Don Ryan Center for Innovation
Bluffton Means Business
Bringing Services Closer to Home
Did you know about half of Bluffton residents live west of Buckwalter Parkway? Yet, in 2023, this area had less than 20 % of the Town’ s professional services. The Town of Bluffton is working to fix this imbalance with smart planning and financial incentives.
Economic Development Incentive Program( EDIP)
THE GOAL? More local jobs, less traffic congestion and better services near your neighborhood.
The Town offers grants to businesses that move to Bluffton ' s fastest-growing areas. This program helps bring services you need— like healthcare, childcare and shopping— closer to where you live. As a bonus, this reduces traffic on busy roads by cutting down on long drives across Town.
The Town of Bluffton offers financial incentives to encourage businesses to locate in its fastest-growing areas, particularly west of Buckwalter Parkway. Eligible businesses must invest a minimum of $ 500,000 and operate within target industries such as healthcare, childcare, affordable housing, mixed-use commercial spaces or corporate headquarters.
The program offers significant savings in permit fees, business license fees and other incentives. Call the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, the Town’ s economic development department, for more information.
Don Ryan Center for Innovation
Helping Local Businesses Thrive
The Don Ryan Center provides resources for entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners.
Located in Buckwalter Place, this center helps Bluffton businesses grow through: Free business advice from experts Co-working space and offices Networking events
New Business Hub
In 2025, Bluffton opened one of three new buildings near the Police Department in Buckwalter Place.
The Town’ s facility includes: Commercial space for Bluffton businesses A childcare center to support working families Flexible spaces tailored to startups and growing enterprises
This project combines Town funding($ 4.1 million) with private investment($ 7 million). Contact the Don Ryan Center for Innovation at 843-540-0405 or visit donryancenter. com
Why This Matters
These programs mean more than just business growth— they create: More local jobs Services closer to home Less traffic on major roads A stronger local economy
DID YOU KNOW?
As of 2025, residential build-out is nearing 80 % and non-residential buildout is nearing 40 %. These percentages compare what is contractually allowed via development agreements and what has been built.
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WE’ RE HERE TO HELP( 843) 706-4500 townofbluffton. sc. gov