January 21, 2026

Charleston Economically Thriving with Growing Opportunities

Charleston, SC, January 21, 2026

Charleston, SC is experiencing significant economic growth, driven by local businesses and financial institutions shaping a vibrant business landscape. The recently unveiled five-year strategy aims to position the city as an innovation hub, fostering talent and unlocking new economic avenues. CoastalSouth Bancshares reports impressive financial results and expands its services in the region, showcasing the dedication to communal prosperity. With local collaborations supporting small business growth, Charleston’s future looks promising as it navigates challenges and embraces opportunities for sustained economic development.

Charleston, SC – In an era defined by rapid change and entrepreneurial spirit, Charleston continues to solidify its reputation as a beacon of economic vitality in the Southeast. Local businesses and strategic financial institutions are not just navigating the currents of the modern economy but are actively shaping a landscape rich with opportunity and innovation. The latest financial reports from key regional players, alongside broader economic indicators, paint a picture of resilience, strategic growth, and a steadfast commitment to fostering a favorable environment for commerce and community development.

This commitment to economic expansion, driven by both private sector ingenuity and supportive local initiatives, underscores the potential for sustained prosperity throughout the Lowcountry. Charleston’s vibrant business climate is a testament to the power of sound economic principles and the tireless efforts of its entrepreneurs and investors, who continually seek avenues for progress and job creation.

Charleston’s Economic Momentum

The Charleston region is poised for significant economic growth in 2025 and beyond, projecting a healthy increase in overall economic activity. Compared to other midsize Extended Metropolitan Areas, Charleston stands out among the top 10 performers, with anticipated GDP growth exceeding the U.S. average, attributed to its strong underlying growth characteristics.

A five-year economic strategy, “Charleston Inspired: Discover the Possibilities,” was unveiled in March 2025. This plan aims to boost the city’s standing as an innovation hub, attract and retain top talent, and bridge funding and research gaps to unlock new economic opportunities. Research suggests that an increased focus on innovation could elevate Charleston’s projected economic growth from 3.5% to 4.2% by 2040, potentially adding $13 billion to regional economic output and $10 billion in earnings.

CoastalSouth Bancshares Expands in the Lowcountry

CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Coastal States Bank (CSB), recently announced robust financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. The company reported a net income of $7.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2025. This marks an improvement from approximately $6.7 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, recorded in the third quarter of 2025, and $5.7 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024.

For the entire year of 2025, CoastalSouth Bancshares reported a record net income of $24.9 million, or $2.16 per diluted share, an increase from $21.9 million, or $2.09 per diluted share, in 2024. The company’s pre-tax pre-provision net revenue saw a significant 23.6% increase compared to December 31, 2024. Additionally, the bank generated over $776.0 million in loan commitments and expanded its core deposits by more than $120.7 million.

The company also announced a strategic expansion into the Charleston, SC business market, establishing a locally based commercial banking team led by Edward Vaughan, Charleston Market President. This move demonstrates a direct investment in the Lowcountry economic growth and a commitment to serving businesses in the region. Other performance highlights for Q4 2025 included a return on average assets of 1.24%, a return on average equity of 11.02%, and a net interest margin of 3.60%, showing a 2 basis point increase from the previous quarter. Total assets for CoastalSouth Bancshares reached $2.31 billion at the end of 2025, reflecting a 9.9% increase year-over-year. Loans held for investment grew by 14.7% to $1.62 billion, and total deposits climbed 8.3% to $1.99 billion. Credit quality remained generally sound, with net charge-offs at 0.00% for the quarter.

Nurturing Local Innovation and Small Business Growth

Charleston SC business is characterized by a collaborative environment that provides substantial support for both startups and established companies. This ecosystem fosters innovation through a network of creative professionals, a skilled talent pool, and the presence of colleges, universities, incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. The South Carolina Department of Commerce further assists Charleston small business and mid-sized companies with a free Big Data tool designed to enhance decision-making through competitive benchmarking and market analysis.

The tech industry in Charleston is experiencing a surge, with over 1,100 tech companies currently operating locally and a projected growth of 20% by 2026. This expansion is expected to generate thousands of new jobs by 2030, with significant investments in smart city infrastructure, including AI-powered traffic signals and environmental sensors. Recognizing the crucial role of local entrepreneurs, the City of Charleston has implemented an SBE Spotlight Program to acknowledge and reward businesses for their achievements and contributions to the city’s economic vitality.

Community partnerships also play a vital role in supporting economic development. Empower Charleston, a program of the Coastal Community Foundation, actively connects and invests in local nonprofit organizations to create a sustainable and equitable community. Since 2010, Empower Charleston has provided over $1.4 million in funding and hundreds of hours of pro bono consulting and mentorship to 32 nonprofits. Their next investment cycle is scheduled for 2026, continuing their impactful work. This collaborative model demonstrates how private philanthropy and local expertise can significantly bolster community initiatives and foster a robust economic environment.

Addressing Workforce Needs in a Dynamic Economy

While South Carolina entrepreneurs drive innovation, the broader national economy faces challenges in workforce development. A nationwide shortage of technical skills was highlighted in September 2025, when a raid on a Hyundai Motor/LG Energy Solutions battery plant construction site in Ellabell, GA, revealed that many specialized foreign workers were operating without appropriate visas. This situation underscores the difficulties in securing highly skilled labor for advanced manufacturing projects across the U.S. The introduction of new national policies, effective September 21, 2025, requiring a non-refundable $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for foreign workers, further complicates access to this essential talent pool.

Despite these challenges, major investments continue to flow into the U.S. automotive sector. Hyundai Motor Group, for example, is planning to invest approximately $21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028, with about $9 billion allocated to increasing light-vehicle production capacity and upgrading plants in Alabama and Georgia. These investments necessitate a strong, skilled workforce, emphasizing the importance of local and state-level initiatives to cultivate and attract the necessary talent to support advanced industries.

In contrast, the national consumer landscape also reveals shifting patterns. WeightWatchers reported 3.4 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 14.2% decrease from the prior year, primarily due to declines in its Behavioral business. However, its Clinical Subscribers segment saw a notable increase of 55.2%, reaching 135 thousand during the same period. While overall revenues for Q1 2025 decreased by 9.7% to $186.6 million, Clinical Subscription Revenues grew by 57.1% to $29.5 million. This illustrates how companies must adapt and innovate to meet evolving consumer demands, a principle that resonates strongly with the entrepreneurial spirit in Charleston County economy.

A Look Ahead: Sustaining Prosperity

The future of Lowcountry economic growth appears promising, with the state of South Carolina committed to attracting high-quality jobs and significant capital investment. Projected investments from expanding businesses across the state are expected to reach $9.1 billion in 2025. This growth is fueled by the dynamic spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs, a dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment, and strategic investments that create employment and economic prosperity throughout the state, including the Charleston area.

Recent developments, such as Comunidad Partners’ acquisition of Montague at Park Circle, a 358-unit workforce housing property in Charleston in January 2026, further highlight the market’s strong economic and demographic tailwinds. Such private investments, coupled with local efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, are crucial for sustaining growth and ensuring that Charleston remains an attractive destination for businesses and families alike. The city’s rapidly growing population, nearly triple the national average, continues to drive demand across various sectors, reinforcing the need for ongoing innovation and thoughtful development.

Conclusion

Charleston’s economic landscape is vibrant and dynamic, characterized by impressive financial performance from institutions like CoastalSouth Bancshares and a thriving environment for innovation and small business. The commitment to strategic growth, community partnerships, and entrepreneurial support positions the Lowcountry for continued success. As the region navigates evolving economic conditions, the focus on local talent, responsible investment, and a business-friendly atmosphere remains paramount.

We encourage all residents to continue supporting local businesses and stay engaged in the ongoing efforts to shape Charleston’s economic future. Through collective action and a shared vision for prosperity, the Lowcountry can continue to be a leading example of regional growth and opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were CoastalSouth Bancshares’ net income and diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025?

CoastalSouth Bancshares reported a net income of $7.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2025.

How much did CoastalSouth Bancshares report in net income for the full year 2025?

For the full year ended December 31, 2025, CoastalSouth Bancshares reported a record net income of $24.9 million, or $2.16 per diluted share.

What significant strategic move did CoastalSouth Bancshares announce for the Charleston market?

CoastalSouth Bancshares announced a strategic expansion into the Charleston, SC market, establishing a locally based commercial banking team led by Edward Vaughan, Charleston Market President.

What was the total number of WeightWatchers subscribers at the end of Q1 2025?

WeightWatchers reported 3.4 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter of 2025.

What was the national trend regarding technical skills shortages in the U.S. in September 2025?

A nationwide shortage of technical skills was evident in September 2025, highlighted by a raid on a Hyundai Motor/LG Energy Solutions battery plant construction site in Ellabell, GA, where specialized foreign workers faced visa challenges.

What is the projected economic growth for Charleston by 2040 with increased focus on innovation?

With an increased focus on innovation, Charleston’s projected economic growth could rise from 3.5% to 4.2% by 2040, potentially adding $13 billion in regional economic output and $10 billion in earnings.

Key Economic Features and Performance

Feature	Detail	Geographic Scope
CoastalSouth Bancshares Q4 2025 Net Income	$7.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share	Regional
CoastalSouth Bancshares Full Year 2025 Net Income	$24.9 million, or $2.16 per diluted share	Regional
CoastalSouth Bancshares Strategic Expansion	Into the Charleston, SC market with a local commercial banking team	Local
WeightWatchers Subscribers Q1 2025	3.4 million	Nationwide
WeightWatchers Clinical Subscribers Q1 2025	135 thousand (55.2% increase year-over-year)	Nationwide
U.S. Technical Skills Shortage	Evident in September 2025, highlighted by issues at a Hyundai plant in Georgia	Nationwide
Charleston Projected GDP Growth (2025)	Above U.S. average, top 10 among midsize EMAs	Local/Regional
Charleston Economic Growth Projection (2040 with innovation focus)	From 3.5% to 4.2% (adding $13B in regional output, $10B in earnings)	Local/Regional
South Carolina Projected Business Investments (2025)	$9.1 billion	State-level
Charleston Tech Industry Growth Projection (by 2026)	20% growth, over 1,100 tech companies	Local/Regional