Seventeen South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) across the state offer individual, confidential business consulting at no cost. Highly-trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies. Consultants provide a variety of services, including advisement on business plans, fiscal and operations management, financing options, marketing strategies, human resources and much more. Centers conduct affordable education workshops and provide referrals to useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans business assistance and minority outreach. Visit www.SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow small business news at www.facebook.com/SCSBDC and @SCSBDC.