Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

With 36.2 million small businesses driving roughly 46% of total U.S. employment, small enterprises remain a major force behind the American economy — but location can make a big difference in long-term entrepreneurial success. 

To identify the metros where small businesses are best positioned to thrive, CoworkingCafe analyzed 286 U.S. metro areas across three population tiers using 12 metrics tied to entrepreneurial activity, economic performance and workforce strength, including new business formation, small business density and survival rate, GDP growth and coworking availability. 

Among mid-sized metros, Charleston-North Charleston ranks #1 nationally, driven by strong business formation, a high share of employment tied to small businesses and one of the country’s healthiest labor markets.

Here are the key findings: 

• Healthy labor market conditions: Charleston’s unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, the 5th-lowest among mid-sized metros and well below the national average of 3.3%. 

• Extensive coworking infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs and small teams: Charleston metro offers 4.1 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents, the 5th-highest density among mid-sized metros. 

• Strong business formation activity: The metro recorded 2,112 new business applications per 100,000 residents in 2024, the 6th-highest rate among mid-sized metros and well above the national average of 1,553. 

• Small businesses power local employment: Small businesses account for 53% of all local jobs, the 7th-highest share among mid-sized metros and significantly above the national average of 45.9%. 

• Strong entrepreneurial culture: Self-employed residents make up 11.6% of the workforce, the 7th-highest share among mid-sized metros and above the national average of 10.2%. 

• Highly educated workforce: 38.2% of adults in the metro hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, the 9th-highest share among mid-sized metros and above the national average of 33%. 

• Dense small business ecosystem: The metro is home to more than 11,600 small businesses per 100,000 residents, the 9th-highest density among mid-sized metros and above the national benchmark of 10,376. 

• Active workforce: Nearly 66% of residents are active in the labor force, the 10th-highest rate among mid-sized metros and above the national average of 63.5%. 

• Strong earning power: Local workers earn a median of $48,498 annually, the 10th-highest figure among mid-sized metros and above the national median of $46,151. 

• Healthy business survival rates: Small businesses in the Charleston metro posted a 91.1% survival rate, reflecting favorable conditions for long-term business success. 

• Competitive coworking costs: Average coworking memberships cost about $235/month, slightly above the national average of $220. 

• Steady economic expansion: GDP grew by 34.9% between 2019 and 2023. 

At the state level, South Carolina stands out for having multiple metros that perform well for small businesses beyond Charleston-North Charleston itself. Columbia ranks #33 among mid-sized metros for small business success, followed by Greenville-Anderson at #45. Meanwhile, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort places #12 among small metros nationally, while Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach ranks #53.

Nationally, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ranks as the best large metro for small businesses to launch, grow and thrive, while Boulder, CO tops the small metro rankings. 

Full analysis, methodology and expert opinions here: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/best-metro-areas-for-small-businesses/. 

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Source: CoWorkingCafe

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Levi Phillip Miles, 48, of Goose Creek, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycontin, and distribution of fentanyl, resulting in the death of a local lawyer.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that from at least January 2022 to January 2023, Miles regularly distributed prescription pain pills to his employer and cousin, David Aylor.  By the summer of 2022, Miles could no longer obtain legitimate prescription pain pills from his suppliers. Nevertheless, in December 2022, the victim continued to request pain pills, causing Miles to seek pills for an alternate source.

On Jan. 1, 2023, Miles obtained what he believed to be legitimate pain pills but were illicit pills laced with fentanyl. Miles distributed the pills to Aylor that afternoon. The victim was found dead in his home on Jan. 2, 2023. An autopsy of the victim revealed the presence of fentanyl in his system, and subsequent investigation confirmed that the fentanyl was present in the pills the victim received from Miles on Jan. 1. As part of his guilty plea, Miles agreed not to contest the fact that the victim’s death was caused by the controlled substances that he distributed.
 

“This case is yet another example of the tragic realities of fentanyl in our communities. Let this be a reminder that one pill can kill,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who funnel this poison into our communities. We send our condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Aylor and hope this sentence brings a sense of closure.”

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Miles to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. The court also imposed a $40,000 fine.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

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Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office – South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Hector Ivan Martinez, 20, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that in the summer of 2024, Martinez targeted a group of 10 and 11-year-old minor victims in the Charleston community. Martinez posed as a 15-year-old boy and targeted the minor victims on social media. Martinez engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor victims and sent them sexually explicit videos and images of himself. He then manipulated the minor victims into producing and sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. A review of Martinez’s electronic devices showed that he had targeted at least 45 victims across the United States. Martinez was also found to have used an encrypted application to contact an individual in the Philippines to solicit livestreamed child sexual abuse, which he then recorded and saved on his devices. 

United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Martinez to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Martinez will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville prosecuted the case. 

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office – South Carolina

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What does $28 Million buy you in downtown Charleston, South Carolina on The Battery? Let us show you:

Details: $28,000,000 / 6 bedrooms / 10 bathrooms / 11,367 square feet

Location: 25 E Battery Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Official Listing

Charleston’s storied Victorian masterpiece reimagined to embrace history, family, and grand celebrations for the next century. Standing proudly among only ten residences along Charleston’s most exclusive waterfront address, East Battery, the Drayton House remains a timeless icon of the city’s architectural heritage.

Once a gracious private home for one of Charleston’s founding families, it has now been reborn through a meticulous and inspired remodel – one that celebrates both its rich past and a vibrant future. Every detail, from the intricate millwork to the soaring piazzas overlooking the harbor, pays homage to the elegance and endurance of Charleston’s architectural heritage, with a total of over 11,000 SQFT.

Drayton house was redesigned with extraordinary living in mind. The incredible kitchen stands alone, like no other in the city, with its own walk-in refrigerator, plus a separate, hidden commercial-grade kitchen, which includes a grill, smoker, deep-fryer, and commercial dishwasher – truly a chef’s dream! Step down into the Ralph Lauren inspired media room to a 163″ digital wall with state-of-the-art audio which opens to a beautiful custom tiger onyx 4-sided bar to relax with family or entertain on a grand scale.

Enter the glass elevator to ascend to the 2,200 SQFT primary suite level which invites you to complete tranquility and peace with luxury spa features that rival the finest homes and hotels in the world. Multiple seating areas allow for views of the Harbor and courtyard. Custom furnishings and lighting, along with an expansive spa bathroom with two grand walk-in closets. These modern luxuries blend seamlessly with the home’s historic past.

Every space in the home has been thoughtfully curated to offer a gracious and beautiful experience while honoring the historical features of Drayton House. The result is like no other in Charleston; a perfectly restored historic landmark.

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The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) is seeking qualified individuals interested in serving on the South Carolina Advisory Council on Aging. Council members must be South Carolina citizens with an interest in and knowledge of issues impacting older adults. Individuals interested in serving are encouraged to complete the application and provide a brief statement explaining their interest in serving on the Council.

Click HERE for application or visit https://aging.sc.gov  

Applications and questions may be submitted to Lily DeGracia at ldegracia@aging.sc.gov. 

Note: Though there is no deadline, applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How can a growing city rebuild trust while creating stronger connections across neighborhoods and generations? The answer is explored in a HelloNation article highlighting North Charleston, South Carolina, as a finalist for the National Civic League’s 2026 All-America City Award.

The article explains that the All-America City Award recognizes communities that strengthen local democracy through collaboration, civic engagement, innovation, and inclusion. North Charleston’s recognition as a finalist reflects years of resident-focused efforts aimed at rebuilding trust, expanding civic participation, and creating more inclusive opportunities across the community.

According to the article, North Charleston has experienced major economic and population growth since the closure of the region’s Naval Base in the 1990s. While redevelopment and business investment strengthened the local economy, city leaders also recognized the importance of addressing issues involving trust, inclusion, neighborhood connection, and public engagement. The article notes that the city increasingly shifted toward listening-driven governance and community-centered decision-making.

The HelloNation article highlights several initiatives demonstrating this approach, including reforms to policing and community trust-building, the development of inclusive public spaces, and youth-focused education and enrichment programs designed to expand opportunity.

One major focus of the article is North Charleston’s response following the 2015 killing of Walter Scott, which deeply affected public trust between residents and law enforcement. According to the article, city leaders and police officials responded by pursuing a broader strategy centered on accountability, relationship-building, and direct community engagement rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement approaches.

The article explains that North Charleston expanded community policing efforts, introduced recurring neighborhood engagement programs, and implemented anti-bias and racial equity training for officers. Structural reforms included the adoption of body cameras, creation of a citizen advisory commission, and comprehensive analysis of racial disparities within policing practices.

According to the HelloNation article, one of the department’s most significant changes involved integrating direct education about the Walter Scott case into officer training. New recruits study the incident and engage in conversations designed to encourage reflection on bias, accountability, and the responsibilities carried by law enforcement officers. The article notes that these reforms helped improve transparency while strengthening community relationships and public confidence.

Another major area highlighted in the article is Park Circle Reimagined, an initiative that transformed a playground replacement project into the development of one of the world’s largest inclusive playgrounds. City leaders recognized that many children with mobility challenges, developmental disabilities, or sensory impairments lacked equal access to public recreation spaces.

The article explains that North Charleston engaged parents, educators, therapists, disability advocates, and residents throughout a multi-year planning process designed to ensure the park reflected real community needs. The finished space includes accessible play equipment, walking trails, adaptive recreation facilities, gathering areas, and spaces for cultural programming and civic engagement.

The HelloNation article notes that the project became more than a recreational investment. Families who previously faced barriers to participation now gather in a shared community space designed around inclusion and accessibility. The article describes the park as a visible example of how civic investment can strengthen belonging and connection across neighborhoods.

The article also highlights North Charleston’s Liberty Hill Afterschool Enrichment Program, created to support students and families through expanded educational and mentorship opportunities. According to the article, the program focuses on academic support, leadership development, and long-term relationship-building for young residents navigating economic and social challenges.

The article concludes that North Charleston’s recognition as a finalist for the National Civic League’s 2026 All-America City Award reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive leadership, community trust, and resident-centered civic engagement. By investing in accountability, accessible public spaces, and youth opportunity, North Charleston continues building a civic culture focused on dignity, participation, and shared progress.

America at 250: The National Civic League’s All-America Cities highlights why North Charleston was named a finalist for the National Civic League’s 2026 All-America City Award in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the United States First Responders Association.

SOURCE HelloNation

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Columbia, S.C. (May 29, 2026) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation will replace the bridge along Toogoodoo Road (S-10-390) over Swinton Creek in Charleston County.

The replacement will begin on June 2, 2026. Weather dependent, the bridge is scheduled to reopen in June of 2027.

Detours have been established on Highway 162, Chapel Road and Toogoodoo Road as shown in the map below.

SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention to signs and crews when driving through the area.

About SCDOT

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. 

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After nearly five wonderful years serving the Charleston community, Cold Shoulder Gourmet is closing its doors. You still have one more month to get a piece of that deliciousness.

In a statement on Instagram, Craig shared this emotional, thoughtful and insightful message:

FINAL MONTH. FINAL SANDWICHES. FINAL COUNTDOWN. 

After almost five years, Cold Shoulder Gourmet will be leaving our current space at the end of next month. The exact last service date will be announced a little closer to the time.

But let’s make one thing crystal clear right away:

Cold Shoulder IS NOT DONE. NOT EVEN CLOSE. 

This is not the end of the brand, the sandwiches, the pop ups, the collaborations, or the chaos. If anything, this feels like the start of a bigger and far more interesting chapter.

Almost five years ago this thing started with a couple knives, some bread, a stubborn amount of optimism, and a Kenyan kid trying to figure life out one sandwich at a time.

Since then, this tiny sandwich shop somehow became a ritual. A meeting spot. A home for a lot of beautifully chaotic people.

We laughed here. Sold out of bread here. Built something perfectly imperfect here.

And none of it happens without you guys.

Every person that waited in line. Every regular. Every shared post. Every generous tip. Every customer that dragged a friend in and said “trust me, you gotta try this spot.”

You helped turn this weird little sandwich shop into something far bigger than I ever imagined.

And in true Charleston fashion, the city keeps changing faster than the menus at half the new brunch spots downtown. That’s life. Stories evolve. So are we.

The next couple months are going to get very interesting right here in Charleston.

Pop ups. Collaborations. Guest kitchens. Late nights. New ideas/concepts. Some of the coolest food we’ve ever made.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, a few trips back home to Kenya to explore opportunities and chase some long standing dreams too.

This is not goodbye.

It’s a transition.

This is not the last you’ve heard of Cold Shoulder.

And definitely not the last you’ve heard of this Kenyan kid.

Keep an eye out. Follow along. Stay tuned.

Music up. Hands messy. Heart in it.

Let’s make the most out of this last month in the OG space. 

I love you Charleston.

See you soon, race fans. 🥪🔥

Craig 🤘

Thank you Craig and team for everything. Sending love!

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Charleston carries a rich and layered history unlike any other city. Through generations of storytelling, its narrative continues to grow, inspire, and educate.

This city has witnessed moments of joy and heartbreak, birth and loss, resilience and reconstruction. It is a place shaped not only by historic events, but by the personal memories and lived experiences of the people who call it home.

Through every era, Charleston’s sense of community has remained strong. Yet within that community are the individual stories — the voices, memories, and perspectives — that weave together the true tapestry of this city.

We want to share your story 🫶🫶🫶

If you have a remarkable, emotional, impactful, humorous, or simply meaningful story about your life in Charleston, told through your own lens, we invite you to complete this short form.

Click HERE to apply.