With unique and appealing business districts, a downtown convention center, 50,000 college students and a culinary scene that’s taking off, this friendly southern city is surging with opportunity.

A retail mix that includes major national brands and local businesses, with distinctive shopping areas including Devine Street, Five Points and the BullStreet District.

A restaurant scene that’s winning attention and accolades from national media and making Columbia an up-and-coming foodie destination.

Food producers and distributors that include a Starbucks roasting facility, innovative farms, a weekly market that hosts over 150 local artisans and an heirloom grain producer delivering to top chefs around the country.

Eight distinct business districts with strong customer bases, supported by city development plans and funding to attract new business and help existing businesses grow.

Learn more about Columbia’s Business Districts!

Hospitality & Retail Stats

City for millennial movers

SmartAsset

Great Places to Live

Kiplingers

Workforce in the nation

CNBC

Best

State for business

Chief Executive Magazine

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Resources & Incentives

Opportunity Zones
Eight zones around the city provide tax incentives and include acreage and buildings in highly desirable locations, including the east’s largest downtown rehabilitation project, the BullStreet District.

City of Columbia Financing
Businesses can apply for funds for building construction or rehab, business conversion or expansion, and to purchase real estate, equipment, supplies or working capital.

Soda City Market
This market attracts thousands to Main Street every Saturday, providing a low-cost way for food producers and retailers to test products and develop a customer base.

DER Kitchen
The state's first shared commercial kitchen; gives bakers, caterers and food truck operators an affordable, DHEC-approved base of operations.

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
At the University of South Carolina; produces a talent pool of skilled and experienced graduates, plus market research and analysis.

ACRE
Operated by the S.C. Department of Agriculture; business development pitch program similar to Shark Tank for agribusiness entrepreneurs.

Benedict College Business Development Center
Office space, training, networking, funding and support for minority entrepreneurs.

See more resources and incentives!

Featured Property

926-950 Harden Street

±26,400 SF
926-950 Harden Street, Columbia SC, 29205

Located in the heart of Five Points in Columbia, South Carolina, this property offers daily foot traffic and ample parking. Walking distance to the University of South Carolina, homes in the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby. • ±26,400 SF Retail Redevelopment. • Mix of renovated historic storefront and new construction. • End caps and patios available. • 50 dedicated on-site parking space available and ample street / public parking • Located on a hard corner at a signalized intersection. • Over 234 feet of frontage on Harden Street.

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Connect With Us

Columbia is a great place to do business. Our team is here to make it easy, too. We can help you with:

Site visits
Finding flexible retail or restaurant space
Negotiating incentive packages
Logistics and transportation expertise
Working with service providers and government offices
Connecting to the talented, skilled workforce you need

Target Industries Hospitality & Retail