Leadership Conference
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Darla Moore School of Business, 1014 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, United States
The ONSE staff will present at the USC TRIO Spring Student Leadership Conference, which aims to enhance leadership skills, discuss civic engagement opportunities, professional development, and networking for TRIO students, their parents, as well as local professionals. The ONSE staff will present on Health and Safety, focusing on the relationship between the two factors.

Stuff the Storage: One-Day Donation Drive
2025-03-22 10:00 - 14:00 | 3800 North Main St, 3800 North Main St, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia is proud to partner with The Brook for their annual Love Week outreach initiative, inspired by John 3:16. This year, The Brook is supporting Rapid Shelter-Columbia, recognizing its vital role in serving those experiencing homelessness.
Join us for a one-day donation drive to collect essential items like toiletries, furniture, bedding and household appliances to support our unhoused neighbors. Your generosity can make a lasting impact! Let’s come together and serve our city with love.

FastTrac Growth Venture
2025-03-25 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Midlands Technical College Northeast Campus, 151 Powell Road, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The Office of Business Opportunities is no longer accepting applications for the 2025 FastTrac Growth Venture course. If you have any questions, you can contact our office at (803)545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.
FastTrac Growth Venture is a course designed to support the entrepreneur seeking to take their existing business to a higher level. This program assists entrepreneurs in analyzing their current business condition to identify the best opportunities for growth. Budgeting, sales strategies, management team roles, operational systems and business plan implementation are key areas of emphasis. The course also facilitates networking between entrepreneurs and experienced professionals.
This training is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with more in-depth business skills to grow their business successfully. 2025 is the 22nd year of the collaborative partnership between the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities and Midlands Technical College in providing the FastTrac Growth Venture training to local business owners.
To be eligible to participate in the FastTrac Growth Venture course, participants must:

Have a small business located in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, or Saluda counties.
Have a business plan or must be in operations for more than five (5) years.

Be one of the lucky few selected for this course and join the many who have successfully risen to the challenge.

Fleet Services Hiring Fair
2025-03-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Earlewood Park, 1113 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia will be hosting a career fair to promote openings within the Fleet Services department. As the backbone of the city’s operations, the Fleet Services department plays a vital role in maintaining and repairing our fleet of city vehicles to ensure the safety, efficiency and reliability of our many services to the community. This event is aimed at skilled technicians who are passionate about keeping our fleet running smoothly.
We are actively hiring for a variety of roles:

Light Vehicle Technician
Light Vehicle Technician, Second Shift
Heavy Vehicle Technician
Heavy Vehicle Technician, Second Shift
Heavy Vehicle Technician, Senior
Master Heavy Vehicle Technician

On the spot interviews will be held during the career fair and offers may be provided to qualified candidates. Here are a few great benefits to working with the City:

Competitive Benefits – Health, Retirement, etc
Professional Development
Various/multiple career opportunities

NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs
2025-03-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The Office of Business Opportunities is no longer accepting applications for the 2025 NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (803) 545-3950 or send an email to OBO@columbiasc.gov.
NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs Course
The NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course is training that prepares entrepreneurs to compete, win, and survive in the market place. It is designed for businesses with less than five employees. Participants learn how to choose a business idea, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan, understand market analyses, explore financing options, assess risk management, develop a customer’s service philosophy, as well as other relevant entrepreneurial skills.
To be eligible to participate in the NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs course, participants:

Can reside or have their small business located in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, or Saluda counties.
In the process of starting a small business or have been in operations for two (2) years or less.

The Prevalent Universe Grand Opening
2025-04-04 11:30 - 12:30 | 228 Assembly Street, 228 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Super Saturday Session
2025-04-05 08:30 - 13:00 | Ensor House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE is partnering with USC’s Upward Bound Program and Big Homie Lil Homie mentoring program to present a Super Saturday Session. The event will feature a parent workshop, a senior seminar, a session on social emotional learning, information on initiatives for males and females, as well as networking opportunities. The event is free and open to the public and lunch will be provided for attendees.
Event Components:

Parent Workshop
Social Emotional Learning
Teambuilding Activity
Senior Seminar
Male group initiative Session
Female initiative Session

Moms, Babies, & Families Marketplace
2025-04-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Charles Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States
Come connect, learn, and be empowered at this FREE event!
Join us at the Marketplace for a wealth of information and resources supporting women, moms, babies, and families. Discover vendors specializing in every stage of women’s health and wellness!
Event Highlights:

Vendor Resources: Meet vendors ranging from all stages of women’s health, pregnancy support and postpartum care
Expert Panel Discussions: Immerse yourself in inspiring stories from provider experts, birth workers, dads and mothers with lived experiences.
Blood pressure screenings: Know Your Numbers! Get free health screenings with our community partners.
Kids Play: Bring the family and enjoy face painting, balloon making and much more!

Petco Love Adoption Event
2025-04-05 12:00 - 17:00 | Petco (Fort Jackson), 110 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC, 29206, United States
Columbia Animal Services has a newly formed partnership with Petco Love! They are going to host CAS periodically for small scale adoption events, and Petco Love Lost is now our primary platform for reuniting lost pets with their families.

The Laundry Grand Opening and Tours
2025-04-09 04:00 - 17:00 | The Laundry, 2046 Talley St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Grand Opening for The Laundry, Columbia’s newest event venue located in the BullStreet District, is set for April 9, 2025. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by tours at 4:30 p.m. and a grand opening party at 5:00 p.m.
This highly anticipated venue is set to become a premier destination for weddings, corporate gatherings and special events in the heart of Columbia. The event will provide media with an exclusive first look at the restored historic building and an opportunity to interview key stakeholders behind the project.
ABOUT THE LAUNDRY
Nestled in the heart of Columbia’s thriving BullStreet District, The Laundry is a meticulously restored event venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance. Originally built in 1883, this Italianate-influenced space offers nearly 8,000 square feet of versatile indoor areas across two levels — providing a stunning backdrop for weddings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations. Beyond its beautifully designed interiors, The Laundry features “The Grove,” an expansive outdoor green space framed by majestic trees, perfect for open-air receptions and ceremonies. With its rich history, architectural beauty and state-of-the-art amenities, The Laundry is poised to become Columbia’s premier destination for unforgettable events. To learn more and book an event, visit https://www.thelaundryatbullstreet.com/ or follow The Laundry on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thelaundryatbullstreet.

Grand Reopening of Monkee’s of Columbia
2025-04-09 17:00 - 18:00 | 3211 Devine St, 3211 Devine St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, Columbia Economic Development, and Owner Morgan Chapman will be celebrating the Grand Reopening of Monkee’s of Columbia!
Monkee’s of Columbia proudly welcomes new owner Morgan Chapman to the Devine Street business community! With a passion for fashion, styling, and building lasting relationships, Morgan and her team are committed to making Monkee’s more than just a boutique — it’s a place where timeless style and personal connections come together.
Monkee’s of Columbia offers a curated collection of beloved classics and fresh new brands, ensuring every shopper finds something special. Whether visiting in-store or browsing online, customers can expect a personalized and memorable shopping experience.
“I’m thrilled to welcome both familiar faces and new friends, and I look forward to helping them discover styles that make them feel confident and beautiful,” says Morgan.
For more information, visit https://monkeesofcolumbia.com.

Personal Finance Course with Antonio Lynch
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Richland Library and the City of Columbia Community Development for Financial Literacy have formed a partnership offering extensive educational classes regarding personal finance.
Register online at richlandlibrary.com/events
Join Antonio Lynch, Financial Well Being & Small Business Development Coach at Operation Hope, as he helps you understand how financial literacy and making healthy financial decisions are key to building a stable future with confidence.
This 1-hour workshop will teach you about:
– different types of banks
– key banking terms and various account options
– the step-by-step process of opening and managing a bank accoun

Homebuyer Workshop
2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
The City of Columbia Community Development Department is hosting a homebuyer workshop at the Hampton Park Community Center on February 10, 2025 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Topics of Discussion will include:

Understanding Your Credit Report Score
Credit Building and Improvement Strategies
Credit and Its Role in Buying a Home
Housing Loan Programs

Register for the event here: April 10 Home Buying Workshop, Credit Counseling & Budgeting (columbiasc.gov)
For more information, contact Community Development at (803) 545-3373 or email at housingloanprograms@columbiasc.gov.

Stomp Out Crime
2025-04-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Columbia Place Mall, 7201 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC, 29223, United States
The Stomp Out Crime Initiative is hosting this event to highlight National Crime Victims Week. The purpose of the event is to bring awareness to crimes in our communities and to provide resources that support survivors and their families. The ONSE will setup a table at the Stomp Out Crime event to share information about community safety and other important topics. The ONSE will also donate clothing collected during the CHUGS Drive to the Stomp Out Crime Initiative for attendees. This event is free and open to the public.

Yellow Jacket Festival and Carnival
2025-04-12 11:00 - 15:00 | 1530 Harden Street, 1530 Harden St, Columbia, 29204, United States
Allen University is hosting their annual Yellow Jacket Festival and Carnival with activities to include the annual spring football game, new student orientation, the community carnival, and a host of other activities. The ONSE setup a table for this event to provide personal safety information to attendees.

College Place Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting
2025-04-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Columbia College Women’s Business Center, 1301 Columbia College Dr, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
The ONSE will attend the monthly community meeting to gain feedback from residents as well as provide an update.

Roles & Responsibilities in Housing Workshop
2025-04-15 18:00 - 20:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Topics of Discussion:

Evictions
Housing Discriminations
Uniform Relocation Act
Code Enforcement

For questions contact (803) 576-2091 or watlington.crystal@richlandcountysc.gov

Monthly Street Outreach
2025-04-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The ONSE will attend this monthly event to assist with community outreach efforts.

Free Compost Giveaway
2025-04-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division will host its annual Free Compost Giveaway event. Columbia residents are invited to receive free, nutrient-rich compost, ideal for gardening and landscaping, while supplies last. Staff will assist with loading compost into vehicles, trailers, or trucks.
Please note: this event is for residential use only – no commercial businesses. The City will not haul materials to other locations.

Pups & Pints Adoption Event & Donation Drive
2025-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Bierkeller, 600 Canal Side Street Suite 1009
Adoption Event and Donation Drive at Bierkeller! Adoption Fees will be waived! Please bring a leash and collar.
Sponsored by Animal Mission and The Pampered Pup Bakery.

Spring Fling Adoption Promo
2025-04-21 - 2025-04-26 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
Adoption fee of $20 for all pets during the week of April 21st-26th.
Kick off spring with a new best friend!

NxLevel & FastTrac Graduation Ceremony
2025-04-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Midlands Technical College Northeast Campus, 151 Powell Road, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Belmont Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting
2025-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Gable Oaks Apartments, 901 Colleton Street, Columbia, SC, United States

2025 City of Columbia Career Fair
2025-04-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The City of Columbia will be hosting its 4th annual career fair to promote openings within various departments. City departments with current vacancies will be on-site to talk with the community about the available career opportunities and provide information on the scope of work their department performs on a daily basis. In addition, City departments without current vacancies will be on-site to showcase how they impact our community and to inform job seekers how to stay in contact for future openings.
On the spot interviews will be held during the career fair and offers may be provided to candidates. Here’s some great benefits to working at the city:

Build a career, not a job
Flexible schedule
Great/competitive health benefits
Free professional development courses
Room for advancement
Various/multiple career opportunities
Work for a top-notch organization

Conflict Resolution Workshop
2025-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Dreher High School, 3319 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States
As part of Youth Violence Prevention Week, the ONSE is partnering with the Richland One School District to host a Conflict Resolution Workshop for students at Dreher High School. The workshop will provide an overview of conflict resolution, allow students to share their conflicts, and discuss how to effectively resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Anti-bullying Workshop
2025-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203
The ONSE will partner with Kimestry Wellness LLC to conduct an anti-bullying workshop to empower youth to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying. Youth will learn about the impacts of bullying, strategies from standing up for themselves and others, and the importance of kindness.
“Our goal is to empower students with the tools to manage emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build positive relationships,” said Kimberly Goethe, Program Assistant for ONSE. “Prevention starts with equipping young people with the right skills.”
Registration is required, but the workshop is free and open to the public.

Cola Stacks Grand Opening
2025-04-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Cola Stacks, 2850 Devine St Suite B, Columbia, SC, 29205, United States
Cola Stacks will be celebrating their grand opening on Thursday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. at their new location at 2850 Devine Street, Suite B. Founded in 2020, Cola Stacks began as an e-commerce hobby business offering personalized, stackable bracelet at an affordable price. Since then, they have grown and expanded to include full jewelry lines including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.
Since their inception, Cola Stacks has now grown and ships jewelry to 49 states and over 100 boutiques around the country. Their new brick and mortar location will be their first branded store where they plan to foster community by hosting events and allowing people to be creative with bracelet making classes.
Cola Stacks is built on three main pillars of faith, giving back, and community. Each month, they give back to charity, and often local ones. They are honored to have partnered with Final Victory Animal Rescue, Epworth, Mission Lexington, SpreadJOY, Animal Mission, and Toby’s Place.
