Economic development means a stronger economy for our cities and towns, counties, region and state.
Economic Development
Lower Savannah is the designated regional Economic Development District (EDD) through the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Economic Development Department assists local governments in the region with eligibility for EDA assistance through the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS supports the development of projects that improve the region’s economic competitiveness and creates permanent full time jobs.
The wide range of projects we assist with include:
Educational facilities
Infrastructure improvements (water, sewer, rail)
Economic development strategic planning
EDA and other economic development technical assistance
Grant applications
Grant administration
Related Links
Economic Assessment of the LSCOG Region - Full Report
Economic Assessment of the LSCOG Region - Executive Summary
Please click on the following link to access the CEDS 2022-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
CEDS 2023 Update/Annual Report
Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF)
LSCOG has partnered with the Catawba Regional Council of Governments to assist small businesses in obtaining financing to help them grow and expand. The loan fund program is designed to be flexible and fill the gap between the financing available from traditional private sector lenders and the total financing need of the business. Terms and rates are tied to job creation. By sharing risk, RLF involvement helps to limit the primary lenders risk. Extended terms offered by the RLF can help improve the borrower’s cash flow, which will help improve the chances for success.
August 2020, an additional $8.2 million dollars is available for low-interest loans to assist businesses and agribusinesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding has been provided from the US Economic Development Administration as part of the CARES Act. SC Business Loan Fund (SCBLF) is currently accepting loan applications from businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans can range from $50,000 to $750,000 and are available in 29 SC counties, including Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. As of Please contact Nathaniel Foutch at nfoutch@lscog.org or Randy Pellisero at RPellisero@catawbacog.org for more information regarding revolving loan fund opportunities.