A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE MULTICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the State of South Carolina values the diversity of its residents and acknowledges that the contributions of individuals from all cultures and backgrounds strengthen our communities, enhance our economy, and inspire innovation; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina has a long history of entrepreneurship and commerce, with some of its earliest businesses established around 1670 following the founding of the first permanent English settlement at Albemarle Point (later Charleston), where initial economic activity focused on maritime trade, supplying Barbados with timber and agricultural products, and later expanded into deerskin, cattle, and regional trade networks; and

 

Whereas, historic areas such as Charleston's Morris Street corridor, the "Little Jerusalem" district along King Street, Greenville's Broad Street business district, Columbia's historic Black Downtown along Washington Street, and Decker Boulevard's "International Corridor," a two-mile stretch of diverse, authentic, and affordable global cuisine, serve as enduring examples of cross-cultural entrepreneurship and collaboration; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina is recognized as one of the leading states in the nation for Black-owned businesses, with nearly 20% of the state's small businesses identified as Black-owned, one of the highest proportions nationally, reflecting robust entrepreneurial participation, community impact, and growing contributions to local economic vitality, job creation, and inclusive prosperity; and

 

Whereas, well before and throughout the colonial period, Native American communities developed sophisticated economic systems grounded in trade, agriculture, skilled craftsmanship, and careful land stewardship, and continue today to drive economic development through tribally led enterprises, cultural ventures, and community-focused initiatives that preserve heritage while promoting sustainable prosperity; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community demonstrates the highest self-employment rate of all minority groups in the State, with approximately 10% of women and 12% of men self-employed, while AAPI entrepreneurs nationally operate more than 3 million businesses, employ millions, and make substantial contributions to the broader U.S. economy; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina is home to nearly 35,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, including approximately 33,000 nonemployer firms and 1,971 employer firms, reflecting the growing economic impact and entrepreneurial leadership of the Latino-Hispanic community, and underscoring the state's dynamic multicultural business ecosystem; and

 

Whereas, European American business owners represent the largest share of business ownership in South Carolina, with an estimated 387,900 White-owned businesses across the State, making up a significant portion of the total business community and reflecting the foundational role of long-established European American entrepreneurs and commercial leaders in shaping the state's economic landscape; and

 

Whereas, MCBA is committed to promoting equal opportunity, business education, and entrepreneurship for individuals of all races and cultural backgrounds, providing valuable resources, mentorship, and guidance to both emerging and established business owners; and

 

Whereas, the accomplishments of multicultural business owners inspire all South Carolinians to pursue their goals, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and strengthen the state's economy through innovation, education, and inclusive business practices, and supporting diversity, equity, and empowerment in the business sector, by fostering multicultural collaboration, promoting inclusive practices, and embracing progressive policies, is essential to closing opportunity gaps, encouraging cultural exchange, and sustaining equitable economic growth across South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, all citizens are encouraged to observe this day with programs, events, and activities that honor multicultural entrepreneurship, highlight the value of inclusive business education, and promote continued collaboration across cultures to strengthen South Carolina's communities and economy. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and celebrate multicultural entrepreneurship in South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mota Crosslinking Business Academy.

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