Power Up business incubator breaks ground in Spartanburg
Construction is underway on the Power Up small business incubator, a project designed to help entrepreneurs overcome one of the biggest obstacles to starting a business: access to affordable commercial space. Community leaders joined representatives from the City of Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, Huntington Bank and Ataraxia for a groundbreaking ceremony on the future incubator, which will be part of a larger mixed-use development along the Mary Black Rail Trail at 351 E. Henry St., near the Thomas E. Hannah Family YMCA. The facility is intended to provide restaurant and retail startups with an affordable place to launch and grow their businesses.
Inman to host first National Night Out
The City of Inman will hold its first National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 26 Mill St. in downtown Inman. The free, family-friendly event will feature hot dogs and drinks, school supply giveaways, games, a dunk tank and opportunities to meet members of the Inman Police and Fire departments. National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
City launching Wall Street Wednesdays entertainment series
The City of Spartanburg is seeking local musicians and performers for its new Wall Street Wednesdays live entertainment series, debuting this fall in downtown Spartanburg. The weekly program will run Wednesdays from August through October, with performances scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Applications are now being accepted for artists interested in participating at www.cityofspartanburg.org.
Spartanburg student earns degree from UW-Madison
Grace Rubenzer of Spartanburg earned an Educational Specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the university's Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.
More than 9,100 students received degrees in May. UW-Madison held commencement ceremonies May 8-9 for doctoral, master's, law and undergraduate graduates.
Spartanburg Young Professionals to host August networking event
Young professionals from across Spartanburg County are invited to expand their professional networks and build community connections during the next Spartanburg Young Professionals (SYP) & Social even on Monday, Aug. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Beerded Cork Taproom on Spartanburg's east side.
The event is open to young professionals interested in meeting others from a variety of industries and organizations. Registration is available online in advance.
C & C Thunder's School Supply Drive now through August 1st
C & C Thunder Custom Cycles' School Supply Drive is now through August 1st!
If you’d like to donate school supplies for District Three students, you can drop them off at C & C Thunder Custom Cycles (4866 South Main Street, Cowpens, SC 29330).
Horsing with HALTER Fundraiser Set for Aug. 15
Supporters of equine-assisted therapy are invited to HALTER: Healing & Learning Through Equine Relationships, 1400 Carolina Country Club Road, on Saturday, Aug. 15, for the nonprofit's annual Horsing with HALTER fundraiser, presented by Spartanburg Regional. The event will feature barbecue, live music, dancing, live and silent auctions, puppies and other family-friendly activities, with proceeds benefiting HALTER's programs serving the Spartanburg community. Visit https://haltersc.app.neoncrm.com/ for ticket information.
Spartanburg High AP scores reach five-year high
Spartanburg High School students achieved their highest Advanced Placement exam pass rate in five years during the 2025-26 school year, with 88% of exams earning a passing score. A total of 296 students enrolled in AP courses, the largest participation in the program over the past five years. Students also outperformed the South Carolina AP pass rate in 17 of the school's 23 AP courses and exceeded the national pass rate in 18 courses.
District 7 officials credited the success in part to the school's new blended schedule, which combines yearlong AP courses with semester-long block classes while expanding dual enrollment opportunities. The school maintained 23 AP offerings and added six new on-campus dual enrollment courses during the school year.
Jenn Bell named 2026-2027 President of D2 ADA
The Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) has selected Jenn Bell, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at Converse University, to serve as President for the 2026-27 membership year.
Bell enters her ninth year as the Director of Athletics during the 2026-27 academic year. Under Bell’s leadership, the Converse Athletics department won the Male Joby Hawn Cup for the 2024-2025 academic year. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Converse Athletic Department won the Dr. Alan Patterson Body, Mind & Soul Award. Last year alone, the Converse Athletic Department excelled both on and off the field.
Advance Auto Parts donates $1,000 to Spartanburg Community College Automotive Technology Program
Spartanburg Community College (SCC) proudly accepted a $1,000 donation from Advance Auto Parts during the grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration for the company's newest Spartanburg store and market hub on July 16, 2026. The new facility is located at 1450 W.O. Ezell Boulevard.
The donation will support SCC's Automotive Technology program by providing students with the parts and tools they need to gain hands-on experience while preparing for careers as automotive technicians. The investment reflects the shared commitment of Advance Auto Parts and SCC to developing a skilled workforce that meets the growing demand for qualified automotive professionals.
