Strategic Growth and Economic Momentum in Greenville

Greenville’s economy continues to grow, creating new opportunities while reinforcing the City’s focus on intentional development.

“Growth in our economy is growth in opportunity, and Greenville’s economic story this year is one of momentum,” City Manager Shannon Lavrin said during her 2026 State of the City address.

Among the City’s major economic development milestones highlighted during the address were Paxton Access opening its North American headquarters, Samaritan Biologics launching a new facility and the development at 300 East McBee Avenue, which includes the headquarters of Prisma Health and Lima One Capital.

Also highlighted: 

• Novant Health’s entry into the Greenville market, 

• The mixed-use Bolden District development on 223 acres on Laurens Road, and

• Continued investment from both national as well as locally-owned retailers along commercial corridors.

“Our GCEDC team continues to chase many leads and has been instrumental in working with other agencies and our nonprofit partners on landing new businesses and entrepreneurial headquarters for Greenville,” Lavrin said.

Lavrin also highlighted the City’s newly reconstituted Façade Improvement Program, which awarded more than $270,000 to 14 projects throughout commercial corridors and nearly $380,000 to five downtown projects. Funded projects included Augusta 20, City Tavern and several new locally owned businesses along Pleasantburg Drive.

"Most importantly, FIP funds benefit small businesses... we have had a lot of recent successes with this program," Lavrin said, pointing to new facades for Augusta 20, City Tavern and other businesses along South Pleasantburg Drive.

Tourism also continued to drive economic activity, responsible for more than $2.5 billion of the county’s overall tourism impact, according to VisitGreenvilleSC. This includes events like the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship first- and second-round games, the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the Southern Conference Baseball Championship. 

Future events announced this year include the Bassmaster Classic coming in March 2027.

Lavrin said Greenville’s ability to attract those events is supported by venues such as Bon Secours Wellness Arena and Fluor Field. She also highlighted plans for the City’s new downtown conference center, which she said will strengthen Greenville’s ability to attract midsized business meetings and professional gatherings.

“Designed to fill a critical gap in Greenville’s ability to host midsized business meetings and professional gatherings, the center will strengthen the City’s position as a regional destination while supporting local restaurants, hotels and small businesses, particularly during weekday periods when downtown activity typically drops,” Lavrin said. “This will be the most complex project the City has undertaken, and it will require substantial investment of time from both me and our staff throughout the next year.”

Lavrin thanked VisitGreenvilleSC for helping elevate Greenville’s national profile through events such as “Top Chef” and the Michelin Guide Ceremony. She also noted that 23 business ribbon cuttings were held during the past year, underscoring continued investment across the city.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2027, Lavrin said Greenville remains well-positioned for continued success, supported by expanding retail investment, growth in the life sciences sector and strong partnerships across the public and private sectors.