Exploring Entrepreneurship Ideas
The United States provides an incredible environment for startups, ranking 1st out of 138 countries using the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index. While Charlotte steals the national spotlight when it comes to newsworthy entrepreneurs and startups, York County has its own bustling entrepreneur ecosystem. With a population of 266,439 (2017) and growing, there’s plenty of room to offer goods and services to people who want to support York County businesses.
Entrepreneurship in York County is Ready to Grow
With Knowledge Park underway and fully supported by the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC), the City of Rock Hill, Winthrop University, and York Technical College, entrepreneurship ideas in York County are endless.
If you’re researching entrepreneur opportunities in and around York County, South Carolina, be sure to keep these business clusters and ideas in mind:
1. Advanced Materials Industry
Almost 800 advanced materials companies call South Carolina home, and Rock Hill is full of industry and workforce resources. Producing elements for use in a broad range of end-products, including metals, polymers, ceramics, glasses, and composites. York County is home to over ten Advanced Materials companies, with plenty of room for growth due to the county’s research facilities and an exceptional workforce.
2. Personal Services & Care
As the population of York County grows, so does the need for personal services and care. From salon services and massage therapy to senior care, professional service entrepreneurs have an opportunity to serve a growing population.
Curious about the competition or other personal service options? Check out the York County Chamber of Commerce list: Personal Services & Care in York County.
3. Professional Services
Supporting the infrastructure and business community is a goldmine for entrepreneurs. As more and more homes are built, professionals are needed to service them and maintain them. As businesses grow and expand, professional services like accounting, human resources, and consulting are in demand. Gone are the days when one or two large companies provide the bulk of professional services to an entire community; startups and entrepreneurs have a strong foothold in York County as professional service providers.
4. Distribution & Logistics
With easy interstate access and the proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, York County is the perfect match for distribution and logistics startups. State and regional resources are available to provide industry, training, and workforce solutions.
While entrepreneurship invites exciting challenges, fear of failure can keep the best candidates from pursuing their dream business. Keep these ideas in mind as you explore your options:
Success
What’s the profile of a successful entrepreneur? According to the Kauffman Foundation, 95 percent of business founders surveyed had at least a Bachelor’s Degree. Founders were significantly more successful if they had worked previously in a similar industry before starting their own company.
While there’s no “cookie cutter” formula to success, improving your business skills is critical to the success of your business. If you don’t have time for formal training, YouTube is an incredible resource with business growth information. If you’re looking for a formal training option online, Coursera.org offers approximately 850 online courses for small business. If you’re already living in York County, check out Winthrop’s Small Business Development Center. They offer workshops, conferences, free consultations to help build business plans, and more.
Paying the Rent
Gone are the days of needing a business space right away. If working from home is too distracting or not an option. consider joining the nearly 1.2 million people worldwide who have already worked in a co-working space. If you have an industrial space but no place to put support staff, co-working may be the answer as well.
Growing Your Business
Starting a business is only part of the entrepreneur success equation; you must grow your business with new customers and clients as well as employees and staff. Winthrop’s Small Business Development Center offers marketing workshops.
If you’re starting a technology business, check out the Technology Incubator at Knowledge Park. Support includes hands-on consulting, resource identification, and educational and technical assistance.
Don’t forget about the York County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Advocates can help you navigate the local economy and support you through a Legislative Agenda that supports businesses in York County.