get Connected with Other Berkeley County Industries
Information you can trust is essential during an emergency, natural disaster, or public health crisis. Berkeley County Economic Development would like to ensure our industries are getting the most accurate information. To do this we have put together a new program (Berkeley Industry Interconnect or BI2) that will allow all of our companies and our supportive government offices to communicate directly on a real time, digital platform. This is similar to a “blog page” allowing for our industries to ask questions and converse at large with the whole group or allow for direct messaging between members. This private platform is by invitation only and is limited to the number of representatives per industry. Please contact kristen.lanier@berkeleycountysc.gov to see if your organization qualifies to participate in BI2.
COVID-19 Updates from Berkeley County Government
All Berkeley County updates will be posted on the Berkeley County website under Coronavirus COVID-19 latest. Related updates are also available on the County’s Facebook and Twitter. Berkeley County Government has also launched a new email service for users to subscribe to automated email updates. Visit https://berkeleycountysc.gov/ to sign up via the pop-up notice.
COVID-19 Business Resource Center from S.C. Commerce
While the full impact of COVID-19 is still unknown, S.C. Commerce wants to assure the business community that Team South Carolina is here to assist throughout this unprecedented event. In an effort to provide guidance and much-needed tools for our industry, S.C. Commerce has launched the online COVID-19 Business Resource Center.
SC Commerce, through Emergency Support Function (ESF) 24, is closely monitoring developments and is available via email at ESF24@emd.sc.gov to answer non-medical questions related to business and industry support.
Charleston Metro Chamber Resource Guide
Our friends at the Charleston Metro Chamber have composed a Business Resource Guide with updates and best practices shared by their member companies, a series of webinars, and tips for your business to prepare for short term and long term recovery.
SCMEP Resource Center
The team at SCMEP and the MEP National Network have compiled a list of valuable resources in helping your company navigate these challenging times. As they receive new information, they will update this resource page. SCMEP is committed to doing whatever it takes to help the manufacturing community stay strong.
Financial Resources
BCDCOG Revolving Loan Fund (RFL)
The primary purpose of the RLF is to aid in the creation and retention of jobs in the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester region. Read more the program and email BCDCOG Finance Manager Katie Paschall before submitting an application.
Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Governor Henry McMaster’s request for the agency to offer South Carolina’s small businesses with disaster assistance. The disaster declaration means that small businesses in South Carolina that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19 virus may qualify for low-interest federal disaster loans. Apply online.
Additional Resources
The Post & Courier COVID-19 Coverage
FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control
The following are credible sources to stay up to date on COVID-19:
