Upstate Business Journal

06/11/2026

South Carolina’s economic outlook remains positive, with economists forecasting continued growth through 2026 and beyond.

Key factors driving the forecast include:
• 2.5% projected GDP growth in 2026
• Continued population gains
• Strong capital investment activity
• Expanding workforce participation

Read how these trends are influencing businesses, communities and economic development efforts across the Upstate.

TD Bank forecasts 2.5% South Carolina economic growth in 2026, with the Upstate leading the way through investment and growth.

06/10/2026

Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) celebrated its 25th anniversary during today's annual meeting, highlighting a reported $94.2 billion cumulative economic impact on Greenville County since its founding in 2001.

CEO Max Stewart outlined the organization’s 2026 theme, “Rooted, rising, forging legacy,” while emphasizing that workforce talent has become the leading factor in economic development decisions.

Read more about the numbers, strategy and leadership updates shaping Greenville County’s next chapter.

Since 2001, GADC has accounted for $94.2 billion in cumulative economic impact in the county, according to a research economist.

06/09/2026

South Carolina Research Authority - SCRA announced new grants and member companies as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s innovation economy.

Spartanburg-based SusMaTech received a $25,000 startup grant, while Clemson University was awarded $75,000 in academic matching grants to support the development of university-owned technologies.

06/05/2026

The June 2026 issue of the Upstate Business Journal is now available, bringing you the latest updates on economic development, commercial real estate, and community impact across the region.

Our featured cover story highlights a crucial new study by Greater Good Greenville. Local nonprofit leaders include Katy Smith (Greater Good Greenville), Tessa May (Loaves & Fishes), and Lauren Luneckas (The Children's Museum of the Upstate).

Beyond the cover, this issue is packed with regional business news:

- Economic Growth: TD Bank's latest forecast projects a resilient 2.5% growth for South Carolina, anchored by strong manufacturing and population gains in Greenville and Spartanburg.

- Real Estate Realignment: Details on TD Bank’s sale-leaseback of its 58-acre campus to Novant Health for $44.8 million.

- Social Enterprise: A sit-down Q&A with Dan Weidenbenner on how Mill Village Ministries is addressing systemic poverty through food access, entrepreneurship, and their brand-new facility expansion.

Keep reading for more.
https://upstatebusinessjournal.com/

06/05/2026

Bank of America has named Chip McLeod as its president of Upstate South Carolina.

“Chip will continue to grow our market share in the Upstate, delivering the full breadth of Bank of America’s capabilities to help our local clients improve their financial lives,” Brian Moynihan, chair and CEO of Bank of America said. “We thank Stacy for her remarkable 39 years of service with the company.”

Read more https://tinyurl.com/yc4zvbms

Bank of America announced June 5 the appointment of Chip McLeod as the bank's president of Upstate South Carolina.

06/04/2026

Major renovation and development projects will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting of the city of Greenville’s Design Review Board.

The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. June 18 at Greenville City Hall.

Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda.

Major renovation and development projects will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting of the city of Greenville’s Design Review Board.

06/03/2026

USA Rare Earth Inc., an Oklahoma-based rare earth and critical minerals company, announced June 2 that it will build a new manufacturing facility at Bailey Industrial Park in Blacksburg.

The state-of-the-art plant will produce rare earth magnets and refined metals, with an expected annual capacity of 6,400 metric tons of rare earth magnets and roughly 5,000 metric tons of strip-cast metal and alloy.

The project is expected to create approximately 490 jobs.

Read the full story at the link. 🔗

The new Cherokee County facility will produce rare earth magnets used in the defense, aerospace, medical and energy industries, among others.

06/02/2026

What are you protecting: a strong business, or a familiar routine?

John Sterling argues that the answer may determine whether your team grows or stalls.

Comfort kills sales momentum. Why great leaders raise the bar before “good enough” becomes a slow, costly decline.

05/27/2026

The Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina is elevating its community and dining footprint this summer.

Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events will officially open in the former Runway Cafe site. Chef and owner Trish Ballentine is currently overseeing final renovations on the South Ramp restaurant and hangar space, creating a dual-purpose concept designed for both locals and travelers.

Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events will open in the former Runway Cafe space at the Greenville Downtown Airport this summer.

05/26/2026

A major retail space in downtown Simpsonville is getting a transformation.

The building at 123 E. Curtis St., which previously housed the Koinophobic Boutique, has been purchased by local investors and is now fully leased. It will be subdivided and completely renovated to welcome two of the Upstate concepts: NEAT Bourbon Bar Greenville and Indigokitchen.

NEAT Bourbon Bar and Indigo Kitchen are expanding to downtown Simpsonville. Both are slated to open in 2027.