The Charleston region is one that’s on the move. For the past 30 years, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) has worked with its partners in government, academia and business to improve the three-county Charleston region’s economy now and into the future. The Charleston Regional Development Alliance serves as a catalyst for long-term regional prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent, and entrepreneurs. Here’s a look at how fresh ideas have shaped Charleston’s success:
Building an Ecosystem for Sustainable Growth
Innovation isn’t just about big ideas—it’s about building the right environment to make them happen. CRDA has helped lay the ground work over the past three decades for Charleston’s economic evolution by:
• Attracting Foreign Investment: Diversifying the economy means looking beyond our borders. National research shows that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fuels higher wages and more R&D. That insight led to the creation of the M&A Council, which has helped international firms expand into the U.S. through strategic mergers and acquisitions. The results? Higher regional wages, job creation, and a boost in innovation.
• Connecting the Finance Community: In 2020, CRDA launched the Charleston Deal Alliance to unify the region’s growing network of investors, executives, and lenders. That effort quickly evolved into a thriving local chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), a national powerhouse representing 90,000 deal makers.
• Sparking Creative Collisions: It takes more than money to drive innovation—it takes ideas. That’s why CRDA helped launch Creative Parliament, a collective designed to bring Charleston’s creative minds together. One standout success? Pecha Kucha, a wildly popular speaker series that’s been running for over 40 quarterly events, giving a stage to fresh, game-changing ideas.
Telling Charleston’s Story in Powerful Ways
A region’s reputation isn’t just built—it’s strategically crafted. CRDA has played a key role in ensuring Charleston’s strengths are front and center:
• Resources for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs: CRDA hosts two rich resources for the community: CharlestonCareers.org and NavigateCHS. CharlestonCareers allows users to find great jobs in the greater Charleston area, whereas NavigateCHS connects entrepreneurs with resources to establish and grow their businesses, whether they need access to information, space, or capital.
• A Real-Time Economic Dashboard: CRDA co-launched CharlestonRegionalData.com, an essential resource tracking workforce, industry, and economic trends. From grant writers to corporate site selectors, this platform fuels smarter decisions across the board.
•Championing Charleston as a Tech & Innovation Hub: CRDA has championed DigSouth, one of the Southeast’s leading tech conferences, as well as the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which helps early-stage startups scale. Now, a new AI-focused initiative is poised to put Charleston on the global map.
Filling the Talent Pipeline for the Future
Attracting world-class companies is only part of the equation—ensuring they have a skilled workforce is just as critical. CRDA has been proactive in keeping Charleston competitive:
• Measuring and Closing the Talent Gap: Every other year, CRDA and the Charleston Metro Chamber team up to analyze workforce trends and align education and training programs with employer needs. The goal? Make sure job seekers have the right skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
• Elevating Charleston’s Tech Scene: A decade ago, Charleston wasn’t on the map as a tech hub. Today, it’s one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets for tech talent—especially for women. One catalyst? Charleston Open Source, a CRDA-led campaign that united regional employers to showcase career opportunities and promote high-demand skills.
• Promoting Charleston as a Place to Work, Not Just Visit: CRDA, in partnership with Explore Charleston, has made it clear—you don’t have to leave Charleston after vacationing here. Through strategic marketing, social media, and PR, they’ve highlighted the region as a place where professionals can build both a career and a life.
Looking Ahead: An Innovation-Led Economy
After 30 years of championing bold ideas, CRDA isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s doubling down on the future, with a renewed focus on building an innovation-driven economy. Stay tuned to crda.org for updates on what’s next for Charleston’s future.
The bottom line? Innovation isn’t a buzzword here.
