BizBrief is your weekly, business-focused companion to the daily newsletter. | Graphic by 6AM City
Hi there — I’m Cat, Senior Managing Editor of BizBrief, our new weekly newsletter built to highlight our local business community.
BizBrief is your download on the local business landscape, delivering concise recaps — from news and podcasts to events, thought leadership, jobs, and company updates — all in one scroll-worthy newsletter to start your week informed, not overwhelmed.
If you already read COLAtoday, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion, zooming in on the stories, opportunities, and conversations shaping the local business community.
A little about me: I started at 6AM City, the parent company of COLAtoday, as a City Editor over four years ago, became a Managing Editor overseeing six markets (including COLAtoday), and now I’m excited to bring that experience back to community content as the Senior Managing Editor of BizBrief.
We want BizBrief to highlight what matters most to you. Got a local business story, podcast, or company update worth sharing? Send it our way or fill out the short survey below — your ideas can help guide our coverage.
Asked
Asked
Help shape BizBrief:
Share your own company updates or point us to your favorite local podcasts, press releases, thought leadership, and real estate listings you follow so we can spotlight them in future editions.
SCDOT will temporarily detour I-77 southbound in Richland County overnight (today, March 2, and Monday, March 9, 8 p.m.-6 a.m.), as work begins on the Exit 26 interchange, supporting the future Scout Motors Manufacturing facility. Commuters should plan for potential delays near this key industrial corridor.
Try This
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities is looking for presenters for the 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference on Wednesday, May 6, at the Pastides (USC) Alumni Center. Applications and headshots are due by this Friday, March 6; selected presenters will be notified by March 16.
Learn
Google is offering free AI training to small businesses, including more than 299,000 in SC. With 65% of small business employees nationwide not using AI, the hands-on program aims to help local businesses boost productivity, stay competitive, and make the most of Google’s free tools.
Biz
S3 Capital originated a $29.75 million construction loan — its first in SC — to finance the 152-unit Liva Travelers Rest multifamily and townhome project in Travelers Rest, citing strong population, job growth, and proximity to the Greenville market. (SCBiz)
Job
Ready to become a Tiger? Clemson University is hiring an Executive Director of Emergency Management ($120,000-$146,000/year). The role leads university-wide emergency planning and public safety strategy, overseeing preparedness, compliance, and coordinated response efforts.
Biz
West Columbia businesses can now apply for the city’s Mural Grant Program to enhance commercial properties with street-facing public art. Eligible buildings in designated areas can boost curb appeal, attract customers, and strengthen community presence while meeting city guidelines.
Thought Leadership
In a recent interview by Columbia Metropolitan, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann reflected on his path from small business owner to mayor of Columbia, highlighting hands-on leadership, major park and riverfront investments, downtown growth, and a second-term focus on reducing homelessness while reshaping the city’s narrative and confidence.
Announced
Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative CEO Jim Lovinggood will retire at the end of 2026 after 44 years with the cooperative. During his tenure, he oversaw significant system expansion, growing service to more than 75,000 customer meters and thousands of miles of power lines supporting communities and businesses across SC. (Upstate Business Journal)
List
Curious about the commercial real estate projects shaping the Upstate? From College Avenue to Sparkanburg’s 111 E. Main St., the Upstate Business Journal detailed seven mixed-use developments moving forward this year, adding residential, retail, and entertainment space across the Upstate.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
SC Competes Spring Summit | Tuesday, March 3-Wednesday, March 4 | Times vary | Winthrop University, Rock Hill | Free+ | Join industry leaders, innovators, and students for two days of insights, strategic connections, and talent engagement.
Crash Course Columbia | Thursday, March 5-Friday, March 6 | Times vary | Downtown | $75+ | This course gives locals an insider tour of the city’s hidden gems, culture, and emerging developments to build community connection.
Tuesday, March 3
Coffee Talk | 8-9:30 a.m. | Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center | Free
If you already read COLAtoday, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion. | Graphic by 6AM City
We sat down with our CEO, Ryan Johnston, for a behind-the-scenes look at what fuels BizBrief — and him.
Why introduce a business newsletter?
I think of it less as a newsletter and more as a weekly business section.
What problem does your product solve?
Talking about business together and delivering everything you need to make the most of the city you call home. Like COLAtoday, BizBrief will center on strong reader participation and source from traditional media, influencers, and company communications — creating a community that engages with local business news together.
How will BizBrief differ from all the other local business newsletters?
BizBrief will follow the same formula as our daily COLAtoday newsletter — aggregating, curating, narrating, and highlighting the most important business news from across the local business landscape. The goal: to help local businesses and the professionals who work in them thrive.
Office/retail, for lease | 1211 Franklin St. | ~4,000 sqft | $12/sqft NNN | Flexible, modernized space in Cottontown–NOMA District with open layout and rear parking.
Office, for lease | 720 Lady St. | ~5,476 sqft | $21.50/sqft NNN | Renovated, full build-out office space with private offices, conference rooms, signage, and dedicated parking in the Historic Vista District.
Commercial
Commercial, for lease | 2933-2935 Platt Springs Rd. | 2,000 sqft | $2,500/month | Freestanding commercial building on high-traffic road in West Columbia, with dual frontage, on-site parking, flexible layout, and strong visibility — ideal for retail, office, or investment use.
Commercial, for sale | 8263 Garners Ferry Rd. | 2,400 sqft | $875,000 | Mechanic/industrial building on 0.66 acres with prime Garners Ferry Road frontage, near I-77 and McEntire Air Base.
We’re all super excited to launch this new newsletter as part of COLAtoday. I’ll still be working closely with David, who you already know — and I’m really curious to know what you, our awesome readers, want to see from our BizBrief coverage. I wish I could meet and chat with each of you in person, but an email will have to do for now. Seriously, send me an email and hit me with your best ideas.
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