By PSA Newsroom Staff
Columbia, SC – In a time when small and family-owned businesses have faced unprecedented challenges, the Mom and Pop Alliance of South Carolina continues to stand as a champion for entrepreneurs who are the backbone of the Palmetto State’s economy. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by South Carolina small business owners who saw the need for stronger representation in government, the Alliance has grown into a powerful force advocating for common-sense policy solutions and stronger communication between small business owners and lawmakers.
From its inception, the Mom and Pop Alliance has worked tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of South Carolina’s roughly 430,000+ small businesses are heard in the halls of power in Columbia and beyond. Recognizing that small business owners often lack the time and resources to track hundreds of legislative bills each session, the Alliance steps in to educate members with concise policy updates, resources, and alerts that matter to entrepreneurs statewide.
A Strategic Two-Part Organization
In 2024, the Alliance expanded into two complementary entities to better serve its mission:
-
- The Mom and Pop Alliance (501(c)(3) nonprofit) – Focused on education, communication, and community-building, this organization provides key tools, newsletters, events, and programming that help small business owners stay informed about state government policies that affect their operations. All donations are tax-deductible.
-
- Mom and Pop Advocacy – This branch engages directly with South Carolina lawmakers to advocate for legislation and policies that protect, sustain, and empower small businesses at the state level.
Together, these organizations form a coordinated effort to inform small business owners, bridge gaps with elected officials, and promote a pro-small-business climate in state government.
Grassroots Origins, Meaningful Impact
The Alliance was born out of the realities of the COVID-19 era when many small businesses were deemed “non-essential” and felt unheard by policymakers. Since then, its volunteer leaders have maintained a grassroots model, accepting no government funding and relying instead on members, donors, and volunteers to fuel the mission.
One of the group’s signature advocacy efforts includes delivering its white chocolate popcorn to all 170 state legislators, a creative way to start conversations about small business challenges and policy priorities. In recent years, the Alliance has also taken the lead in raising awareness about critical issues like the rising cost of business liability insurance due to legislative changes, and the impact of emerging economic scoring systems that may inadvertently burden small businesses.
Strength Through Membership
Membership with the Mom and Pop Alliance brings significant advantages for business owners, including:
-
- A stronger collective voice – Small businesses gain influence by uniting behind shared priorities and advocating for policies that level the playing field with larger corporations.
-
- Up-to-date information – Members receive newsletters and alerts that help them stay informed without distracting from day-to-day business operations.
-
- Access to community and education – Through events, surveys, and outreach opportunities, members connect with peers and decision-makers.
Membership is open to all family-owned and small businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and privately owned corporations. Even non-business supporters can join as associate members to back small business advocacy and entrepreneurship across South Carolina.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, the Mom and Pop Alliance continues to build momentum, championing policies such as reducing business taxes and expanding economic opportunities for small enterprises across the state. Through its advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts, the Alliance empowers entrepreneurs to not only survive, but thrive, ensuring that the unique perspectives and needs of South Carolina’s small business community remain front-and-center in policy debates.
For more information, to become a member, or to donate, visit:
