USDA Funding to SouthernCarolina Alliance to Provide Downtown Revitalization Programs for Denmark and Estill
October 07, 2026
USDA Funding to SouthernCarolina Alliance to Provide Downtown Revitalization Programs for Denmark and Estill
HAMPTON, SC (October 6, 2026) - - SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA) has been awarded USDA Rural Business Development Grant funding to support downtown revitalization efforts in two more of its communities, the City of Denmark and the Town of Estill.
Building on past partnerships with communities in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties, including Fairfax and Port Royal last year, the grant will fund SCA's continued partnership with Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies.
"SouthernCarolina Alliance is pleased to lead this effort on behalf of our communities to strengthen downtown development, which is a key marketing tool in building true economic development and attracting industrial projects to our region. We appreciate the work that Downtown Strategies has done in partnership with SCA over the last few years, and we are grateful to USDA for continuing to fund these critical programs," said Kathy Rhoad, SCA's Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Each community will receive a custom Downtown Strategic Plan focused on practical, project-based recommendations that lead to quick wins and real results, while setting both communities up for long-term success. The process will include on-site Strategic Visioning Workshops in each community, scheduled for early 2027. Unlike a plan that sits on a shelf, both communities will also receive a full year of Implementation Support, with Downtown Strategies working alongside local leaders to put the plan's recommendations into action.
"It is a privilege to continue supporting communities in South Carolina through our partnership with SouthernCarolina Alliance. Denmark and Estill join a growing number of towns in the region that are making a real difference in their community and economic development, and we are proud to be part of that work," said Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director of Community Partnerships for Retail Strategies.
In addition, small business owners in both communities will receive specialized on-demand training to strengthen their operations. This online training module will focus on Business Modernization. The grant enables each community to benefit from this comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization, furthering SouthernCarolina Alliance's mission of fostering economic development in the region.
About SouthernCarolina Alliance
SouthernCarolina Alliance is the economic development alliance in South Carolina that represents the most rural economic development region of the state. The organization assists existing industries with expansion and new industries with start-ups, serving as a liaison to local, state, and federal governments and allies. SCA’s mission is to sustain and create jobs that will improve the quality of life in the seven counties in its region through the ideals of cooperation and regionalism. For more information visit, https://southerncarolina.org/
About Downtown Strategies
Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, exists to provide realistic, implementable strategies to communities for revitalizing their downtowns. Led by a team of former downtown revitalization practitioners and real estate experts, our combination of real-world experience, plus expertise in real estate and retail uniquely qualify us to assist communities with backfilling vacancies, increasing tourism, and enhancing the sense of place in their downtowns. Serving rural communities throughout the country, Downtown Strategies is the leading national firm for downtown revitalization planning, emphasizing real estate and retail.
https://retailstrategies.com/downtownstrategies/
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
CONTACT: Kathy Rhoad
SouthernCarolina Alliance
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