Rural Development Building capacity for long-term rural growth
Strong rural communities are essential to South Carolina’s economic future. SC Commerce works alongside local leaders and regional partners to strengthen community capacity, plan for long-term growth and prepare rural areas for new investment and opportunity.
Helping rural communities prepare for what’s next
Every rural community brings its own assets, priorities and vision for the future. SC Commerce’s Rural Development team helps communities turn those strengths into actionable strategies for economic growth.
Through planning assistance, targeted investment and collaboration with local, regional, state and private-sector partners, the team helps rural communities:
- Develop strategies for long-term growth and revitalization
- Strengthen local leadership and community capacity
- Prepare sites and infrastructure for future investment
- Advance projects that improve quality of place and economic competitiveness
- Connect with resources and partners aligned with local priorities
Rural Development programs & initiatives
Rural investments in action
SC Commerce has directed targeted investments toward infrastructure, economic development and quality-of-life improvements in rural communities across South Carolina.
In 2019, the South Carolina General Assembly allocated $65 million to SC Commerce for the Rural Initiative Grant Program and Rural Broadband Grant Program. In 2022, the Growing Rural Communities Grant Program extended rural development funding to additional Tier III and Tier IV counties.
Rural Initiative Grant Program
The Rural Initiative Grant Program funded projects advancing economic development, infrastructure, community development and public safety in designated rural counties.
Examples include:
Clarendon County | Alcolu Technology and Industrial Park
Clarendon County received $2.5 million to continue developing the Alcolu Technology and Industrial Park. Improvements included roadway widening, construction pad development, water main extensions, rail spur due diligence, site design and permitting.
The investment strengthened the park’s readiness for future manufacturing growth. In May 2025, Homanit announced plans to establish its first US manufacturing operation at the park, creating a projected 300 jobs.
Fairfield County | Speculative industrial building
Rural Initiative funding helped Fairfield County expand its industrial inventory through the construction of a new speculative building. The property was later selected for Mega Metal’s first South Carolina operation.
Lee County | Downtown Bishopville revitalization
Investment in downtown Bishopville helped reinvigorate the city center and create new opportunities for tourism, small business growth and community engagement.
Growing Rural Communities Grant Program
Launched in 2022, the Growing Rural Communities Grant Program expanded rural development support to 24 Tier III and Tier IV counties not served through the Rural Initiative Grant Program.
The program committed nearly $3.9 million to 13 locally identified projects, including downtown and civic improvements, recreation facilities, water and sewer infrastructure and industrial site enhancements.
Rural Broadband Grant Program
The Rural Broadband Grant Program expanded high-speed internet access across qualifying rural communities. A portion of the General Assembly’s 2019 allocation was directed to the South Carolina Broadband Office within the Office of Regulatory Staff to administer the program.
Construction was completed in March 2026. The program supported 2,041 miles of fiber and expanded access to high-speed internet service for 21,644 housing units across eligible and adjacent counties.
South Carolina Rural Summit
Bringing rural leaders together
The South Carolina Rural Summit brings together elected officials, economic developers, business leaders, planners and community partners to exchange ideas and consider strategies for long-term rural growth.
Hosted by SC Commerce, the Summit creates opportunities to strengthen partnerships and discuss infrastructure, strategic planning, economic competitiveness, community development and the evolving needs of rural communities.
2026 South Carolina Rural Summit
Held in Greer, the 2026 Rural Summit featured two days of discussions focused on small business, agribusiness, infrastructure, public investment, emerging technologies and partnership-driven growth.
Looking ahead
Planning is underway for the 2027 South Carolina Rural Summit. Dates, location and registration information will be shared as they become available.
Expected timeframe: Spring 2027
Related grant programs
Additional grant programs administered or coordinated through SC Commerce may support eligible infrastructure, economic development and community projects in rural areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Provides grants to eligible local governments for infrastructure, public facilities, revitalization, economic opportunity and other identified community needs.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
Supports eligible economic and community development projects benefiting South Carolina’s Appalachian counties.
South Carolina Regional Commission (SCRC)
A federal-state partnership supporting economic and infrastructure development throughout eligible counties in the Southeast Crescent region.
Connect with the Rural Development team
Planning for your community’s future or looking for the appropriate starting point for a rural development project? Connect with the Rural Development team to discuss your goals and identify relevant programs, resources and partners.
