Innovation and Technology: Laurens County’s Emerging Sectors
12/17/2024
The technology sector in Upstate South Carolina is vibrant and growing. Home to major employers like AT&T, Spectrum, and Verizon, the state abounds with job opportunities. More than 10,000 residents in Upstate South Carolina work in IT, and that number is only growing. Whether you want to start a technology business or expand your career opportunities, Laurens County has the opportunities you’re looking for.
Laurens County’s Technology Workforce
More than a dozen colleges and universities are within a 60-mile radius of Laurens County, setting the stage for an educated workforce. As a certified Work-Ready Community, Laurens County's young people are skilled and ready to enter the technology sector.
Many young people get their start in IT through apprenticeship programs like Apprenticeship Carolina. This program works to ensure all employers in South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance they need to create demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs. Apprentices receive numerous benefits, such as:
- Earning money while learning a new skill
- Obtaining possible industry certifications
- Participating in occupation-specific training
- Receiving portable credentials from the U.S. Department of Labor
- Receiving a set wage progression
Employers also benefit from Apprenticeship Carolina. Aside from getting access to a highly motivated workforce, eligible businesses receive a tax credit of $1,000 per apprentice per year. The program offers employers the chance to create standardized training programs that last for the future. Essentially, participating technology businesses get financial incentives to train their future workforce - for most employers, it’s a no-brainer.
Financial Incentives for the Technology Sector
The opportunities for finding stellar employees are just one part of Laurens County’s technology sector. An ecosystem of budding startups in a business-friendly climate makes it a place where innovation thrives. Nearby Greenville was named “The New Startup South” by Bloomberg, and the city’s buzzing startup culture extends into Laurens County. Many technology companies choose to start their business journey in Laurens County because of the ease of doing business. Technology companies in our county benefit from these and more financial incentives:
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Fee-in-Lieu of Property Taxes. Industries that invest in Laurens County may negotiate for a Fee-in-Lieu-of Property Taxes. These payments can be stabilized over the term of the agreement, giving business owners a specific dollar amount to plan for, versus paying property taxes at the end of each fiscal year. Learn more about FILOT here.
- Special Source Revenue Credit (SSRC). The SSRC is a reimbursement incentive. Once the county agrees to reimburse a portion of an organization’s property taxes, the organization must use that money to reinvest in its business.
- Employee Training. Laurens County is proud to partner with ReadySC, which provides customized recruiting and training solutions to companies bringing new jobs to the state through relocation or expansion. New businesses don’t need to worry about recruiting skilled workers - ReadySC will do it for them.
These incentives are easily accessible to startups and existing businesses. With an abundance of skilled employees and an ease of business not found anywhere else, Laurens County is becoming a top choice for innovative technology businesses. To learn more about Laurens County’s emerging sectors, contact us today.
