York County Economic Development

09/03/2026

Strong local economies start with listening to the businesses that help drive them.

Our Small Business Focus Group series continued in Fort Mill, bringing together local business owners to hear directly about their experiences, challenges and opportunities for growth.

Each conversation provides valuable insight into how we can strengthen our local business environment, better connect entrepreneurs with resources, and continue building a community where small businesses can start, grow and thrive.

Thank you to The Loom Coworking Space for providing a welcoming space for this conversation, and to the Fort Mill small business owners who shared their time and perspectives.

So far, we’ve heard from small business communities in Clover, Rock Hill, York and Fort Mill, and we’re not done yet. Next, we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation in Lake Wylie on September 24. Small business owners from anywhere in York County are welcome to participate. Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/york-county-small-business-focus-group-lake-wylie-sc-tickets-1999049066571

Your voice matters. By listening to small businesses across York County, we can turn local insight into action and continue building a stronger environment for businesses to start, grow and succeed.

08/10/2026

York County’s culinary community is more than a collection of great places to eat. It reflects the talent, entrepreneurship and small businesses that contribute to a strong and vibrant local economy.

Make It York County was proud to be part of the US Foods YoCo Taste Trail Kitchen Takeover, where chefs from across York County showcased the creativity, skill and entrepreneurial spirit behind our growing food and hospitality sector.

Congratulations to Chef Rob of Kounter, the 2026 YoCo Taste Trail Kitchen Takeover Champion, and to Chef Justin Shaw of The Garrison at Tega Cay and Chef Benjamin Alwi of Fish Market Bar and Grill for an outstanding competition.

Events like the Kitchen Takeover provide an opportunity to celebrate the people behind our local businesses, highlight career talent within the hospitality industry and bring greater visibility to the entrepreneurs who help make York County a destination to live, work and visit.

The celebration continues with Visit York County, SC's YoCo Taste Trail Week, August 19–26, featuring more than 20 locally loved restaurants throughout York County. Supporting these establishments means supporting local business owners, their employees and the broader economic vitality of our community.

Explore York County’s culinary scene during YoCo Taste Trail Week and experience the local talent and businesses helping shape our community.

Learn more here: https://www.visityorkcounty.com/restaurants/yoco-taste-trail-week/

York County Regional Chamber

📸: Visit York County, SC

08/07/2026

Kinda chic to have big opportunities and a great place to call home.

Around here, economic development means growing businesses, building a strong talent pipeline, creating places people want to be, championing local makers and celebrating food grown right here in York County.

Good jobs. Great communities. Local flavor. Room to grow.

Yeah, we'd say that's kinda chic.

06/16/2026

Last night, York County Council approved first reading of incentives related to Project Palmetto Rock, a proposal by a global biopharmaceutical company to establish a corporate headquarters and advanced healthcare manufacturing campus at Palmetto Research Park in Rock Hill.

The proposed project includes approximately $1.5 billion in investment and more than 1,200 jobs.
A special called public hearing and second reading are scheduled for June 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the York County Government Center, 6 S. Congress Street in York.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposal, hear directly from the company, and provide comments before County Council considers further action. At that meeting, the company will publicly identify itself and share additional information about its plans for York County.

The full press release is available in the comments below.

05/27/2026

We gathered great feedback hosting one of our Small Business Workshops at Steele Celebrating in York, SC, and then continuing conversations at Work at Wheel inside The Thread in Rock Hill.

Local business owners shared honest insight into the day-to-day realities of running a small business, what’s working, what’s challenging, and where they need more support. The focus groups created space for real conversation around how Economic Development can better support small business growth and long-term success.

There’s a lot of value in simply getting people in the same room to talk, share ideas, and realize they’re not navigating it all alone. We’re thankful to everyone who showed up and shared openly, and we’re looking forward to continuing these conversations in communities across York County.

04/30/2026

Small Business Month kicks off tomorrow!

At York County Economic Development, we’re proud to support the small businesses that fuel innovation, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth across our region.

Through the initiative, we’re highlighting opportunities all month long to strengthen our local business ecosystem and connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and succeed.

Small businesses are key to York County’s economic vitality, shaping not only our economy but the true character and resilience of our communities.

York County is where business and community goals move forward together—and where small businesses have the support to succeed.

04/27/2026

We’re excited to continue our “Follow a Farmer” series in partnership with The Farmer's Feed, highlighting the people and places that continue to shape York County.

In Part 2 of 3, we step into present-day life at Cherry Place Farm with Bailey Westbrook Edwards. From long days in the field to welcoming busloads of students for field trips, this chapter captures what farming looks like right now.

It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and deeply connected to the community. From growing crops to creating meaningful experiences for the next generation, Cherry Place also plays a special role in becoming part of families’ traditions, a place people return to year after year to make memories together.

As our community grows, these are the stories we’re proud to share because they reflect the real work happening here today.

Root here. Rise here.
Shaping what’s next.

04/10/2026

We recently visited the Clover High School career fair and spent time with students, educators, and the businesses shaping York County. And what a turn out it was!

With more than 65 companies and organizations represented, from industry to small business, it was a strong snapshot of the opportunities available across our community.

Events like this highlight the importance of building strong connections between education and industry.

Root Here. Rise Here.

04/02/2026

ICYMI: We had the honor of being part of the launch of York, SC Main Street back in February, and it’s been exciting to see the continued momentum building in downtown York.

The Main Street York initiative reflects a strong commitment to strengthening downtown as the heart of the community, supporting small businesses, encouraging local investment, and preserving the character that makes unique.

From continued investment along Main Street to local spots like Five Blossoms Shoppe bringing locally rooted goods and experiences right into the heart of downtown, it’s clear this work is already making an impact.

Efforts like this play an important role in economic development, helping create vibrant, walkable districts that attract visitors, support entrepreneurs, and contribute to long-term growth.

Root Here. Rise Here. 🌱


York County SC
The York County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Visit York County, SC
Main Street SC
The City of York, South Carolina

03/31/2026

We’re excited to support this new “Follow a Farmer” series in partnership with The Farmer’s Feed, highlighting the people and places that continue to shape York County.

In Part 1 of 3 in this series, Bailey Westbrook Edwards shares the story of Cherry Place Farm and the legacy she continues as a sixth-generation farmer.

Cherry Place is a strong example of how agriculture continues to evolve while staying rooted in what matters.

As our community continues to grow, these are the kinds of stories and efforts we are intentionally elevating because they reflect the diversity of our county and a more grounded approach to how we move forward.

Root here. Rise here.
Shaping what’s next.