Economic Development
Economic Development
There are a number of key factors that make Bluffton a perfect place for economic development and continued business growth. Here are just some of the reasons that business owners and their businesses are attracted to Bluffton – and what it can offer your business:
a robust business climate combined with a high quality of life
a growing professional workforce
favorable market conditions.
proximity to international and domestic markets
a skilled workforce
diverse industrial properties
Nestled in beautiful Beaufort County, Bluffton is one of the most desirable areas to live, vacation and work in the United States. Home to a diverse array of manufacturers, a strong and growing cluster of entrepreneurs and small businesses, Beaufort County offers some of the most beautiful resort properties, islands, and beaches in the world, making Beaufort County an attractive location to call home – and a perfect place to do business.
At the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, our proactive marketing and recruitment efforts are focused on specific target industries, which include Healthcare/Biomedical, Corporate Headquarters, and Back Office & Information Technology. These target industries were selected as a result of the Target Cluster Strategy for the Lowcountry prepared for our Beaufort County region.
The Lowcountry Targeted Economic Development Strategy was initiated mid-2011 to guide future efforts to boost job creation in the region. Based upon an examination of the region’s strengths, Bluffton has identified several emerging Target Industries:
Health Care/Biomedical
Corporate Headquarters
Back Office & Information Technology
Aerospace & Defense
Light (Privately Held) Manufacturing
Logistics Services
Workforce
The availability of a reliable, skilled workforce is one of the most important factors for those seeking to launch and grow their business, and we recognize that a company’s workforce is one of its top priorities. We are proud that one of the most important things Beaufort County offers is our skilled and diverse workforce – and we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that we continue to provide the critical resource of a highly skilled workforce. With a cost of living 12 percent below the national average, South Carolina offers exceptional employees at one of the lowest labor costs in the country.
Any business physically located within the Town of Bluffton is required to have a business license. Additionally, any business that is located outside of the Town of Bluffton, but comes into the Town to do business, is also required to have a business license.