The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities has extended the application deadline to January 20 for the 2026 NxLevel Micro Entrepreneurs and 2026 FastTrac Growth Venture courses, which will run from January through April.
The NxLevel For Micro Entrepreneurs program involves training that prepares entrepreneurs to compete, win and survive in the market place. Participants learn how to choose a business idea, develop a marketing plan and more. In person classes will take place from January 29-April 2, 2026 at Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby St. Columbia, SC 29203.
For more details, visit: obo.columbiasc.gov/
The FastTrac Growth Venture program in partnership with Midlands Technical College is a course designed to support the entrepreneur seeking to take their business to the next level. In person classes will held from January 27 through March 31, 2026 at the Midlands Technical College Northeast Campus, 151 Powell Road, Columbia, SC 29203.
stewardship.
“We are particularly proud of Dr. Foster’s knowledge of finance,” Dr. Brunson added. “Under his leadership, the District has demonstrated exemplary fiduciary stewardship, ensuring responsible financial management, transparency, and accountability while strategically investing public resources to support long-term stability and student success.”
Equally important, Dr. Foster has led an intentional effort to consistently share positive and transparent stories about OCSD’s progress, fostering increased community engagement and pride as families, staff, and residents increasingly celebrate the District’s accomplishments and future direction.
Dr. Foster expressed his appreciation to the Board for its continued trust and support. “I am deeply grateful to the Orangeburg County School District Board of Trustees for their confidence and trust,” said Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster. “Every day, our Board entrusts us with their two most prized possessions, their children and their resources. I take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to being a faithful steward of both, while working alongside our dedicated employees to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.”
Dr. Foster’s leadership has also garnered recognition beyond the District.
“The Board is especially pleased that we are not the only ones impressed by Dr. Foster’s leadership,” said Dr. Brunson. “He has been named Superintendent of the Year by both the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association. Most recently, The Times and Democrat recognized Dr. Foster as its Person of the Year.”
Importantly, the Board emphasized that Dr. Foster’s leadership elevates students and staff throughout the District.
“Dr. Foster’s success is reflected in the success of others,” Dr. Brunson said. “OCSD students and schools have earned multiple national honors, including North Middle/High School being named a National ESEA Distinguished School, national READ 180 student and educator recognitions, designation as a National Beta School of Distinction, SkillsUSA national award recognition, and national competitive success by students from the Orangeburg Career & Technology Center through FCCLA and SkillsUSA.”
