​Strong Businesses. Supported Neighbors. A Shared Future.

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The Broad River Business Alliance brings together the work of a business association and a community-serving nonprofit. We believe small businesses and strong neighborhoods grow together—and that lasting progress requires investment in both.

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Established in 2019 by Javar Juarez with the support of business owners, residents, and community stakeholders, BRBA serves the Broad River District: a 16-square-mile community of more than 40,000 people in Richland County, South Carolina.

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We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and South Carolina public charity, funded entirely by local businesses, Broad River residents, and generous supporters across the state.

Helping Local Businesses Take Root and Grow

Small businesses are essential to Broad River’s future. We connect owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with resources, relationships, and opportunities that help them build sustainable businesses.

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Our work includes supporting business connections, sharing information, helping owners navigate available assistance, and providing microgrants to small businesses led by Black entrepreneurs and women. We also advocate for investment and public improvements that strengthen the district as a place to work, shop, and do business.

Supporting the People Behind the Businesses

A healthy local economy depends on the well-being of its people. BRBA has helped more than 6,000 Richland County households through case management, nutrition assistance, emergency response, and financial support.

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Whether a household faces an immediate crisis or needs help navigating public services, we work to connect neighbors with practical support. Following Tropical Storm Helene, we partnered with state, county, and city governments to bring doorstep assistance to more than 1,000 high-risk households.

Making Sure Broad River Is Heard

BRBA brings community concerns to the agencies and decision-makers responsible for addressing them. From neighborhood streets to the South Carolina State House, we advocate for decisions that reflect the needs of Broad River’s residents and businesses.

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That work has included years of advocacy for neighborhood protections during the Carolina Crossroads project, including sound barriers bordering Emerald Valley and Long Creek Drive. It also includes responding to hundreds of requests each month involving roads, waste management, neighborhood conditions, and access to support.

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We champion responsible businesses and press for accountability when business practices harm the community.

Building Community Through Action

Our work depends on neighbors willing to show up for one another. We mobilize volunteers, support local partnerships, and bring residents and businesses together to address shared challenges.

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When gun violence brought devastating loss to the district, BRBA and its partners organized prevention efforts, trained neighbors, and stood alongside grieving families. Our ongoing service also includes clearing litter and illegal dumping from roadsides, business frontages, and public rights-of-way.

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These efforts reflect a simple commitment: listen to the community, respond to its needs, and keep working toward lasting improvements.

Invest in Broad River’s Future

Your support helps BRBA remain a consistent presence for our district—through emergencies, everyday challenges, and opportunities for growth.

As a business owner, resident, volunteer, or supporter, you have a place in this work. Together, we can strengthen a community where businesses flourish, families find support, and residents have a voice in what comes next.

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Our members are our investors. Our community is our purpose.