Did You Know? All About Patents & Copyrights Workshop
2025-09-30 10:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Join the Office of Business Opportunities on September 30th for this informative workshop on patents and copyrights!

Led be Doug Lineberry, Intellectual Property Attorney.

During this workshop participants will:
– Explain the difference between patents and copyrights as intellectual property;
– Discuss how to best protect inventions with patent applications, both utility and design; and
– Provide the best ways to protect copyright “works of art” both at common law and the federal level.

Pick Your Pumpkin
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-31 | Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC, 29209, United States
$31 adoption fee. See attached flyer.

Board of Zoning Appeals
2025-10-02 16:00 | City Council Chambers
Board of Zoning Appeals, in-person at City Council Chambers with access via City TV

Board of Zoning Appeals (BoZA) Meeting
2025-10-02 16:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Regularly scheduled Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting. Application deadline for this meeting is September 5, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the BoZA page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

Food Truck Friday!
2025-10-03 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-10 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-17 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-24 11:00 - 15:00 | 2300 Bull Street (REI Co-op parking lot at BullStreet, corner of Bull and Colonial), 2300 Bull Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Vendors will be updated here: https://obo.columbiasc.gov/2023/10/food-truck-fridays/

20th Auntie Karen Young Entrepreneurs Conference
2025-10-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Brookland Baptist Banquet and Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC, 29169, United States
Get ready for the Auntie Karen 20th Young Entrepreneurs Conference, where you’ll meet inspiring young minds and kickstart your business.

Theme: “Legacy Moves Forward: Don’t Get Replaced. Get AI-Ready”

Workshops for Youth 7 to 22
Personal Development & Finance

“Successville” Youth Business Showcase
(Free to The Public from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

REGISTER NOW!

USC Community Health Fair
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 | C.A. Johnson High School, 2219 Barhamville Rd, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States
Family-friendly community event celebrating health, wellness and the exciting future of health sciences at USC. See attached flyer.

Community Planning Month Proclamation
2025-10-07 16:00 | City Council Chambers
October is Community Planning Month- we will be doing a proclamation at City Council.

SBA Lender Matchmaker
2025-10-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Earlewood Community Center, 1111 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States

Sharing the Road Workshops
2025-10-08 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
“Sharing the Road” (SS4A Grant) Public workshops.

Planning Commission
2025-10-09 16:00 | City Council Chambers
Planning Commission, in-person at City Council Chambers with access via City TV

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting
2025-10-09 16:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Regularly scheduled Design/Development Review Commission Meeting. Application deadline for this meeting is September 8, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3333 or visit the PC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

7th Annual Latino-Hispanic Business Day
2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | SC State House-Blatt Building, 1105 Pendleton St, Columbia, 29201, United States

Faith and Blue Community Event
2025-10-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, 29063, United States
Free Community Event! Games, Food and Prizes. See attached flyer.

Pups & Pints Adoption Event/Donation Drive
2025-10-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Bierkeller, 600 Canal Side Street Suite 1009
Adoption fees waived! Please bring a leash and collar. See attached flyer.

BPAC Quarterly Meeting
2025-10-13 16:30 | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Meeting Room M.

Richland County OSBO 7th Annual THRIVE 25
2025-10-15 08:00 - 15:00 | The Meeting Place Banquet & Conference Center, 201 Columbia Mall Blvd, Columbia, SC, 29223, United States

Make That Dough
2025-10-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, 29203

Design/Development Review Commission
2025-10-16 16:00 | City Council Chambers
Design/Development Review Commission, in-person at City Council Chambers with access via City TV

Design/Development Review Commission (D/DRC) Meeting
2025-10-16 16:00 - 18:00 | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Regularly scheduled Design/Development Review Commission Meeting. Application deadline for this meeting is September 22, 2025. For more information, call 803-545-3222 or visit the D/DRC page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.

City of Columbia Hiring Fair
2025-10-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Join us for this exciting event. The Columbia Hiring Fair, will connect employers with job seekers aged 18+, including college students seeking entry-level opportunities, internships, and summer positions. Enhance your organization’s profile and engage with talented candidates in the Columbia community. This event will bring jobseekers from across the Midlands region and all of the area colleges and universities giving your company the opportunity to tell your story and network with your future workforce.
This fair will feature a diverse array of industry partners, organizations, and community leaders eager to engage with the region’s emerging talent. Whether you’re seeking internships, full-time positions, or professional connections, the Columbia Hiring Fair offers a unique platform to explore opportunities and build your future right here in Columbia.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your career or business while staying rooted in your community. Mark your calendar and prepare to take your next big step!’
Job seekers (18+) are welcome to attend and connect with local businesses.
Job seekers register HERE!
Businesses interested in participating can register HERE.

ProcuraFind Supplier Readiness Roundtable
2025-10-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States

Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence
2025-10-25 | Page Ellington Park, 2220 Gregg st, Columbia, SC, United States
The 2025 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Page Ellington Park, 2220 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and for the 19th year, participants are asked to show their support by joining the City walk to bring awareness of the abuse and violence that occurs in our community.
The Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence is not only a way for the community to stand together against domestic abuse, but to learn about different resources available for survivors and their families. Participants will be able to hear from leaders in our community, visit a number of exhibitors to learn about different resources available, as well as participate in different family friendly games and activities before the walk begins.

Biz Arts Scooby Doo Murder Mystery
2025-10-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
BizArts is back and bolder than ever! In partnership with the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), 7Sunday presents the BizArts Scooby-Doo Murder Mystery — an unforgettable evening of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community connection at the Columbia Museum of Art.
Adding to the excitement, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Def Jam recording artist Susan Carol. Known for her soulful tone, poetic lyricism, and authentic storytelling rooted in gospel traditions, Susan Carol’s music captures the spirit of love, resilience, and truth. Her presence adds a powerful dimension to this celebration of creativity and culture.
Guests will step into a live-action whodunit inspired by everyone’s favorite mystery-solving crew — Scooby and the gang — for a night that blends art, business, and adventure. Costumes and Scooby-inspired flair are encouraged, so grab your magnifying glass and bring your best detective energy as we close out USC Homecoming Weekend with style.
The evening will feature:

Live music by the 7Sunday Live Band featuring Grammy Award winner Susan Carol
Comedy from Randi Skye
Beats by DJ Prettyboy Mell
Delicious catering by Jeffrey Lampkin’s Country Boy Catering
Showcase of small businesses, highlighting local entrepreneurial talent
Intersections on Main Street Exhibit presented by Dr. Bobby Donaldson, the USC Center for Civil Rights History and Research & Columbia SC 63
One business owner will win 10 free FastTrac Growth Venture classes courtesy of the OBO.

Afterward, join us at Moxy, where you’ll receive 20% off with your event wristband — the perfect way to keep the celebration going! Tickets are available now at BizArtsScoobyDoo.Eventbrite.com

Small Business Outreach Forum
2025-10-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Busby Community Center, 1735 Busby St, Columbia, 29203, United States
Join us at the Small Business Contractors & Vendors Outreach Forum for networking, learning, and growth opportunities!
Are you a local business seeking city contracts?
Opportunities are here!
Why attend this forum?

Learn about upcoming City contracting and procurement opportunities.
Meet decision-makers and procurement staff who manage City contracts.
Access to free resources and technical assistance to help you win bids.
Network with other professionals in the Columbia business

REGISTER HERE!

Planning Book Club Meeting
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC, 29212, United States
