Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment

Richland County is seeking qualified firms to conduct a Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment for the purpose of obtaining a better understanding of the County’s economy, consumers, and commercial developments. This data will support the County in taking a more strategic and informed approach to economic development, with a specific focus on developing a retail business assistance program and strategic recruitment opportunities. The study area will encompass unincorporated areas of the County with a specific focus on the Priority Investment areas and Secondary Growth Areas identified in the County’s updated Comprehensive Plan: “Reimagine Richland” as well evaluating specific business needs in individual corridors of the County

Richland County covers approximately 770 square miles in the center of South Carolina. As the home of the state capital, Columbia, Richland County serves as a hub for government, education, commerce, and culture in the Midlands regions. The economy is diverse, with healthcare and public administration as the largest employment sector, and forty percent of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

According to the County’s Comprehensive Plan: Reimagine Richland, “Richland County stands out as a young and diverse County, with a median age nearly six years younger than the state average and one of the most racially and ethnically diverse populations in South Carolina”, with a population projected to reach 450,000 by 2040.

Data gathered as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update suggests that Richland County is losing an estimated $418 million annually in retail leakage to neighboring areas. With retail demand expected to rise by $830 million by 2029, the County is seeking to decrease the gap between capture and demand by expanding its retail base and investing in local businesses.