Aug 26, 2021
Icons & Phenoms celebrated by CRBR, colleagues and community
The Columbia Regional Business Report celebrated the 2021 Icons & Phenoms Wednesday at a luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Colleagues and friends joined the 24 honorees to recognize their many contributions to the Midlands community.
Aug 25, 2021
North Charleston’s Black-owned businesses seek more support amid city’s growth
Whitfield, who is African American, is well aware of the historical disadvantages that have long affected Black-owned businesses. He said he feels his company sends the message that minority-owned companies can do the work if given the opportunity.
Aug 24, 2021
Corporate America’s $50 billion promise
After the murder of George Floyd ignited nationwide protests, corporate America acknowledged it could no longer stay silent and promised to take an active role in confronting systemic racism. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, companies proclaimed “Black lives matter.” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon adopted the posture of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests....
Jul 20, 2021
Business Report honors the 2021 class of Icons & Phenoms
Each year, the Business Report and its sponsors and partners recognize the Icons & Phenoms during a special event and awards ceremony. Profiles of the individual honorees also are published in a special print section of the Business Report. In their third year, the awards recognize the success and community involvement of 24 area leaders. This year's class includes 12 established figures who have been getting things done in the Midlands for decades and 12 up-and-coming movers and shakers already having a significant impact.
May 24, 2021
Citi Partners with Black-owned Banks to Help Close Wealth Gap
Citi’s work with Minority Depository Institutions like Optus Bank helps to expand banking and capital access to communities of color.
Mar 18, 2021
Optus Bank Helps Underserved SMBs and Communities Through Inclusive Credit and Lending Products
Just because someone has money doesn’t mean that they know how to use it to maximize their financial well being. Many people, regardless of wealth, don’t have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage their finances.
Mar 9, 2021
For the smallest businesses, an exclusive chance to line up for PPP loans
Over the last two weeks, the Small Business Administration has been limiting Paycheck Protection Program loan applications to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The idea was to help the smallest businesses apply before the program expires at the end of the month. How has the process has been going?
Mar 8, 2021
Black-owned banks, online challengers compete for customers of color
As challenger banks seek to acquire more customers of color, Black-owned banks say the value they provide to traditionally underserved communities goes beyond what the online upstarts can offer. These more traditional, minority-owned banks "take a broader role in people's lives and a broader role in communities," Kevin Cohee, owner, chairman and CEO of OneUnited Bank....
Feb 15, 2021
How Optus Bank is helping small businesses succeed
Norman Mills stood outside Royal Automotive Techs, the auto repair shop he co-owns in Columbia, South Carolina, while a photographer asked him to look at the camera and pose naturally. Instantly, Mills flashed a contagious smile.
Feb 15, 2021
A Conversation with Dominik Mjartan, Optus Bank
Optus Bank was founded 100 years ago by visionary African American leaders who established Victory Savings and Loan to provide access to capital to individuals and business excluded from the banking system. Today, the bank is now called Optus Bank, but the focus remains the same. It is a community bank whose mission is to close the wealth gap created by systemic disparities in the financial industry.