Be happy you live, own a business or work in Lexington County. You could have trouble parking if you work in downtown Columbia.

Researcher Crystal Baker of Colliers International told us that Columbia parking is shrinking due to high office and residential occupancy.

Businesses are finding little convenient parking for customers and employees. New developments are being built over parking spaces, the University of South Carolina has bought public parking lots and retail and office staffs are returning to work.

On the move

The Real Estate School of South Carolina has moved to 1926 Augusta Road, West Columbia in the former TD Bank,. Owners Melissa Sprouse-Browne and Chip Browne told the Chronicle’s Terry Ward with video streaming they need less space.

Dr. Dan Handford, CEO at Vitality Spine Center Chiropractors, bought their building at 101 Medical Center.

Who’s new

Dr. Douglas Schult, Jr., has joined Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolinaand earned his undergraduate degree from Wofford College, He specializes in joint arthroplasty and total joint replacement and minimally invasive surgery including partial knee replacement.

Business expansion

IAA, Inc., a leading global digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers, has relocated and expanded its Lexington branch at 424 Two Notch Rd.

Its state-of-the-art facilities will support customer needs, said Tim O’Day, President of US Operations.

Back to business

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is financing a free online learning platform to help small businesses with their recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.

Called “BackTo.Biz,” the program assembled by production company Creative Live features more than 400 video lessons, articles and tools from entrepreneurs.

The BackTo.Biz curriculum touches on hiring talent, e-commerce, brand building, pivoting business models, creating new revenue streams, finding ideal customers, managing stress and more. Some of the lessons include “branding basics for social media marketing” with Daymond John; “optimism, leadership and the future of small business” with Backstage Capital managing partner Arlan Hamilton; and “negotiating your contracts” with Vanessa Van Edwards, to name a few. For details please see https://finance.yahoo.com/news/howardschultz-funds-back-to-biz-online-learningplatform-121001278.html

Diesel emiussions project

Nearly $3 million in federal grants are available for projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions in the state.

The US Environmental Program Agency’s State Diesel Emissions Reduction Act supports clean diesel projects, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control announced. The money can be used by private businesses,county, city or local governments and universities to replace or upgrade older diesel engines.

This will reduce their harmful effects on public health and the environment.”

A request for proposal will be released Oct. 1, with grants awarded to eligible applicants presenting cost-effective plans

More information is available online.