Don Royal

The meeting, identified as the second official meeting since the council's formation, focused on providing guidance to shape the division's approach to serving small and minority business communities. Key discussions included legislative updates on local licensing fees (H4510), standardization of business license taxes (H4769), and an economic development study (H4831) directed at attracting offshore wind energy supply chain industries. The committee also addressed ongoing work with partners like Apprentice SC to establish apprenticeship programs. Significant focus was placed on initiatives derived from a council survey, including improving financial literacy for small business owners (noting low qualification rates for CARES Act funding due to inadequate financial statements or legal structure), developing a business directory for hiring ex-offenders in coordination with the Department of Corrections, and educating businesses on the state procurement process, especially for SCDOT contracts. Furthermore, the committee is pursuing a $500,000 rural business development grant to provide consulting services in ten identified rural counties, aiming to promote business growth and sustainability outside of the major metropolitan areas. The persistent barrier of access to capital for small and minority businesses was also highlighted.

The meeting covered several key operational updates and future planning activities. Discussions focused on the recent success in achieving Small Disadvantaged Minority Business Contracting certification and plans to restructure to support growth in this area, which involves reaching out to advisory committees. The introduction of the new Program Coordinator, Nicole Palmer, following the departure of Ashley Owens was noted, along with a request for patience and support for the new coordinator. A significant point of celebration was the selection of two students from South Carolina State University for the 2024 HBCU White House Scholars Program, emphasizing the importance of encouraging student success. The Program Coordinator provided an update on planned events through April 2025, including a Second Chance Housing Forum, an Early Childhood Common AGgending Housing Summit, Black History Month celebrations, a historical minority figure art exhibit, a second chance re-entry program in partnership with HUD, a Multicultural Author Round Table, and the Black Maternal Health Forum. Advisory council members provided updates on their activities, including support for a Young C and Leaders program which received a commission donation, voter registration drives, and planning for a new high charter school focused on Arts, Innovation, and Media technology. Additionally, updates were shared regarding the rebuilding of Turner Hall into an academic institution and an initiative to overhaul customer service standards across the agency. A presentation was given on college food insecurity and efforts to encourage eligible students to enroll in SNAP benefits, drawing parallels to similar legislative efforts in Tennessee.

The South Carolina Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Charter outlines a comprehensive approach to homeland security for South Carolina. Its goal is to establish an integrated capability to prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from terrorist activities and other events. The HSAC's mission is to support and advise the State Homeland Security Advisor and State Administrative Agency through collaboration, risk and capability assessments, investment planning, resource optimization, training, and information sharing. Key objectives include guiding risk assessments, approving investment plans, and developing state homeland security strategies to reduce risks for the citizens of the State.