About this Event
Back by Popular demand, join a supplier community favorite event, The Supplier Readiness Roundtable, on Oct 23 presented by in partnership with Ridge Stewardstone Construction, City of Columbia OBO, First Citizens Bank & Milliken
Supplier Readiness Roundtable – Columbia, SC
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm EST
Doors Open at 9:30 am
Event Overview
The Supplier Readiness Roundtable is designed to help South Carolina’s small businesses learn how to do BIG business with major organizations. This interactive forum connects entrepreneurs directly with corporate, government, and financial decision-makers who are actively engaged in supplier diversity, subcontracting, and small business inclusion.
What Small Businesses Will Learn
At this event, small businesses will gain actionable insights on:
-Corporate Contracting Opportunities – Learn where and how to connect with Fortune 500 companies, banks, and large organizations seeking small business suppliers.
-Navigating Construction Trades – Understand what it takes to become a subcontractor and partner with established construction firms like Ridge Stewardstone.
-Becoming a Corporate Supplier – Discover how global companies like Milliken work with small business suppliers and what they look for in partnerships.
-Banking Solutions for Growth – Explore financing, lending, and banking resources designed to strengthen and scale small businesses through partners like First Citizens Bank.
-Government and Municipal Opportunities – Gain insight from the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities on programs and resources available to local entrepreneurs.
-Building a Supportive Business Community – Learn how to leverage networks, mentorship, and peer groups to grow stronger as a small business owner.
-Balancing Mental Health and Entrepreneurship – Hear strategies to maintain wellness while growing and sustaining a business.
Why Attend?
-Connect directly with corporate and government leaders.
-Get practical steps to become contract-ready.
-Learn strategies to strengthen your finances, operations, and readiness.
-Network with peers and build lasting business relationships.
-Walk away with a clearer roadmap for positioning your company in competitive supply chains.
Featured Panelists Include:
-Tosha Dash, ProcuraFind Ambassador (Event Host)
-Shante Rubin, CEO of Royal HR at Hand – The Power of a Small Business Community
-Bernard Atiase Jr., Ridge Stewardstone Construction – How to Do Business as a Subcontractor in Construction Trades
-Kathy Vezina, Milliken – How to Do Business with Milliken as a Supplier
-Ben Fuller, First Citizens Bank – Business Banking Options for Small Businesses
-Ayesha Driggers, MPA, Office of Business Opportunities – How OBO Supports Columbia Small Businesses
-Amanda Gilchrist, Inflection Point Nexus Advisors – Balancing Mental Health & Wellness as a Business Owner
Registration Required
This is a free but highly curated event. Registration is required for all attendees.
ProcuraFind® is an online-supplier community that develops and connects small businesses to corporate partners nationwide in their 1st 90 days! A leading corporate procurement solution for small business suppliers, we’re one of the fastest-growing member-based communities nationwide, securing over $4.75 million in member contracts & counting in 2024 alone.
The goal is to give attendees access to our network of pre-vetted suppliers and corporate partners of all industries and trades! (See Attendee Testimonials: and )
Open to all small businesses, you are invited to learn how your small business can win contracts & grow your business at the same time!
Register & Get Real Connections & Opportunities!
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(MUST BE REGISTERED - NO Walk-ins!)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1735 Busby St, 1735 Busby Street, Columbia, United States
USD 0.00
