How KickStart Local Helps South Carolina Businesses Reach Their Communities

What KickStart Local does

KickStart Local is a South Carolina program that gives small businesses money to market themselves within their own regions. Instead of a loan you repay, it's a grant—money the state provides to help local companies tell their communities who they are and what they offer. The program is run by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and targets businesses that are too small or too new to afford traditional marketing on their own.

The grants cover specific marketing activities: a new website, social media campaigns, print materials, local advertising, or video content. You don't get a lump sum to spend however you want. Instead, you propose a project, the state approves it, and then you carry out the work and submit receipts. The state reimburses you for what you actually spent, up to the grant amount.

Key Takeaways

• KickStart Local grants pay for marketing projects like websites, social media, ads, and video—not for general business expenses or inventory.
• You must be a South Carolina business with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue under a certain threshold to be considered.
• The application process requires a written marketing plan that describes what you'll do, how much it will cost, and what results you expect.
• Reimbursement happens after you complete the work and provide receipts, not before you start spending.
• Funding is limited and awarded in rounds, so availability changes throughout the year.

Who can receive a KickStart Local grant

The program is designed for small businesses—typically those with fewer than 50 full-time employees. You must be registered to do business in South Carolina and have been operating for at least one year, though some rounds may accept newer businesses. Nonprofits and sole proprietorships are often included, but the exact rules vary by funding round.

Certain industries are excluded: financial services, real estate, and professional services (like law or accounting) typically cannot receive grants. Retail, manufacturing, hospitality, professional services tied to a product, and service-based businesses are usually may be able to access. The best way to know if your business fits is to contact the Department of Commerce directly or check the current round's guidelines when they're posted.

What the grant money can and cannot cover

KickStart Local pays for marketing work only. That means website design and development, social media content creation and advertising, professional photography or videography, print advertising, radio or digital ads, branding materials, and promotional events. You can also use funds for a marketing consultant to help you plan and execute the campaign.

The grant does not cover inventory, equipment, payroll, rent, or any non-marketing business expense. It won't pay for a general business consultant, accounting services, or legal fees. If you're unsure whether a specific expense qualifies, ask the Department of Commerce before you spend the money—they can tell you whether a receipt will be reimbursable.

How to apply and what to prepare

Applications open during specific funding rounds announced by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. You'll submit an online application that includes basic business information, proof that you're registered in South Carolina, and a detailed marketing plan. The marketing plan is the core of your application—it describes what you'll do, why it matters for your business, how much each part costs, and what you hope to achieve.

Before you apply, gather your business registration documents, tax ID, and a rough budget for the marketing work you want to do. If you're working with a marketing professional or vendor, get quotes from them so you know what to request in your grant. The application itself usually takes a few hours to complete if you have your information ready. After you submit, the state reviews applications and notifies winners within a set timeframe—typically several weeks.

The reimbursement process after approval

Once your grant is approved, you don't receive a check upfront. Instead, you carry out the marketing work you described in your application, keep all receipts and invoices, and then submit them to the Department of Commerce for reimbursement. This means you need to have the money available to pay vendors or contractors while you wait for the state to reimburse you.

The reimbursement timeline varies, but you should expect to wait several weeks after submitting your receipts. The state reviews your receipts to make sure the work was done and the costs match what you proposed. If everything is in order, they send you a check. If there are questions about a receipt or expense, they'll contact you before processing payment.

Finding current funding rounds and deadlines

KickStart Local funding rounds are not always open. The Department of Commerce announces new rounds on its website and through local economic development offices. To stay informed, visit the South Carolina Department of Commerce website directly or contact your local chamber of commerce or economic development authority—they often have details about upcoming rounds before they're widely publicized.

When a round opens, there is usually a deadline to submit applications, often 30 to 60 days out. Mark the deadline on your calendar as soon as you see it announced, because funding can run out before the official deadline if many businesses apply. Some rounds reopen later in the year if funds remain, so if you miss one deadline, another may come.

Common reasons applications are denied or delayed

Applications are most often denied because the business doesn't meet size or revenue requirements, the marketing plan is too vague, or the proposed expenses don't clearly connect to marketing. If your plan says "improve brand awareness" but doesn't explain how a website or ad campaign will do that, reviewers may ask for more detail. Make sure your plan is specific: name the platforms you'll use, describe the content you'll create, and explain why those choices fit your business and your customers.

Applications are delayed when receipts don't match the approved budget, when vendors aren't clearly identified, or when the work described in receipts doesn't match the work described in the application. To avoid this, keep detailed records as you go, and if you need to change your plan after approval, contact the Department of Commerce first to ask if the change is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the grant money to pay someone to manage my social media for three months?

Yes, if the work is specifically marketing-related. Paying a social media manager to create and post content counts as a marketing expense. However, the grant reimburses based on receipts, so you'll need an invoice from the manager showing the work performed and the dates. Make sure the invoice clearly describes the marketing services, not just "social media management."

What happens if I don't spend all the grant money?

You only receive reimbursement for what you actually spent. If you were approved for $5,000 but only spent $3,500, you submit receipts for $3,500 and that's what you're reimbursed. You cannot return to the program later to use the remaining $1,500—it's not held for you. Plan your marketing project carefully so you use the full amount if possible.

Can I apply if my business is less than one year old?

Most rounds require at least one year of operation, but some newer funding rounds have made exceptions for businesses under one year. Check the specific guidelines for the round you're interested in, or contact the Department of Commerce to ask whether your business timeline qualifies.

Do I need a marketing degree or professional experience to apply?

No. Your application is judged on the quality of your marketing plan and whether your business meets the size requirements—not on your background. If you're unsure how to write a strong plan, consider working with a marketing consultant (whose fees can be part of the grant) or asking your local chamber of commerce for guidance.

What if I'm denied—can I apply again in the next round?

Yes. If your application is denied, ask the Department of Commerce for feedback on why. Common fixes include clarifying your marketing plan, adjusting your budget, or providing more detail about your business. You can apply again in the next funding round with a revised application.