Greer is rated the fourth-best place to start a business in South Carolina, according to NerdWallet, a personal finance website.
Jeff Chu, the analyst who conducted the study, cited business climate (average revenue of businesses, percentage of businesses with paid employees and number of businesses per 100 people, and local economic health (median annual income, median annual housing costs and unemployment rate).
All the more remarkable is Greer ranking .37 points behind national tourist destination Myrtle Beach. The top four cities and their ranking:
1) Seneca, 61.90
2) Greenville, 60.62
3) Myrtle Beach, 54.61
4) Greer, 54.34
South Carolina is often recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S., according to NerdWallet. Greer was signaled out for its strong manufacturing economy, statutory business incentives (through a variety of jobs, economic and research and development tax credits).
“This city is the site of the only BMW automotive manufacturing facility in North America. Greer has grown 54 percent from 2000 to 2013, and now it’s home to a young and diverse population,” Chu stated.
“Small businesses benefit from its growing population and through the efforts of organizations, such as Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce and Greer Development Corp., which helps owners of specialty shops and restaurants. Businesses in Greer have high average revenues of $2,184,227, which is 139 percent more than the average business in South Carolina," stated Chu.
Greer recorded $843 million in gross retail sales last year, the fourth straight year of record annual growth.
With four consecutive years of record gross retail sales in the city, it’s evident that the City of Greer is a great place to do business.
A 15-year Greer master plan, by Charlotte design consultants Kimley-Horn, is scheduled for unveiled April 23 with a public viewing May 28.
Greer, Greenville and Mauldin made the study’s South Carolina top 10 list.
Greer business and government leaders responded to the study.
“This study affirms that Greer is a top place to open a business in our great state. As a community, we welcome and support new businesses as well as encourage growth from our existing companies.
Mark Owens, President & CEO Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce
“Whether we are working to retain our existing business base or recruiting a new business or industry to Greer, our focus is always first and foremost making sure that it is easy to do business in Greer. Good partnerships, a great community, and listening to the needs of our business community will ensure that Greer continues to grow to be the very best that it can be.”
Wryley Bettis, Chairman, Greer Development Corporation
“Businesses in the City of Greer recognize and value such outstanding services and amenities as police and fire protection, infrastructure assistance and street lighting, lower utility costs, and the city’s ideal location in the center of the I-85 corridor.”
Ed Driggers, City of Greer Administrator
“Our reliability is consistently ranked among the best in the country. We’re proud to provide first class utility services for our new and growing businesses, and our mission is to exceed customer expectations, and our staff works hard to fulfill it every day.”
Jeffrey Tuttle, General Manager, Greer Commission of Public Works
“The Partnership for Tomorrow focuses on the future of Greer and this ranking shows the direction our community is heading. The fifteen-year community master plan that is about to be released will continue to guide Greer forward as we plan as a community for future success.”
Brian Martin, Chairman Partnership for Tomorrow
The full study is online.