Economic Development

WRCOG is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region by developing strategies for diverse job creation and economic growth.  Partnering with economic development agencies in the region and providing them support with Economic Development Administration funding.

Waccamaw Regional helps local governments and businesses develop Economic Development Administration (EDA) proposals and obtain funds geared toward attracting new business and industry, and helping existing businesses prosper and grow. For example, funds may be used to help communities expand or improve infrastructure to encourage economic growth.

As the local representative for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, Waccamaw Regional additionally administers a Revolving Loan Fund, which is available to any business in the region for the purpose of creating or retaining jobs. Nearly 8,000 jobs have been created or retained since 2001, thanks to Waccamaw Regional’s efforts.

Every five years, the WRCOG releases a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report. The latest version of the 2023-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Waccamaw Region is now available, however you may also review the  2017-2022 CEDS version along with the previous Waccamaw Regional Economic Development District’s 2021 Annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update.

Disaster Recovery and Economic Resiliency Plan for the Waccamaw Region

For more information about the EDA, please visit the EDA website.