Upstate SC Alliance

Regional Strength. Local Commitment.

In Union County, economic development is strongest when it’s regional. As an active member of Upstate SC Alliance, the Union County Development Corporation (UCDC) connects companies to one of the most competitive regions in South Carolina. This partnership blends UCDC’s local focus with a multi-county regional strategy that helps businesses evaluate locations, grow efficiently, and plan for the long term.

Why This Partnership Matters for Business

Working side by side with Upstate SC Alliance, Union County presents a clear picture of its assets in the broader Upstate context, including labor, sites, infrastructure, and industry expertise. That combination gives companies the confidence to invest and thrive here.

Working side by side with Upstate SC Alliance, Union County presents a clear picture of its assets in the broader Upstate context, including labor, sites, infrastructure, and industry expertise. That combination gives companies the confidence to invest and thrive here.

When companies choose Union County, they gain the advantage of a regional network. Through Upstate SC Alliance, they benefit from:

  • Access to a regional inventory of competitive industrial sites and buildings
  • Coordinated project support that aligns local, regional, and state partners
  • Regional workforce intelligence and connections to training partners such as readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina
  • Site readiness and marketing efforts supported by a knowledgeable, collaborative regional team

Together, Upstate SC Alliance and UCDC offer a broader portfolio of advantages while preserving the responsiveness and direct access that companies expect from a local team.

Formed in 2000, Upstate SC Alliance is a public and private regional economic development organization representing ten counties in northwest South Carolina. Its mission is to position the Upstate as a unified, innovative economic region; attract global business investment and talent; and strengthen regional collaboration.

For companies evaluating the Southeast, the Alliance’s regional strengths include:

  • A strategic position along the I-85 corridor between major markets such as Atlanta and Charlotte
  • Connectivity to Inland Port Greer, the Port of Charleston, and multiple interstate and rail networks
  • A diverse industry base including automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, engineered materials, distribution, and life sciences
  • Access to a large regional labor pool supported by workforce partners such as readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina

Upstate SC Alliance opens doors and expands opportunity. UCDC ensures that momentum becomes a successful Union County location.

Through this partnership, Union County is fully engaged in a regional effort that accelerates growth while preserving the advantages of a committed, connected local team. From initial contact through long-term expansion, UCDC and Upstate SC Alliance work together to:

  • Connect companies with project partners, utilities, and infrastructure providers.
  • Guide prospects through permitting, incentives, and due diligence.
  • Share regional data and local insight to support informed decision-making.
  • Provide ongoing support after a project lands to help companies grow.

This is regional development working at both levels. Upstate SC Alliance strengthens the region’s position. The Union County Development Corporation makes sure every business feels supported and at home in Union County.

Learn more