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Business Resources
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The charm of this historic city is due in large part to the entrepreneurial spirit that has flourished here for generations. After more than a century, Hartsville is still home to Sonoco Products Company, a global packaging company that started here in 1899. It continues to draw residents and business visitors from around the world.
Hartsville is one of the few cities with a thriving, bustling and walkable downtown that features an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and retail stores. Best of all, Hartsville residents support the local economy, and believe in the spirit of buying local. The Main Street Hartsville program is a partnership of the City of Hartsville and Main Street SC, a program of the National Main Street Center, focusing on thriving businesses, entertainment, recreating and historic preservation.
Licensing and permit information
For city business licenses and permits
City of Hartsville Business Navigator
100 E Carolina Ave.
Hartsville, SC 29550
p: 843-383-3025
For a county business licenseDarlington County Codes Enforcement
1 Public Square, Room 303
Darlington SC 29532
p: 843-398-4011
License to process, handle, cook, store, or distribute food
Darlington County Health Department
305 Russell Rd.
Darlington, SC 29532
p: 843-398-4400
Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC)
130 E. Camden Ave.
Hartsville, SC 29550
p: 843-332-7303
f: 843-383-6083
License to sell or serve alcoholic beveragesSouth Carolina Department of Revenue and Taxation
Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
301 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29214
p: 803-898-5743
Some other professions and businesses require additional licenses. For more information, contactSC Department of Consumer Affairs
3600 Forest Dr.
Columbia, SC 29250
800-922-1594
Economic development
In Darlington County, government and the private sector work hand-in-hand to foster a healthy business climate for economic development. The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership was established to improve the local economy by promoting and developing new industry and expanding existing industry.
The Partnership serves the cities of Darlington, Lamar, Society Hill and Hartsville. The organization works closely with state and federal agencies to secure available grants and other financial assistance for industries.
Darlington County boasts a diversified economy that has shown significant growth in the business management and professional sectors while sustaining a high level of manufacturing and service occupations.
Darlington County is home to paper manufacturers, packing companies, fabric manufacturers, steel mills, boat and recreational vehicle manufacturers, water heater manufacturers and brass fitting companies. Major industries, including national and international companies, have been in the county for over 100 years.
To learn more about economic development in Darlington County, visit their web site.Contact information
1951 Pisgah Road, Room 257
Florence, SC 29501
p: 843-413-3210Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
A resource for small business owners
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE) is America’s premier source of free and confidential business advice for small business owners. It is a nonprofit association with headquarters in Herndon, VA, and chapters throughout the U.S. and its territories, with 11,200 volunteers nationwide. The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce SCORE operation is a branch of SCORE Midlands located in Columbia, SC.
For almost 50 years, SCORE volunteers have helped business owners in every market including banking, marketing, industrial management, wholesaling distribution and retail.
In addition to having a depth of knowledge in their particular field, SCORE counselors receive training on today’s business practices, Small Business Administration resources and considerations for starting a new business.
SCORE offers one-on-one counseling services to entrepreneurs and present business owners. SCORE can assist business owners with many services including:- Developing an effective business plan
- Bookkeeping
- Expansion
- Understanding local, state, and federal government regulations
Small business owners or entrepreneurs can schedule consultations that last just a few sessions or assistance over a period of time. The business owner sets the level of help needed.
SCORE meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce. Consultations are free and appointments are required.
Contact the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment; at 843-332-6401 or admin@hartsvillechamber.orgSmall Business Development Center (SBDC)
The mission of the SC SBDC is to advance South Carolina’s economic development by helping entrepreneurs grow successful businesses. This means not only assisting the formation of new ventures, but also finding ways to help existing businesses to compete in a demanding market and faltering companies to stay on course. Consultants have often been entrepreneurs themselves so they know how first-hand the importance of an accurate business plan or what a financial institution looks for when deciding whether to fund a business. SC SBDCs offer free, confidential consulting on financing, marketing, employee management, importing and exporting, technology, market expansion, bookkeeping, manufacturing, government procurement and nuclear industry opportunities. There are also programs for veterans and minority-owned businesses. SC SBDC programs are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing economy, providing much needed services to South Carolina’s small business community.
SBDC meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce. Consultations are free and appointments are required.
Contact the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment; at 843-332-6401 or admin@hartsvillechamber.org