Entrepreneur Conference
Entrepreneur Conference Connect, Learn, and Grow with Fellow Entrepreneurs
November 12, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
SC Aeronautical Training Center
7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406
General Admission is Free
Admission is complimentary, and breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided throughout the day.
About the Event
The South Carolina Community Loan Fund invites entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders from across the state to join us for a full day dedicated to growth, connection, and opportunity. The Entrepreneur Conference brings together experienced business leaders, financial experts, and fellow entrepreneurs for a program built around practical strategy and genuine community.
Throughout the day, attendees will take part in curated breakout sessions covering leadership, marketing, capital access, and contracting, hear from a distinguished keynote speaker, and connect with lenders, vendors, and peers from every corner of South Carolina. Whether you are launching a new venture or scaling an established business, this conference is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
Admission is complimentary, and breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided throughout the day.
Conference Highlights
• Free admission for all attendees
• Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments included
• Expert-led breakout sessions across four business focus areas
• A keynote address from a respected regional business leader
• Statewide networking with entrepreneurs, lenders, and community partners
Featured Speakers
We are proud to welcome two distinguished South Carolina leaders to this year's Entrepreneur Conference.
Keynote Speaker
Kevin T. Sheilley, CCE
Conference Host
Raphael James
Breakout Sessions
The Entrepreneur Conference offers four breakout sessions, each led by experienced practitioners and designed to deliver practical, actionable guidance. Attendees are welcome to choose the sessions most relevant to their business and their goals.
The Business Behind the Brand: Leadership, Talent, and Operations. Every successful brand is supported by strong operations. This session explores how to build the systems, develop the talent, and lead the teams that keep a business running efficiently, so entrepreneurs can focus on growth with confidence.
Get Seen. Get Chosen. Get Paid: A marketing-focused conversation on building visibility, earning customer trust, and converting attention into revenue. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace.
The Capital Conversation, Funding, Cash Flow and Financial Strategy: Access to capital and sound financial management are essential to sustainable growth. This session covers funding options, cash flow best practices, and financial strategies entrepreneurs can put to work immediately.
From Bid to Business: Winning Government and Corporate Contracts: Government and corporate contracts represent significant growth opportunities for small businesses. This session walks through how to position your company, navigate the bidding process, and compete successfully for these contracts.
Lunch Plenary: From LEAP to the Next Level: Join us over lunch for a candid panel discussion featuring alumni of the LEAP program. Panelists will share their entrepreneurial journeys, the lessons that shaped their businesses, and their advice for taking a growing business to its next stage.
Vendors and Sponsors
Vendor Tables
Showcase your business to a statewide audience of entrepreneurs, lenders, and community leaders at the Entrepreneur Conference. Vendor tables are available for a fee and offer direct, sustained access to attendees throughout the day, including during breakout sessions when attendees move between rooms and are most engaged with exhibitors.
To reserve a vendor table, register for the conference on Eventbrite, then email rashida@scclf.org to confirm your table. Please note that Eventbrite registration alone does not guarantee a vendor table, confirmation with Rashida is required to secure your spot. If you have already registered on Eventbrite, there is no need to register again, simply send a single confirmation email to reserve your table. Vendor space is limited and offered on a first come basis, so early outreach is strongly encouraged.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partnering with the South Carolina Community Loan Fund as a conference sponsor is an opportunity to align your brand with entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and community investment across South Carolina. Our sponsorship program offers three tiers, each structured to provide meaningful visibility and impact at a level that fits your organization.
Champion Partner
Our premier sponsorship tier, reserved for organizations seeking the highest level of visibility and engagement. Champion Partners receive an invitation to participate on a conference panel, a dedicated video feature, a post event spotlight, and a dedicated social media campaign highlighting their partnership.
Growth Partner
A robust sponsorship package designed for organizations looking to make a strong, visible impact on the conference and its attendees, with recognition throughout the event and across our marketing channels.
Community Partner
An accessible entry point for organizations of all sizes to support the conference and connect their brand with South Carolina's growing entrepreneur community.
Full benefit details and pricing for each tier are available in our sponsorship packet. For questions or to discuss a custom sponsorship package, please contact Tamera Adams at tamera@scclf.org.
Sponsorship Packet
Register for the Entrepreneur Conference
Join us on November 12, 2026, for a full day of learning, connection, and opportunity. Admission is complimentary and includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early.
For questions about registration, please contact Greg Perry at greg@scclf.org.
Support the Mission
As you register, consider selecting the Fuel the Mission ticket option to make a tax deductible contribution to the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your support helps expand access to capital and opportunity for entrepreneurs and communities across South Carolina.
South Carolina Community Loan Fund is a mission driven CDFI investing in small business lending, affordable housing, healthy food retail, and community facilities across South Carolina.