Project Summary
The South Carolina Department of Commerce (DOC), the state’s premier organization for foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade development, has partnered with ResearchFDI since 2017 to advance its investment attraction objectives. Through annual lead generation and pre-qualified meetings programs, ResearchFDI has supported South Carolina’s efforts to connect with prospective investors across key domestic and international markets, including Asia and Europe. This case study highlights the collaborative success in driving new business expansions to the state.
Activities & Results
ResearchFDI implemented a comprehensive suite of investment attraction activities for the South Carolina DOC, focused on delivering measurable results:
- Lead Generation & Pre-Qualified Meetings Program:
ResearchFDI developed and executed an annual investment program that identified potential investors, conducted targeted outreach, and set up pre-qualified meetings with companies interested in exploring opportunities in South Carolina. - Engagement with Prospective Investors:
The program facilitated productive dialogues between the South Carolina DOC and potential investors, resulting in over 150 investor meetings. These interactions allowed stakeholders to showcase the state’s robust business environment and highlight investment opportunities. - Site Visits for Prospective Investors:
ResearchFDI organized and managed more than 25 site visits for interested companies, providing them with an in-depth view of South Carolina’s business resources, infrastructure, and strategic advantages. These visits played a crucial role in influencing the decision-making process for potential investors.
Results
The collaboration between the South Carolina DOC and ResearchFDI has yielded impressive outcomes, reinforcing the state’s position as an attractive destination for business expansion:
- Business Expansions:
The initiative successfully attracted three notable companies to expand their operations in South Carolina. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the investment attraction program and highlights the appeal of South Carolina’s business-friendly climate.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between the South Carolina Department of Commerce and ResearchFDI has proven instrumental in driving new investments to the state. By implementing a robust lead generation and meeting program, ResearchFDI has connected South Carolina with a diverse array of potential investors, resulting in meaningful business expansions. As the collaboration continues to grow, South Carolina is well-positioned to attract further investments, stimulate job creation, and drive sustained economic development in the region.