The Spark Center: Igniting Innovation and Economic Growth in South Carolina

The Spark Center: Igniting Innovation and Economic Growth in South Carolina

A Catalyst for Growth

Tucked within SCC’s Tyger River Campus in Duncan, the Spark Center stands as a powerful symbol of partnership and progress. Designed to help companies launch, grow, and thrive, Spark has become one of the most influential economic engines in the Upstate—serving as a gateway between education and enterprise

Driving Measurable Impact

In the last fiscal year alone, the Spark Center contributed to the creation of 2,941 net new jobs, $202.1 million in wages, and $10.8 million in state and sales tax revenue

Since its opening in 2007, Spark’s total economic influence has reached more than $4.36 billion in cumulative wages and over 100,000 jobs supported statewide—a testament to SCC’s long-term investment in workforce readiness and business innovation

Global Companies, Local Impact

The Center continues to attract world-class organizations, serving as a soft-landing site for both new and expanding industries. In recent years, companies such as BMW, Ritrama (Fedrigoni Group), Keystone, Magna, and Omron have launched or grown their operations through Spark’s facilities and technical support.

These companies benefit from flexible space, advanced training labs, and immediate access to SCC’s workforce pipeline—creating a seamless bridge between economic development and higher education.

Empowering Communities Through Partnership

Spark’s unique model integrates business incubation, workforce training, and supply-chain collaboration. By working closely with SCC’s academic and technical divisions, Spark not only prepares students for high-demand careers but also ensures employers have access to a well-trained, adaptable workforce.

“Spark exemplifies what happens when education and industry work together to transform opportunity into prosperity.”

The Numbers Behind the Name

• 2,941 new jobs created in 2024
• $202.1 million in wages generated
• $10.8 million in new state and sales tax revenue
• 100,000+ jobs supported since 2007
• $4.36 billion total wage impact statewide

Looking Ahead

As Spartanburg Community College continues to expand its workforce and innovation footprint, Spark remains at the forefront—turning ideas into enterprises, partnerships into paychecks, and education into lasting economic growth.

Discover how the Spark Center helps businesses and students grow together at https://www.sccsc.edu/spark-sc/