Registration is now open for the 2026 South Carolina Economic Development Institute (The Institute), formerly known as The South Carolina Economic Development School (SCEDS). This program offers a highly interactive curriculum, affording them a greater “hands-on” economic development learning experience. The Institute has graduated more than 1,500 participants since its inception 36 years ago.
About The Institute
The Institute serves to educate those who support and participate in economic development activities in their communities while providing unique and innovative development approaches for implementation. Attendees who successfully complete each of the 2025 Institute’s four sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion. Who Should Attend? The Institute is open to participants from a wide variety of organizations and entities:
City, Town and County Councils
Local Economic Development Practitioners
County Economic Development Boards
County School Boards
Regional Economic Development Boards
Utility Companies
Local/State Government
Banks and many others
Schedule and Topics
The Institute is comprised of four two-day sessions held in various locations across South Carolina. The 2026 schedule is as follows:
February 5-6: Leadership and Communication Skills – North Augusta, SC
April 30-May 1: Community Development and Tourism – Conway, SC
August 6-7: Business and Industrial Development – Greer, SC
November 5-6: Product Development – Beaufort, SC
*Attendees are required to attend all sessions in consecutive order beginning with Session I.
Click here to see the full brochure and application.
Click here to register online.