Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Charleston Regional Development Alliance Helping businesses, entrepreneurs and talented people locate and expand in the greater Charleston metro area.

For three decades, Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) has helped catalyze long-term regional prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent, and entrepreneurs. We’re a robust network of investors, staff, business, academic, and governmental partners committed to strengthening regional employment and building a base of high-value industries to strengthen the three-county region’s economy into the future.

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when talent, capital, infrastructure, and community align.Across the ...
02/03/2026

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when talent, capital, infrastructure, and community align.

Across the Charleston region, that alignment is driving real momentum. From advanced manufacturing and life sciences to tech and logistics, companies are choosing this region not just to grow, but to stay.

At Charleston Regional Development Alliance, we’re focused on strengthening the ecosystem that makes long-term growth possible.

Discover what's possible in our strategic plan - link in comments.

South Carolina is setting a new national standard for trusted, secure research 🔐This week, South Carolina Research Autho...
01/30/2026

South Carolina is setting a new national standard for trusted, secure research 🔐

This week, South Carolina Research Authority - SCRA announced the launch of the Center for Research Security, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to protect intellectual property, secure sensitive research data, and support responsible, compliant research across the state.

Through a landmark statewide partnership with Digital Science and participation from seven South Carolina colleges and universities, this initiative establishes a unified framework to protect intellectual property, secure sensitive data, and strengthen compliance with federal research security requirements.

For federal agencies, research-intensive companies, and public–private partners, the signal is clear: South Carolina is a trusted place to innovate, collaborate, and invest.

At Charleston Regional Development Alliance, we’re proud to celebrate our partners advancing South Carolina’s innovation economy and long-term competitiveness.

Momentum like this doesn’t happen alone 👏We’re proud to share Charleston County Economic Development’s 2025 Annual Repor...
01/29/2026

Momentum like this doesn’t happen alone 👏

We’re proud to share Charleston County Economic Development’s 2025 Annual Report and applaud the incredible work of our partners at CCED!

In 2025, Charleston County continued to prove why companies choose to grow, invest, and deepen their roots here. Through shared commitment and strong collaboration, CCED helped facilitate 11 public announcements, driving $146.5 million in capital investment and creating 442 new jobs across our community.

At Charleston Regional Development Alliance, we believe regional success is built on partnership. This momentum reflects what’s possible when organizations, businesses, and communities work together to expand career pathways and ensure growth creates opportunity for all.

Well done, CCED, and thank you for being such a strong partner in building a resilient, thriving Charleston region.

Full details available in comments ⬇️

🚀 Help Shape the Future Workforce 🚀The TriCounty STEMersion Institute is expanding in 2026, serving more than 200 educat...
01/28/2026

🚀 Help Shape the Future Workforce 🚀

The TriCounty STEMersion Institute is expanding in 2026, serving more than 200 educators and reaching 40,000+ students across the region. This program connects teachers directly with local industry, helping them bring real-world, workforce-ready learning back into their classrooms.

Sponsors make this impact possible by supporting transportation, materials, and hands-on industry experiences for educators. STEMersion is an investment in education, workforce readiness, and long-term economic growth.

Learn more at the link in comments ⬇️

🚢 A major milestone for the Charleston region and our nation’s defense industrial base.Last Friday, we joined partners a...
01/27/2026

🚢 A major milestone for the Charleston region and our nation’s defense industrial base.

Last Friday, we joined partners and leaders to celebrate the official opening of Leonardo DRS’s new advanced naval power and propulsion manufacturing and testing facility in the Charleston region.

This state-of-the-art, 140,000+ square-foot facility represents a significant investment in expanding domestic production capacity to support critical U.S. Navy shipbuilding and submarine programs, including the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. Designed for advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing, the site strengthens the industrial backbone needed for next-generation maritime capabilities.

As demand grows for more power-intensive naval systems, facilities like this position the Charleston region at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, engineering, and national security innovation.

CRDA is proud to welcome this important investment into our regional ecosystem.

🏡  The City of Charleston is launching a new initiative to help first-time homebuyers live closer to the peninsula, even...
01/26/2026

🏡 The City of Charleston is launching a new initiative to help first-time homebuyers live closer to the peninsula, even as housing costs continue to rise.

Last Friday, the City’s first-ever community banking event welcomed qualified buyers interested in a new affordable townhome development on Juniper Street in West Ashley, where homes are expected to be move-in ready by the end of February.

The event allowed eligible participants to apply on site with support from City staff, receive financial literacy guidance, and become prequalified with assistance from local banking partners.

⭐ Efforts like this play an important role in supporting workforce stability and regional growth. When residents are able to live closer to where they work, it helps reduce commuting pressures, supports local employers, and contributes to a more efficient and competitive Lowcountry economy.

📸: Juniper Street townhomes under construction, via Post and Courier

🏗️ Berkeley County is pursuing an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the former St. Stephen High School property at 1266 R...
01/23/2026

🏗️ Berkeley County is pursuing an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the former St. Stephen High School property at 1266 Russellville Road. The site, which closed in 1996, has been identified as a priority redevelopment opportunity following earlier environmental assessments funded through a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant approved by County Council in 2022.

If awarded, the Cleanup Grant would fund the removal of hazardous materials and or petroleum products identified at the property, helping prepare the site for future reuse as part of a broader revitalization effort in the St. Stephen area.

➡️ Site readiness is a cornerstone of regional competitiveness. Strategic investments in environmental remediation expand development potential, strengthen rural and small-town communities, and ensure the Lowcountry has a diverse portfolio of sites ready for future growth. 💪

📊 Lowcountry housing forecast points to increased inventory in 2026According to a new forecast from the Charleston Tride...
01/22/2026

📊 Lowcountry housing forecast points to increased inventory in 2026

According to a new forecast from the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®, the Lowcountry housing market is expected to see more homes coming onto the market in 2026. Increased inventory could help stabilize pricing across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties as demand continues to evolve.

For the region’s workforce and employers, housing availability remains a critical piece of long-term economic competitiveness. 🏡

Details in comments ⬇️

Charleston ranks  #7 among the nation’s Best Places to Start a Career.With a diverse economy, growing innovation ecosyst...
01/21/2026

Charleston ranks #7 among the nation’s Best Places to Start a Career.

With a diverse economy, growing innovation ecosystem, and an unmatched quality of life, the Charleston region continues to attract early-career talent looking to build meaningful careers and long-term roots 🌱

This ranking reinforces the region’s momentum as a place where opportunity, lifestyle, and growth align.

💬 Sound off - what makes Charleston a great place to launch a career?

South Carolina’s 2025 industry recruitment results are in - and they tell a powerful story about the strength of rural e...
01/20/2026

South Carolina’s 2025 industry recruitment results are in - and they tell a powerful story about the strength of rural economic development across the state. 🌱📈

On January 14, the South Carolina Department of Commerce announced:
• $9.12B in total capital investment (third-highest year on record)
• More than 8,100 new jobs statewide
• Rural communities capturing over 40% of both investment and jobs - the highest share since 2010

Rural areas alone accounted for $4.25B (46%) of total investment and more than 3,500 jobs, spanning industries from agribusiness to energy and manufacturing. Of 82 total projects, 34 chose Tier III and IV counties, reinforcing long-term opportunity across the state.

Strong momentum - and a clear signal that rural South Carolina continues to play a critical role in the state’s economic growth. 🚀

Seeking a career in South Carolina’s growing life sciences industry? This Wednesday’s event is one you won’t want to mis...
01/19/2026

Seeking a career in South Carolina’s growing life sciences industry? This Wednesday’s event is one you won’t want to miss.

SCbio is hosting "Academia and Industry: Bridging the Gap" to bring together life sciences students and industry professionals for an interactive evening of networking and roundtable discussions. Connect directly with executives, learn what employers are looking for, and explore potential career pathways right here in South Carolina.

🗓 Wednesday, January 21 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
📍 College of Charleston School of Business – Tate Center for Entrepreneurship (Room 202)

Admission is free and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Link to register in comments ⬇️

📚 Community spotlight: supporting local literacy 🤝This January and February, the Harbor Entrepreneur Center is hosting a...
01/16/2026

📚 Community spotlight: supporting local literacy 🤝

This January and February, the Harbor Entrepreneur Center is hosting a book drive benefiting Charleston FRIENDS of the Library. Gently used book donations help fund literacy programs across 18 library branches throughout the Charleston region.

In 2025 alone, the Friends distributed 28,000 free books to underserved communities - an incredible impact worth amplifying as we head into 2026.

👉 How to help: Bring quality, gently used books to The Harbor in January and February.

Have books to share or know someone who does? Spread the word in the comments.

Address

65 Fairchild Street, Ste 100
Charleston, SC
29492

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18437679300

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