Orangeburg business consultant named State Star for SC

The State Star Award, the highest accolade achievable by SC SBDC employees, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network and small businesses in South Carolina.

Johnson was recognized with other State Star recipients from SBDCs across the country during the 45th Annual America’s SBDC national conference in Atlanta, Sept. 10-13.

“I am very pleased to recognize Jim Johnson as the South Carolina State Star. He has been a key team member for almost nine years, producing vital enhancements to our program and outcomes year-in and year-out,” said South Carolina SBDC State Director Michele Abraham when announcing Johnson’s selection as the 2024 ASBDC State Star.

“Jim’s leadership, creativity and diligence have been instrumental in developing services for farms and other agribusiness enterprises that have significantly impacted numerous rural communities,” Abraham said.

Johnson, a business consultant with the Columbia Area SBDC, is an Orangeburg native who joined the SC SBDC in August 2015 and served as SC State Region director from 2015 to 2022 and now serves as a senior business consultant specializing in food systems, agribusiness and hospitality with the SBDC’s University of South Carolina Region. Johnson has built a reputation as an innovator, strategic collaborator and steadfast advocate of the business environment in his region.

Like all SC SBDC network professionals, Johnson draws upon his breadth and depth of experience when advising clients. Prior to joining the SC SBDC in 2015, Johnson owned and operated a medical supply company, a restaurant and a property management company. He graduated with an undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and an MBA from Claflin University.

Johnson holds certifications from the South Carolina Economic Development Institute, Clemson Palmetto Leadership in Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry, Certified Global Business Professional and Certified Rural Grocery Transition Specialist through Kansas State University. Johnson’s SC SBDC awards include a Leadership Award, Spirit Award and Collaboration Award.

Johnson has made strides in the SC SBDC Agribusiness Program by collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Clemson Extension and other regional partners, which increased the SC SBDC’s capacity to support agribusiness clients.

Johnson is particularly proud of his work with the USDA and for helping rural and farm clients access millions in grant funding from programs such as the Value-Added Producer Grant, Rural Energy for America and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.

Beyond agribusiness, Johnson spearheads several other initiatives, including a hospitality program, coaching interns for small business clients and working on the Lower Richland Tourism Plan. These programs are all geared toward enhancing the region’s business landscape.

“I’ve been impressed by Jim Johnson’s commitment to my success. Any time I have a question, I send him an email. He always answers. I’m glad to have him in my corner working on my behalf,” said Marvin Ross, owner of Peculiar Pig Farm.

Johnson said that while he is grateful to be named the 2024 State Star, it is the small business owner who deserves recognition.

“Small businesses are responsible for creating the majority of new jobs in the community. I am fortunate to be able to help these hardworking entrepreneurs grow thriving businesses while at the same time fulfilling my aspiration to ‘make somebody’s life better today,’” Johnson said.

“This is my true professional calling, and I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals serving the small businesses of South Carolina.”