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Starting a business can be intimidating, according to Earl Gregorich, a certified business adviser with the South Carolina Small Business Administration. He spoke at the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Tuesday. It was at the Cayce United Methodist Church.

“We can help you,” said Gregorich, “and it doesn’t cost you anything.”

Gregorich said the SBA is staffed with 50 consultants who are entrepreneurs with expertise in various types of businesses. The SBA is affiliated with the University of South Carolina and there are 21 SBA offices in the state. The main office is on Laurel Street in Columbia.

Gregorich said the SBA offers help in planning and strategy, obtaining government contracts, and veterans and minority assistance.

SBA training sessions include help with: organization; startups; Qucikbooks and management, among other topics.

Gregorich said there are five top questions his office gets. Those are related to: improving sales and marketing; funding help; websites and social media; starting a business; and financial management.