New Legislation Aims to Support Small Businesses Impacted by Road Construction

News Summary

Rep. Hamilton Grant has introduced the ‘Small Business Construction Impact Relief Act’ to support local businesses suffering from financial losses due to prolonged road construction delays. The proposal offers state aid, including loan forgiveness for businesses retaining 75% of their full-time employees. While it has garnered bipartisan support, the bill faces challenges as the current legislative session nears its end. Business owners have reported severe revenue drops, making financial assistance critical for their survival amid ongoing construction disruptions.

Columbia, South Carolina – On May 5, 2025, Rep. Hamilton Grant introduced a new legislative proposal, titled the “Small Business Construction Impact Relief Act,” designed to assist local businesses suffering financial losses due to prolonged road construction delays. The bill specifically targets small business owners who have faced hardships due to construction projects that are at least three years behind schedule.

The proposed legislation offers qualifying small businesses potential state aid to help recover losses associated with delayed roadwork. Under Grant’s bill, businesses that retain at least 75% of their full-time employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness. For those businesses that do not meet this employment condition, the bill mandates that the zero-interest loans would need to be repaid within five years. However, the bill does not specify any dollar amounts for these loans; such details will be determined during the legislative budget discussions.

Despite its intentions, the bill faces significant hurdles, primarily due to timing; it was introduced just four days before the current legislative session is set to close, diminishing its chances of passing in this cycle. Grant aims to use this proposal to foster dialogue and support for a renewed legislative effort next year.

During a news conference where the bill was announced, Grant brought attention to the struggles faced by local businesses, highlighting personal accounts from business owners. For instance, a nail salon, a soul food restaurant, and a Caribbean grocery store have reported substantial financial impacts due to construction on Hardscrabble Road, a project initially slated for completion in 2019.

The ongoing delays, linked to utility line relocations, have resulted in an updated completion date projected for this summer, alongside an additional cost escalation of $18 million. Business owners shared their experiences, indicating that their revenues can drop by as much as 60% as a result of the construction, leading to a challenging situation where they face significant waste of perishable inventory.

In particular, James Etheridge from Southern Crave expressed the necessity of state loans to sustain his business amid these setbacks. He illustrated how critical such support would be for managing operational costs during this turbulent period.

Beyond individual accounts, Frank Knapp, the CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, voiced his concerns regarding the bill’s efficacy for most small businesses impacted by long-term construction delays. His organization has a vested interest in ensuring that state assistance is accessible and effective for those in need.

As a measure of political backing, the legislation has attracted support from 15 co-sponsors, including one Republican representative, James Teeple, indicating a degree of bipartisan interest in addressing the challenges posed by construction-related disruptions to small businesses.

During discussions, Grant stressed the importance of balancing South Carolina’s growth with protective measures for small businesses endangered by government projects. His appeal for bipartisan support underscores the urgency to find solutions that safeguard local economies while continuing to develop infrastructure.

In summary, the “Small Business Construction Impact Relief Act” is a proactive response to the challenges faced by small business owners due to delayed road construction projects. While it has garnered attention and some support, the proposal’s future remains uncertain as it heads toward a potentially short-lived legislative evaluation. Stakeholders are urged to monitor its progress, given the ongoing challenges faced by many small businesses in the state as a result of infrastructure delays.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC Columbia
• SC Daily Gazette
• ARL Now
• Columbia Business Report
• The State
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Google Search: South Carolina small business construction
• Google Scholar: Small Business Construction Impact Relief Act
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
• Google News: South Carolina business construction