News

SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced the recipients of its 2026 Relentless Challenge grants, which totaled more than $760,000 granted to 14 projects across the state.

South Carolina export sales reach $38.5 billion in 2025, marking seven-year high

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2025 export sales grew 1.5%, reaching $38.5 billion — the highest value in seven years — as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

SC NEXUS and SCRA announce Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange project launch

The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) division, in partnership with the South Carolina Research Authority (

Coastal Precast Systems selects Laurens County for first South Carolina operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Coastal Precast Systems, LLC (Coastal Precast Systems), a manufacturer of precast and prestressed concrete components for bridge and marine infrastructure, today announced it selects Laurens County for its first South Carolina operation.

Georg Utz, Inc. selects Sumter County for first South Carolina operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Georg Utz, Inc., a plastic container manufacturer, today announced it selects Sumter County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.

Hydrite Chemical Co. expands Laurens County operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Hydrite Chemical Co. (Hydrite), a chemical solutions manufacturer and distributor, today announced it is expanding its operations in Laurens County.

Huwell US Inc. selects Cherokee County for first US operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Huwell US Inc. (Huwell), a cosmetics and hair care products manufacturer, today announced it selects Cherokee County for its first U.S. operation.

Cyclic Materials selects Chesterfield County for first East Coast operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Cyclic Materials, a leader in recycling solutions for rare earth elements, today announced it selects Chesterfield County to establish the company’s first East Coast operation.

JGB Brothers LLC establishes operations in Bamberg County

COLUMBIA, S.C. – JGB Brothers LLC (JGB Brothers), a food fibers manufacturer, today announced it is establishing operations in Bamberg County.

S.C. Department of Commerce announces new Global Business Development director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced today the promotion of Julie Kunkle to serve as the director of global business development (GBD). Kunkle will lead the department’s international and domestic recruitment efforts.

South Carolina industry recruitment reaches $9.12 billion in 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today released its 2025 industry recruitment results, marking a milestone for rural economic development.

SC NEXUS receives federal approval to expand across South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a request to expand the geographic footprint of SC NEXUS for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) to include the entire state of South Carolina.

S.C. Department of Commerce announces new Marketing and Communications director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced that Dorothy Weaver has joined the agency as the director of marketing and communications.

More than $12M awarded to improve communities across SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Communities throughout South Carolina are receiving community development grant funds totaling more than $12 million for public improvement projects and vital equipment needs.

Ironline Metals expands Hampton County operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ironline Metals, a precision manufacturer of steel framing products, today announced it is expanding its operations in Hampton County.