Seven agricultural entrepreneurs win startup funding

The S.C. Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship program, in its third year, provides business management guidance and startup funding. Sixteen participants pitched business ideas earlier this month.  

Incarcerated individuals can earn degrees in new program

Claflin University, chosen as a U.S. Department of Education Second Chance Pell Experimental Site in April, will offer three bachelor’s degree programs beginning next year. The program is free.  

S.C. unemployment rate edges upward in November

The state’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in November from 4.2% in October, while the number of South Carolinians working decreased by almost 64,000 people. 

Silver Airways begins nonstop service to Florida from CAE

The low-cost carrier will offer $49 one-way fares to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando though Jan. 31. Columbia Metropolitan Airport now has four airline partners and offers 11 nonstop routes to 10 cities.