Thanks for writing in and sharing how you stay in the loop. Most of you go-getters are checking social media and local business journals for news, and email or social feeds for events. We hear you — Monday at 5 a.m. is prime newsletter time, and local headlines, events, and new business updates are what matter most. We’ll keep sharing the best resources so you don’t miss a thing.
How AI can support Columbia businesses
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 Columbia.
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
Artificial Intelligence Institute of USC conducts research and applied AI initiatives tied to real-world problems — check for upcoming opportunities to join roundtable discussions.
A proposed AI‑focused data center (Project Spero) was withdrawn after community opposition in Spartanburg County.
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
A major alcohol distributor has officially opened a massive new hub in the Midlands. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits began operations at its West Columbia warehouse, part of an $80 million investment designed to expand distribution across SC and support 225 local jobs. (The State)
Job
Interested in advancing community health outreach? Gilead Sciences is hiring a Community Liaison ($115,260-$149,160) based in Columbia, focused on building partnerships with local organizations and improving access to HIV prevention and treatment resources across the region. Apply online.
Number
300. That’s how many jobs are expected to land in Richland County as local fencing company Amarok expands its corporate headquarters near the REI Co-op in the BullStreet District. Learn more about the project’s tax incentive package. (The State)
Tech
The Greenwood Genetic Center secured $1.1 million in federal funding to expand Alzheimer’s research and to study a new mitochondrial-based therapy. The investment strengthens South Carolina’s growing biomedical research sector while advancing potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Health
MUSC Health is expanding its primary care network with a $111 million acquisition of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, a 40-location practice with 31 physicians and 95 providers across the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Myrtle Beach. Leaders say the move aims to expand primary care and strengthen value-based care as South Carolina faces a growing physician shortage. (SCBiz)
List
Columbia’s startup ecosystem recently welcomed the Spring 2026 Launchpad COLA cohort, featuring 20 tech startups selected from nearly 40 applicants. Hosted by the Boyd Innovation Center, the 12-week program supports early-stage founders with mentorship, curriculum, and community to help scale their businesses.
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)
Biz
SC’s export sales have hit a seven-year high. Sales rose 1.5% to $38.5 billion, driven by strong global demand for the state’s advanced manufacturing sector. See the top five SC exports.
Featured Deal
Level up your business with more savings. Right now with T-Mobile for Business, pay just $15 per line when you switch 10 or more lines to a CoreMobile plan. Keep your own devices and your current numbers — no contacts to update, no worries.‡*
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Breakfast Briefing with Senator Sean Bennett | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Segra Park | $15+ | Join Senator Sean Bennett for a breakfast briefing on SC property and income tax reform, with special guest Connor Shaw of HRTHUDL (Heart Huddle).
2026 SCPHA Annual Conference | Monday, March 16-Wednesday, March 18 | Times vary | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $85-$350 | Attend to explore innovative strategies to strengthen communities and improve health.
Office/retail, for lease | 1537 Main St. | 3,120 sqft | $15/sqft/yr | Prime downtown flexible space on Main Street with 13-ft ceilings, pool table, and natural light.
Retail
Retail building, for sale | 6830 Two Notch Rd. | 4,675 sqft. | $495,000 | Freestanding retail/showroom with 12 parking spaces, recently renovated facade, and a 1.28-acre lot.
Flexible
Flex space, for sale | 123 Lawand Dr. | 3,960 sqft | $550,000 | Commercial property with redevelopment potential on 0.55 acres, featuring multiple entrances, bathrooms, and ample parking — just minutes from I-26, I-20, and downtown Columbia.
Flex space, for sale | 1821 Augusta Rd. | 11,200 sqft | Prime 10-acre commercial assemblage in West Columbia with income-producing parcels, flexible zoning, and redevelopment potential — minutes from I-26, downtown Columbia, and the airport.
Spring is almost here, and Wingard’s Market is in the running for Best Plant Nursery in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting closes today at 12 p.m. — cast your vote to support them. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 18.
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‡10 lines for $150/mo; each additional line $15/mo/line with AutoPay; plus taxes & $35 device connection charge.
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