News Summary
Spartanburg County has launched the ‘Power Up Spartanburg’ initiative in partnership with OneSpartanburg, Inc. to enhance the growth of small and minority-owned businesses. A key component, the ‘Power Up: Access to Space’ program, matches businesses with vacant commercial spaces and offers 100% rental assistance in the first year. Since its inception, the initiative has created 215 jobs and supported 24 businesses. Participants also benefit from a mentoring program to help ensure long-term success, fostering a vibrant economic environment in the community.
Spartanburg County has launched a new initiative called “Power Up Spartanburg”, in partnership with OneSpartanburg, Inc., aimed at boosting the growth of small and minority businesses within the area. The overarching goal is to position Spartanburg County as the premier destination in the U.S. for starting, managing, and expanding small or minority-owned businesses.
As a critical aspect of the initiative, the “Power Up: Access to Space” program has been introduced to revitalize commercial areas while supporting business owners. This innovative program aims to match 12 small businesses each year with vacant commercial spaces, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing community vitality. The launch of this program marks a significant step towards creating vibrant communities where small businesses can flourish.
Participating businesses in the Access to Space program are eligible for 100% rental assistance during their first year in a new commercial space. This means business owners can focus on developing their operations without the burden of rental costs. Additionally, participants are required to attend the mandatory “Power Up: Mentoring” program within their first year, which covers crucial topics such as bookkeeping and logistics essential for business success.
After the initial year, business owners are responsible for their lease agreements, allowing them to establish a firm footing in the community without the initial financial pressures that often challenge new entrepreneurs. The Access to Space program is designed not only to provide immediate support but also to ensure that these entrepreneurs feel prepared to manage their businesses independently in the future.
Since its launch in March 2023, Power Up Spartanburg has achieved notable success. The initiative has already created 215 jobs and supported 24 small businesses, collectively securing nearly $9.6 million in business contracts. One of the successful ventures that exemplify the effectiveness of this program is “Pudd’N”, which evolved from a food truck into a popular dessert bar, showcasing what is possible with the support of the Power Up initiative.
The Power Up Spartanburg initiative represents a comprehensive approach to economic development, with the goal of improving Spartanburg’s downtown districts and overall economic environment. It aims not only to enhance the local business landscape but also to inspire other communities seeking to empower small and minority businesses. By fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes small business growth, Spartanburg County hopes to create a more dynamic and resilient economy for its residents.
Entrepreneurs interested in the Access to Space program can find details about eligibility and application procedures on the Power Up Spartanburg website. This program signifies a pivotal shift towards building a supportive infrastructure for small business owners in Spartanburg County, ultimately working to cultivate an environment where local enterprises can thrive and contribute positively to the community.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Power Up Spartanburg
- Upstate Business Journal: Power Up Spartanburg Launches Initiative
- Tryon Daily Bulletin: Power Up Spartanburg Business Basics
- Google Search: Power Up Spartanburg
- WSPA: OneSpartanburg Invests in Childcare
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
