By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
A city’s downtown is its economic center, its entertainment center, and its heart. In our community we are fortunate to have a group of small business owners that have decided to invest in Hartsville’s downtown and community. In just a few short years, the City of Hartsville has experienced over 40 ribbon cuttings celebrating 40 new businesses that have opened its doors in our downtown.
With new businesses opening, beautification efforts have been put into motion in order for our downtown to be physically attractive to tourists and downtown visitors. One project, the College Ave Public Parking lots, has already been completed. College Ave is currently undergoing pavement and restructuring of its sidewalks and landscaping. Despite construction, businesses along College Ave have continued to stay open further strengthening their investment in downtown.
The City is full of innovative and creative entrepreneurs. This is already evident in the unique and extraordinary businesses that have opened its doors and remained in downtown. Walking through downtown, visitors can visit any of the unique bars and retails stores the City has to offer. Restaurants and coffee shops continue to break the status quo for your typical downtown hang out with distinctive events creating a vibrant nightlife. These business owners have only strengthened our downtown and community as they have paved the way for success for other potential small business owners.
Support is always found for new business and even existing ones. The Hartsville Chamber of Commerce has many business resources available to anyone. The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) serves as a facilitator of business advice for small business owners. The Hartsville chapter of SCORE is available to all small business owners in Hartsville who are looking to optimize their business by expanding, adding new product lines, increasing profits, reducing costs of business, adding market share. SCORE counselors are available the first and third Wednesdays of every month. In addition to SCORE, a representative from the SC Small Business Development Center will be traveling to Hartsville for business counseling on the last Tuesday of every month beginning in June. Each of these free and confidential resources are available by appointment only. Please contact the Chamber at 843.332.6401 for an appointment.
Other resources are available to help navigate you through the business process as it relates to City government. Most recently, the Business Navigator has opened its doors in City Hall as a one stop shop for all of your permitting, zoning, and other business needs. Additional resources can be found on the City’s website in its Business Assistance Guide which includes important contact info for city government, business development resources, and a timeline for opening your own business.
We are proud of the progress that has been made by our small business community. We continue to strive to bring further resources to that community in order to continue strengthening them as well as adding new members to its community.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or emailinfo2@hartsvillesc.gov.