Our readers have been asking for more AI coverage — how it’s being used and where local opportunities are. While many SC businesses using AI are already experimenting in small, informal ways, others aren’t sure where to start.
We saw you clicking on Google’s free AI training for small businesses, so we rounded up a mix of other practical, local resources — some free, some paid — worth knowing about in Greenville.
If you’re just getting started
University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications + Palmetto College offers two free public courses: Generative AI for Beginners and Using AI for Your Business, hosted through iCarolina Labs.
If you’re looking for practical business use cases
Greenville Automation Studio is building AI‑enabled solutions for local businesses and offers early access for automated processes like marketing or workflow tasks.
Buzzword Agency provides AI-powered content generation and marketing automation — something many Greenville small business owners could use immediately.
Artificial Intelligence Institute of USC conducts research and applied AI initiatives tied to real-world problems — check for upcoming opportunities to join roundtable discussions.
Join the Greenville AI waitlist, a resource helping local businesses automate, grow, and simplify operations with AI-driven solutions in marketing, data analysis, and process automation.
If you’re watching local innovation
For those curious about how AI is showing up in SC right now:
Greenville County Schools approved a new AI policy emphasizing ethical use, student privacy, and transparency for parents, signaling how local institutions are adopting AI responsibly.
Asked
Asked
How are you currently using AI?
A. I’m not using it (yet) B. Writing or editing emails, posts, or marketing copy C. Research, brainstorming, or summarizing info D. Customer service or internal operations E. Actively using it across multiple parts of the business
BMWs assembled here were primarily exported through the Port of Charleston.
Photo by Fred Rollison
Biz
South Carolina’s export sales hit a seven-year high, rising 1.5% to $38.5 billion in 2025, fueled by strong global demand for the state’s advanced manufacturing sector. BMW Manufacturing led the way, exporting $9 billion worth of vehicles from its Spartanburg plant — making SC the top state in automotive exports by value. (SCBiz)
Announced
Greenville-based Elliott Davis Advisory announced a strategic partnership with AMPLOS to expand human capital advisory services for business leaders. The collaboration enhances offerings in leadership effectiveness, team performance, and organizational behavior for growing companies in the Upstate and beyond.
Job
Greenwood County is hiring a Parks and Recreation Director to lead its parks, recreation programs, and facilities. Applicants for the full-time role ($74,044-$111,067) should have a bachelor’s degree and supervisory experience.
Biz
A new energy innovation initiative aims to turn advanced energy ideas into startups right here in Greenville. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange will connect entrepreneurs with funding, expertise, and test sites, starting with a NextGEN-led accelerator focused on launching advanced energy startups. (Upstate Business Journal)
Announced
The Medical University Hospital Authority voted to have MUSC Health acquire Palmetto Primary Care Physicians for $111 million, effective March 3. The deal brings the state’s largest independent multispecialty practice into MUSC Health as a not-for-profit, expanding primary care access across South Carolina.
Coming Soon
Food Lion is moving into the former Bi-Lo at Field Plaza Shopping Center (where North Pleasantburg and Rutherford intersect). The 42,000-sqft space should open by the end of the year. (Upstate Business Journal)
Number
8. That’s how many Greenville projects earned recognition as SCBIZ News Top Projects for 2026. The annual awards honor standout construction projects across SC for design, innovation, and community impact. See which ones made the list.
Cause
In honor of its 150th anniversary, the YMCA of Greenville launched a $1.8 million campaign to expand financial assistance and keep memberships and programs accessible across the county. The nonprofit served 3,100+ people through aid in 2025 alone. (Greenville Journal)
Network
Follow South Carolinian entrepreneur and podcast host Mick Hunt on LinkedIn, where he shares leadership insights and connects founders, innovators, and business leaders across the Upstate’s growing startup ecosystem.
State
In case you missed it, SC’s government spending has more than doubled over the past decade, rising from about $21.5 billion in 2016 to nearly $43.9 billion in 2025, according to the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports. Dive into the data. (Upstate Business Journal)
Quoted
“The largest opportunity is in working together,” said SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace, emphasizing that closer collaboration between the port, businesses, and industry partners will help unlock more economic opportunity across South Carolina’s logistics ecosystem. Check out more biz insights in the full interview. (SCBiz)
Asked
March is Women’s History Month — and we recently highlighted Katie Thompson, Creative Director at Table 301 and Julie Valentine Center board member. Nominations are open — tell us about women shaping Greenville today, and we’ll highlight your picks throughout the month.
Award
Last month, a new round of Stars of the Hospitality Industry Awards recognized South Carolina’s top hospitality professionals. Nearly 200 attended SCRLA’s 73rd annual gala at Hilton Columbia Center, honoring leaders in restaurants, lodging, and community initiatives who help drive the state’s $31 billion hospitality sector and elevate service excellence statewide.
Answered
Last week, we asked readers Greenville’s Class A downtown vacancy rate — it’s just 5%, and 28% guessed correctly. CBRE reports the greater Greenville-Spartanburg area had a 10.4% office vacancy in Q4 2025, with downtown space especially tight. Now, peek at industrial figures for Q4 2025.
Post of the Day
The City of Greenville has released new plans for a long-awaited downtown conference center. | Screenshot via GVLtoday
Plans for a long-discussed downtown conference district were unveiled last Friday, with new details showing a proposed hotel and conference center spanning about six acres near Falls Street and East Camperdown.
Backed by ~$500 million in public and private investment, the project was first reported by the Greenville Journal and heads to City Council today for a key land vote. Psst… read this morning’s GVLtoday newsletter to dive deeper.
SUDsGVL (Startup Drinks) | Wednesday, March 11 | 4-7 p.m. | Fireforge | Free, RSVP | Join this casual networking event for Greenville entrepreneurs and ecosystem allies — the first drink is on them.
Retail space, for lease | Former Walgreens, 1801 Poinsett Hwy. | Call for pricing | Prime retail location with high visibility, modern construction, adaptable for repurposing or build-to-suit, across from Cherrydale Point Shopping Mall.
Multi-use space, for sale | 205 N. Main St. | 4,008 sqft | $2.75 million ($646.21/sqft) | Prime downtown Main Street building across from Hyatt Hotel, heavy foot traffic, large display windows, three stories with top-floor residential/development opportunity.
Industrial
Flex space, for lease | 2125 Airport Rd., Greer | 15,600 sqft | $11.50/sqft | A flex space with four drive-in bays, one dock door, and 20 parking spaces near I-85, with quick access to GSP Airport, the Inland Port, and logistics hubs like BMW and Michelin.
“Top Chef” premieres tonight with the Carolinas in the spotlight — and Greenville makes several appearances this season. The cherry on top? Senior Newsletter Editor Danielle even got a behind-the-scenes look and participated in one of the challenges. Plus, check out the Q+A with the team to find out what moments they loved most while filming in Greenville.
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