SCC celebrates the expansion of Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development and arrival Brose North America, Inc

Today was a special day in the history of Spartanburg Community College as College officials, along with local and state officials, gathered at SCC’s Tyger River Campus in Duncan to celebrate an expansion at the College’s Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development (CBED), as well as the announcement of the new Brose North America, Inc. plant locating in Spartanburg County.

“The College opened the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development in 2007 with a vision of providing a facility to Spartanburg that was not just a traditional academic building, but a facility that also supports the area’s economic development initiatives through quality educational programs and providing for the needs of new or expanding industry,” explained Henry C. Giles, Jr., SCC’s president. “The Center is the result of our partnerships with Spartanburg County Council and the Economic Futures Group of the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce. The activities we celebrate today, I believe, are testimony to the fact that our shared ‘vision’ was and is right for Spartanburg. The CBED is making and will continue to make a difference in Spartanburg’s economic growth and development.”

Joining President Giles in praising the College’s vision was Jeff A. Horton, chairman of the Spartanburg County Council, who added, “Spartanburg Community College has done a remarkable job developing the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development into a one-of-a-kind facility that is flexible and adaptable to any company’s needs, and one that has been a game changer for our economic development efforts throughoutour County. The CBED provides us with a unique and compelling advantage when competing with other communities for foreign direct investments.  The success of the CBED just goes to show you what can happen when we work together toward a common, strategic goal. What started as a vision 10 years ago is now a reality, one that will continue to benefit our community for years to come. On behalf of Spartanburg County Council, I congratulate Spartanburg Community College on this beautiful new renovation and I pledge our continued support of the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development.”

With over 363,000 square feet of multi-use warehouse and office space, the CBED is the fourth largest business incubator in the United States and serves small to large companies through a variety of specialized programs. SCC’s CBED offers start-ups and established companies assistance in four key areas: incubator services, soft landings, workforce employment services and special projects. Participating companies can utilize the CBED’s services or space for up to a year at no cost, other than utilities, if they agree to establish a permanent location within Spartanburg County. The CBED also offers companies office and warehouse space, specialized training, technical support, market research, industry expert mentors, and cultural support for international companies. The CBED is also located in a foreign trade zone, which allows companies to produce goods without the associated customs duties and related taxes.

Today’s ribbon cutting event showcased an additional 22,000 square feet of space, which will allow 22 additional offices to locate within the facility. Currently, 20 offices are occupied the newly renovated space.

Located at the SCC’s Tyger River Campus in Duncan, CBED has become a model of success for attracting and launching technology and manufacturing related businesses, as well as increasing economic development and employment in Spartanburg County.

Mike Forrester, SCC’s executive assistant to the president and the director of economic development for SCC, shared that in June 2016 an economic impact study was completed outlining the CBED’s impact, not only in Spartanburg County, but all across our state as well. Forrester said that, “since it’s inception, the Center has helped to generate …

• 19,989 jobs, 1.2 billion dollars in earnings,
• over 863 million in taxable income,
• almost 19 million dollars in sales tax and
• almost 49 million dollars in S.C. income tax
• for a combined tax revenue of almost 69 million dollars, and,
• the Center has provided services to 61 international and domestic companies.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/albums/72157672133065806

Registration for SCC fall classes is ongoing now for classes begin on August 15,September 20, October 10 and 26. Individuals interested in attending the College for the may apply online at www.sccsc.edu or contact the admissions center at any SCC location for more information.