The state’s sixth-largest city lands near the top of our list

With average revenue of $1,874,514, Greenville businesses make twice as much as the average business in South Carolina. In addition, a large percentage of Greenville businesses have paid employees. It is home to large corporations, such as General Electric and Lockheed, but the city is also just as friendly to existing and growing small businesses. The city’s Department of Economic Development offers small-business grants and loans , and Greenville Chamber of Commerce offers resources to help improve business conditions.

3. Myrtle Beach

The city, known for its soft sandy beaches and subtropical https://installmentloansgroup.com/installment-loans-wi/ climate, attracts over 14 million visitors during the tourist season. Myrtle Beach caters to this influx with the most businesses per 100 people in state, which is four times the national average. One business, Myrtle Beach Watersports, offers a variety of water activities, from parasailing to Jet Ski dolphin-watching tours. To help businesses, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp . and Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offer a variety of business incentives and development programs.

4. Greer

This city is the site of the only BMW automotive manufacturing facility in North America. Greer has grown 54% from 2000 to 2013, and now it’s home to a young and diverse population. Small businesses benefit from its growing population and through the efforts of organizations, such as Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce and Greer Development Corp ., which helps owners of specialty shops and restaurants. Businesses in Greer have high average revenues of $2,184,227, which is 139% more than the average business in South Carolina.

5. Beaufort

This beautiful city on the Atlantic Coast is recognized for its scenery and history. Beaufort has been designated a National Historic Landmark and tourists visit the Lowcountry destination for its historic district, galleries, fine dining and shops. Bay Street, Beaufort’s commercial hub, hosts local businesses, including Breakwater Restaurant and Bar, which features a contemporary approach to traditional Southern cuisine. In addition, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce offers initiatives to support economic and community development.

6. Georgetown

This waterfront community that’s known for its rich history and charm benefits from its close proximity to Myrtle Beach. Georgetown has a vibrant commercial district, filled with specialty shops and restaurants, such as Rice Paddy, which has served generations of Georgetown residents and visitors. Low housing costs make Georgetown an ideal location to help keep business costs low. In addition, the Georgetown Business Association and Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce help the city remain a destination for visitors and promote business health.

7. Orangeburg

Orangeburg, also known as the Garden City, is 37 miles southeast of Columbia, the state’s capital. One of the city’s major industries is manufacturing, including Kimlor Mills Inc., which designs and makes bedding and other home textiles. Orangeburg businesses have above-average revenue and a significant percentage of them have paid employees. In addition, the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and the Orangeburg County Development Commission offer incentives to promote a business-friendly environment and attract future businesses.

8. North Charleston

This city is the third largest in South Carolina and the location of major manufacturing companies, including a Boeing Co. plant for the 787 Dreamliner. It is also the state’s leader in retail sales, generating over $6 billion each year. Businesses in North Charleston make average revenues of $2,252,910. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce supports a healthy business climate, while the City of North Charleston provides business initiatives to help finance new and growing businesses.

9. Fort Mill

This small, suburban community has been making strong efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve its business climate. Situated at the border of the Carolinas, Fort Mill businesses benefit from its small-town charm as well as opportunities in neighboring Charlotte, North Carolina. Fort Mill’s York County Regional Chamber of Commerce annually generates industry and business development worth an average of $200 million . A Charlotte-based financial advisory company, LPL Financial, which was attracted by incentives and grants that North Carolina could not match, plans to relocate about 1,000 employee s to Fort Mill.