11/06/2020

In the United States, 50% of small businesses could close by February 2021. It’s a national problem, and the PPP/EIDL that businesses are currently living off of are both drying up. We MUST do something locally to support the small businesses that make our city so vibrant. With things like holiday markets and annual shopping events cancelled, people are shopping online rather than locally.

09/14/2020

Department Designates September ‘Insurtech Month’

07/13/2020

Since the opening of Uptown on Main, Martha Studstill has developed a devout local following. Her shop has been the cornerstone of the revitalization of Columbia's Business Improvement District.

04/23/2020

City of Columbia’s Economic Development Department has announced their partnership with GIS Planning, an online economic development solution for corporate site selection.

04/22/2020

In an effort to assist businesses in the community during COVID-19, the City of Columbia’s Economic Development Department has partnered with GIS Planning on the launch of ZoomBusiness, an interactive online map that displays businesses operating during the pandemic.

03/19/2020

The Columbia Economic Development Department has been working with other City departments, government agencies, and business associations to gather information relevant to businesses and their employees. Updates on local policies such as meter bagging for restaurants and curfew can be found here, alongside relevant information from other governmental agencies such as SBA Disaster Relief and SC DEW Employment Assistance.

02/19/2020

With final approval granted by Richland County Council during their February 18th meeting, the former Kline Iron & Steel Company location is now positioned to take advantage of the Commercial Development Incentive Program and move forward with a mixed use project at the key intersection of Huger and Gervais Streets. Founded in 1923, Kline operated on the corner of Huger and Gervais and became an internationally known powerhouse in steel fabrication and tower construction and continued to operate there for over 80 years.

12/12/2019

Inc. today announced its second annual Surge Cities list, a guide to the best 50 cities in America for starting a business. Coming in 42 on the list, Columbia, SC is ranked 6th in Net Business Creation, 20th in Wage Growth and 34th in Population Growth.