Local operating-model alignment analysis

Best Franchise Opportunities We Assessed in Columbia, South Carolina

We ranked 14 franchise concepts for Columbia, South Carolina using local demand, labor, transportation, real estate, regulation, and source-backed evidence.

What “best” means in this ranking“Best” means the strongest modeled local operating alignment among the franchise concepts assessed on this page. It does not estimate earnings or determine which franchise is best for a particular candidate.
Analysis by Thomas Jepsen, MSc Model: 0.9.0
14Concepts evaluated
28Sources used
20Primary sources
30Local metrics

Evaluation set

Why these concepts were evaluated

This is not a ranking of every franchise that may be offered in the city.

14Concepts assessed

Concepts were included when enough operating-model information existed to assign a provisional local-sensitivity profile. Unresolved inputs reduce confidence or remain conditional rather than automatically excluding a concept.

A brand’s participation in our referral network does not add points or change its position.

City-level conclusions

What stood out in our assessment

Highest category average (limited comparison)Restoration

70.6 average across 2 concepts

Largest positive factorTarget-market demand

1.2 points average among 13 affected concepts

Most assumption-sensitive rankPuroClean

Tested rank range spans 10 positions

Best franchise opportunities assessed

Top 10 local-alignment scores from 14 concepts assessed

“Best” refers to modeled local operating alignment among the concepts assessed—not expected earnings, franchise-system quality, or candidate fit.

Rankings use full-precision scores.Displayed values use one decimal place. Identical displayed scores can therefore have different ranks, and close results should be treated as effectively similar.
RankFranchiseAlignment and tierLargest advantageLargest constraintEvidence confidence
1City WideFacility management
73.1Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment
+2.4 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
2HomeSmilesProperty maintenance services
72.6Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment
+2.0 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
3Jan-Pro InternationalCommercial cleaning
72.1Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment
+1.9 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
4FASTSIGNSSigns and graphics
71.9Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.6 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
5ActionCOACHBusiness coaching
71.9Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.3 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
6Pillar To Post Home InspectorsHome inspection
71.7Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.4 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
7ZOOM DRAINDrain and sewer service
71.4Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.0 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
8Mr. RooterPlumbing
71.2Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.1 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
9Aire ServHVAC installation, repair, and maintenance
71.1Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+1.1 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence
10Mister Sparky ElectricElectrical
71.0Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment
+0.8 ptsTarget-market demandNo material negative local adjustmentModerate evidence confidence

View all 14 score calculations

Original factor comparison

How each factor affected the highest-rated franchise concepts

The graph includes the top 14 concepts by local-alignment score. Only nonzero score contributions are plotted. A factor is removed when every displayed concept received 0.0 points from it. Hover or focus a concept name to highlight all of its remaining data points.

Factor impact among the highest-rated franchise conceptsDiverging dot plot showing nonzero factor score contributions for the top 14 concepts. Zero-point concept-factor pairs are omitted, and factors with no nonzero contributions are excluded.+2.5+1.30.0-1.3-2.5
Target-market demand
#1 City Wide · Target-market demand · +2.4 pts1#2 HomeSmiles · Target-market demand · +2.0 pts2#3 Jan-Pro International · Target-market demand · +1.9 pts3#4 FASTSIGNS · Target-market demand · +1.6 pts4#5 ActionCOACH · Target-market demand · +1.3 pts5#6 Pillar To Post Home Inspectors · Target-market demand · +1.4 pts6#7 ZOOM DRAIN · Target-market demand · +1.0 pts7#8 Mr. Rooter · Target-market demand · +1.1 pts8#9 Aire Serv · Target-market demand · +1.1 pts9#10 Mister Sparky Electric · Target-market demand · +0.8 pts10#11 Tiger Adjusters · Target-market demand · +0.5 pts11#12 Workout Anytime · Target-market demand · +0.7 pts12#13 Rainbow International Restoration · Target-market demand · +0.2 pts13
Referral ecosystem
#1 City Wide · Referral ecosystem · +0.7 pts1#2 HomeSmiles · Referral ecosystem · +0.5 pts2#3 Jan-Pro International · Referral ecosystem · +0.2 pts3#4 FASTSIGNS · Referral ecosystem · +0.3 pts4#5 ActionCOACH · Referral ecosystem · +0.6 pts5#6 Pillar To Post Home Inspectors · Referral ecosystem · +0.4 pts6#7 ZOOM DRAIN · Referral ecosystem · +0.4 pts7#8 Mr. Rooter · Referral ecosystem · +0.2 pts8#10 Mister Sparky Electric · Referral ecosystem · +0.1 pts10#11 Tiger Adjusters · Referral ecosystem · +0.4 pts11#13 Rainbow International Restoration · Referral ecosystem · +0.5 pts13#14 PuroClean · Referral ecosystem · +0.5 pts14
Primary source records by factorTarget-market demand: [4] [5] [8] [7] [9] [10] [11] [2]Property replacement-cycle demand: [5] [4] [19] [27] [26] [2]Competitive environment: [8] [4] [28] [3]Labor and staffing friction: [6] [7] [8] [1] [2]Transportation, routing, and parking: [25] [4] [1] [3]Real estate and site feasibility: [16] [17] [18] [19] [5] [24] [2]Sales and customer acquisition: [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [28] [8]Referral ecosystem: [7] [6] [9] [11] [15]Territory quality: [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [25] [3]Regulatory and operating friction: [20] [21] [22] [5] [23] [24] [1] [3]
View the chart data as a table
ConceptTarget-market demandReferral ecosystem
#1 City Wide+2.4 pts+0.7 pts
#2 HomeSmiles+2.0 pts+0.5 pts
#3 Jan-Pro International+1.9 pts+0.2 pts
#4 FASTSIGNS+1.6 pts+0.3 pts
#5 ActionCOACH+1.3 pts+0.6 pts
#6 Pillar To Post Home Inspectors+1.4 pts+0.4 pts
#7 ZOOM DRAIN+1.0 pts+0.4 pts
#8 Mr. Rooter+1.1 pts+0.2 pts
#9 Aire Serv+1.1 pts
#10 Mister Sparky Electric+0.8 pts+0.1 pts
#11 Tiger Adjusters+0.5 pts+0.4 pts
#12 Workout Anytime+0.7 pts
#13 Rainbow International Restoration+0.2 pts+0.5 pts
#14 PuroClean+0.5 pts

Rank stability

Which positions depend most on individual assumptions?

The line shows the best and worst rank reached when one factor was removed from every concept. A narrow range indicates a more stable position.

#1 City WideStable · tested #1–#1
#2 HomeSmilesStable · tested #2–#3
#3 Jan-Pro InternationalHighly sensitive · tested #3–#10
#4 FASTSIGNSHighly sensitive · tested #4–#9
#5 ActionCOACHHighly sensitive · tested #2–#6
#6 Pillar To Post Home InspectorsModerately sensitive · tested #5–#7
#7 ZOOM DRAINModerately sensitive · tested #6–#9
#8 Mr. RooterModerately sensitive · tested #8–#11
#9 Aire ServHighly sensitive · tested #7–#13
#10 Mister Sparky ElectricModerately sensitive · tested #10–#12
#11 Tiger AdjustersHighly sensitive · tested #8–#12
#12 Workout AnytimeModerately sensitive · tested #11–#14
#13 Rainbow International RestorationHighly sensitive · tested #5–#13
#14 PuroCleanHighly sensitive · tested #4–#14

Neutralizing a factor removes it from every concept. A concept can move down even when its own score improves because competitors may benefit more.

Worked score example

How we calculated City Wide

This example uses the same ledger shown for every concept and must reconcile exactly to the published score.

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+2.4
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.7
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score73.07
Published local-market alignment73.1

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Starting pointThe operating-model baseline shown in the first ledger row.
InteractionsAny interaction or gate is included in the relevant contribution or calibration row.
Confidence treatmentEvidence confidence is disclosed separately unless the model definition explicitly applies a calibration adjustment.
RoundingFull-precision contributions are summed before the final displayed score is rounded to one decimal place; whole-number results are shown without a trailing decimal.

Interpretation

How to interpret the result

City Wide, HomeSmiles, Jan-Pro International led because their operating requirements captured more of the local support from target-market demand while remaining less exposed to property replacement-cycle demand. The same city condition can help one operating model and constrain another, so score differences should be read through each concept's factor pattern rather than as a universal franchise-quality verdict. The ordering is most assumption-sensitive for Jan-Pro International, FASTSIGNS, ActionCOACH; their ranks move more widely when individual factors are neutralized.

Factor impact

Which local conditions changed scores or rankings?

We neutralized one factor at a time, recalculated every score, and then measured both absolute score movement and changes in rank order.

Operating environment56Positive local support

Target-market demand

We tested how much of the city’s theoretical customer and business demand remained usable after operating friction.

We applied a measurable adjustment to 13 of 14 concepts. When we neutralized the factor and recalculated the table, 13 concepts changed position. Rainbow International Restoration moved from #13 to #5, the largest movement among concepts directly affected by this factor.

Concepts adjusted13 of 14
Average among affected+1.2 pts
Average across all concepts+1.1 pts
Concepts changing rank13

Concepts helped most

City WideFacility management
+2.4 pts
HomeSmilesProperty maintenance services
+2.0 pts
Jan-Pro InternationalCommercial cleaning
+1.9 pts
FASTSIGNSSigns and graphics
+1.6 pts
Pillar To Post Home InspectorsHome inspection
+1.4 pts
Measured but not differentiating in this concept set
  • Property replacement-cycle demandNo material score adjustment
  • Competitive environmentNo material score adjustment
  • Labor and staffing frictionNo material score adjustment
  • Transportation, routing, and parkingNo material score adjustment
  • Real estate and site feasibilityNo material score adjustment
  • Sales and customer acquisitionNo material score adjustment
  • Territory qualityNo material score adjustment
  • Regulatory and operating frictionNo material score adjustment

Category comparisons

Best franchise categories we assessed in Columbia, South Carolina

Category summaries are shown only when at least two concepts qualified. Two-concept comparisons are explicitly labeled as limited.

Limited two-concept comparison

Best Restoration franchise opportunities we assessed in Columbia, South Carolina

70.6

2 Restoration concepts qualified for comparison, with scores ranging from 70.5 to 70.6. Rainbow International Restoration ranked highest at 70.6. Referral ecosystem added 0.5 points on average among the affected concepts.

Interpret cautiously: A 0.1-point spread is too small to support a strong brand-level conclusion from city alignment alone.

Concepts compared
2
Score range
70.5–70.6
Category average
70.6
Rainbow International Restoration70.6
PuroClean70.5

Compare all assessed concepts

Explore the complete score calculations

14 concepts shown. Expand a concept to see how each factor was treated and the single next check most capable of changing the result.

#1Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment73.1

City Wide

Facility management · B2B facility management and vendor coordination

Increase +2.4 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Stable

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+2.4
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.7
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score73.07
Published local-market alignment73.1

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +2.4 pts
Tested rank range
#1–#1

Most important next check

How many qualified facility and property-management accounts must be reachable for City Wide to support its local contract pipeline?

#2Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment72.6

HomeSmiles

Property maintenance services · Home-based mobile property-maintenance franchise using equipped service vans and technician crews to deliver bundled…

Increase +2.0 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Stable

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+2.0
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.5
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score72.56
Published local-market alignment72.6

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Adequate
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +2.0 pts
Tested rank range
#2–#3

Most important next check

How many qualified facility and property-management accounts must be reachable for HomeSmiles to support its local contract pipeline?

#3Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment72.1

Jan-Pro International

Commercial cleaning · recurring commercial route service

Increase +1.9 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.9
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.2
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score72.06
Published local-market alignment72.1

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.9 pts
Tested rank range
#3–#10

Most important next check

What concentration of recurring commercial accounts is required for Jan-Pro International to build an efficient local book of business?

#4Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.9

FASTSIGNS

Signs and graphics · B2B production and installation center

Increase +1.6 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.6
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.3
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.90
Published local-market alignment71.9

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.6 pts
Tested rank range
#4–#9

Most important next check

Which local customer verticals are expected to generate repeat signage and graphics work for FASTSIGNS?

#5Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.9

ActionCOACH

Business coaching · home-based B2B advisory

Increase +1.3 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.3
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.6
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.85
Published local-market alignment71.9

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.3 pts
Tested rank range
#2–#6

Most important next check

Which business-owner segments are expected to produce the most repeatable coaching demand for ActionCOACH?

#6Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.7

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

Home inspection · mobile property inspection service

Increase +1.4 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Moderately sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.4
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.4
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.72
Published local-market alignment71.7

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.4 pts
Tested rank range
#5–#7

Most important next check

Which transaction segments and property types are expected to generate the most inspection demand for Pillar To Post Home Inspectors?

#7Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.4

ZOOM DRAIN

Drain and sewer service · emergency skilled-trade route service

Increase +1.0 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Moderately sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.0
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.4
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.40
Published local-market alignment71.4

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.0 pts
Tested rank range
#6–#9

Most important next check

Where must ZOOM DRAIN stage crews and vehicles to protect after-hours response times across the proposed territory?

#8Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.2

Mr. Rooter

Plumbing · scheduled and emergency skilled-trade service

Increase +1.1 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Moderately sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.1
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.2
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.23
Published local-market alignment71.2

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.1 pts
Tested rank range
#8–#11

Most important next check

Which residential and commercial service needs are expected to create the most repeatable demand for Mr. Rooter?

#9Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.1

Aire Serv

HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance · Manager-led mobile HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, and emergency service business using skilled technicians…

Increase +1.1 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+1.1
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystemNot applicable to this operating model
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score71.14
Published local-market alignment71.1

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Adequate
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +1.1 pts
Tested rank range
#7–#13

Most important next check

How much of Aire Serv's local opportunity is expected from repair, replacement, maintenance, and efficiency upgrades?

#10Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment71.0

Mister Sparky Electric

Electrical · skilled-trade home service

Increase +0.8 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Moderately sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+0.8
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.1
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score70.97
Published local-market alignment71.0

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +0.8 pts
Tested rank range
#10–#12

Most important next check

Which repair, replacement, and retrofit services are expected to generate the strongest local demand for Mister Sparky Electric?

#11Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment70.8

Tiger Adjusters

Public insurance adjusting · Home-based, referral-led public insurance adjusting business combining local property inspections with…

Increase +0.5 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+0.5
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.4
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score70.82
Published local-market alignment70.8

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Adequate
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +0.5 pts
Tested rank range
#8–#12

Most important next check

Which ZIP codes and appointment density assumptions define Tiger Adjusters's practical service territory?

#12Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment70.7

Workout Anytime

Fitness · fixed-location membership fitness

Increase +0.7 pts Target-market demandNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Moderately sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+0.7
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystemNot applicable to this operating model
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score70.67
Published local-market alignment70.7

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Target-market demand +0.7 pts
Tested rank range
#11–#14

Most important next check

What trade-area boundary and population base would Workout Anytime use to evaluate the proposed location?

#13Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment70.6

Rainbow International Restoration

Restoration · emergency property restoration

Increase +0.5 pts Referral ecosystemNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demand+0.2
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.5
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score70.63
Published local-market alignment70.6

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Referral ecosystem +0.5 pts
Tested rank range
#5–#13

Most important next check

Which ZIP codes can Rainbow International Restoration serve within its target emergency-response time under normal and peak traffic conditions?

#14Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment70.5

PuroClean

Restoration · emergency property restoration

Increase +0.5 pts Referral ecosystemNo material negative local adjustment identified

Rank sensitivity: Highly sensitive

How we scored this concept

Full score ledger

Every factor is classified so a displayed zero is not confused with missing, conditional, or non-applicable evidence.

Neutral model baseline70.0
Target-market demandNot applicable to this operating model
Property replacement-cycle demandNot included in the score
Competitive environmentNot included in the score
Labor and staffing frictionMeasured; no meaningful local adjustment
Transportation, routing, and parkingDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Real estate and site feasibilityNot included in the score
Sales and customer acquisitionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Referral ecosystem+0.5
Territory qualityDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Regulatory and operating frictionDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating condition
Full-precision calculated score70.49
Published local-market alignment70.5

Factor calculations use full precision. Contributions and published scores are displayed to one decimal place; ranking order uses the full-precision score.

Evidence confidence

City Modifier Evidence
Adequate
Factor Research Coverage
Adequate
Franchise-profile completeness
Limited
Source-evidence confidence
Strong
Geographic applicability
Limited
Overall evidence confidence
Moderate evidence confidence
Largest absolute effect
Referral ecosystem +0.5 pts
Tested rank range
#4–#14

Most important next check

What dispatch zones and maximum drive-time assumptions does PuroClean use for urgent service calls?

Metric registry

The 30 local metrics behind this analysis

The registry exposes the raw value, period, geography, factor mapping, and source for every public metric used in the city research.

View all local metrics
MetricRaw valuePeriodGeographyHow usedSource
Resident population estimate on July 1, 2025147,035peopleJuly 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metricsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Territory quality [4]
Population change from the April 2020 estimate base to July 20257.5percentJuly 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metricsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand [4]
Estimated households in the 2020-2024 period53,076householdsJuly 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metricsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Property replacement-cycle demand [4]
Owner-occupied housing unit rate45.5percentJuly 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metricsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Property replacement-cycle demand [4]
Selected city economic sales and receipts reported in QuickFactsretail sales thousand usd: 3,476,973; accommodation food sales thousand usd: 858,982; health care social assistance receipts thousand usd: 4,365,619; transportation warehousing receipts thousand usd: 310,130thousand usdJuly 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metricsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand [4]
Covered establishments in Richland County in Q4 202512,611establishmentsFourth quarter and December 2025Richland County, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Competitive environment, Sales and customer acquisition [8]
Covered employment in Richland County in December 2025231,156jobsFourth quarter and December 2025Richland County, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Labor and staffing friction [8]
FY 2025-2026 new residential construction permitted by the Citysingle two family townhome new construction permits: 919; multifamily new construction permits: 16; multifamily units: 2,338permits and unitsJune 2026 and FY 2025-2026 totalsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Property replacement-cycle demand, Real estate and site feasibility [5]
Residential building renovation permits issued in FY 2025-20261,065permitsJune 2026 and FY 2025-2026 totalsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Property replacement-cycle demand, Real estate and site feasibility [5]
Commercial building renovation permits issued in FY 2025-2026359permitsJune 2026 and FY 2025-2026 totalsColumbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Property replacement-cycle demand, Real estate and site feasibility, Regulatory and operating friction [5]
Government employment in the Columbia MSA in June 202685,900jobs preliminaryJanuary-June 2026; data extracted August 7, 2026Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Target-market demand, Referral ecosystem, Labor and staffing friction [7]
Government employment as a share of Columbia MSA nonfarm employment in June 202619.7percent derivedJanuary-June 2026; data extracted August 7, 2026Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Target-market demand, Referral ecosystem, Labor and staffing friction [7]
Professional/business services and financial activities employment in the Columbia MSA in June 2026professional business services jobs: 52,800; financial activities jobs: 35,100jobs preliminaryJanuary-June 2026; data extracted August 7, 2026Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Target-market demand, Referral ecosystem, Sales and customer acquisition [7]
USC Columbia preliminary enrollment exceeded 40,000 students in fall 2025minimum: 40,000; qualifier: exceededstudentsFall 2025 preliminary enrollmentUniversity of South Carolina Columbia campusEvidence for Target-market demand, Referral ecosystem [9]
Companies that are not current USC suppliers may register as bidders and participate in solicitation eventsyesbooleanCurrent procurement procedures accessed August 2026University of South CarolinaEvidence for Target-market demand, Sales and customer acquisition, Referral ecosystem [11]
South Carolina state vendors must register before bidding and state procurement opportunities use formal solicitation systemsyesbooleanCurrent rules accessed August 2026South CarolinaEvidence for Sales and customer acquisition, Referral ecosystem, Target-market demand [13] [14] [15]
Columbia MSA mean hourly wages for selected major occupational groups versus the national all-occupation meanall occupations columbia: 28.38; all occupations us: 33.54; food preparation and serving: 14.2; personal care and service: 16.87; building and grounds cleaning maintenance: 17.14; healthcare support: 17.6; management: 59.45usd per hourMay 2025Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Labor and staffing friction [6]
Office and administrative support share of Columbia MSA employmentcolumbia share percent: 14; united states share percent: 11.4percent of employmentMay 2025Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Labor and staffing friction, Referral ecosystem [6]
Columbia MSA unemployment rate in June 20264.2percent preliminary not seasonally adjustedJanuary-June 2026; data extracted August 7, 2026Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical AreaEvidence for Labor and staffing friction [7]
CBD Class A office vacancy and upper asking-rent signal in Q1 2026cbd class a vacancy percent: 3.46; overall class a vacancy max percent: 5.5; first reported asking rent usd psf: 40; class a asking rent yoy change percent: 22mixed cre metricsQ1 2026Columbia CBD Class A office marketEvidence for Real estate and site feasibility, Territory quality [16]
Overall Columbia office vacancy in Q2 20269.3percentQ2 2026Columbia office marketEvidence for Real estate and site feasibility, Territory quality [17]
Columbia Class A industrial vacancy and available inventory at year-end 2025class a vacancy percent: 1.98; available class a sqft max: 300,000; active construction sqft: 4,700,000; active construction delivery status: reported as delivering occupiedmixed cre metricsQ4 2025Columbia industrial marketEvidence for Real estate and site feasibility, Territory quality [18]
Columbia industrial Class A rent and vacancy-age concentration in Q1 2026class a rent usd psf: 7.31; class a rent yoy change percent: 16.4; share of market vacancy in pre 2000 buildings min percent: 90; gross absorption sqft approx: 1,600,000mixed cre metricsQ1 2026Columbia industrial marketEvidence for Real estate and site feasibility, Territory quality, Property replacement-cycle demand [19]
Current Columbia zoning overlays include design, historic, flood, and airport overlays; the Downtown Columbia Overlay became effective January 5, 2026design overlays: OV-5P Five Points Design, OV-DC Downtown Columbia, OV-NMC North Main Corridor Design; other overlays: OV-HP Historic Preservation, OV-A Airport Safety, OV-FW Floodway, OV-FP Floodplain; downtown effective date: 2026-01-05overlay listCurrent zoning overlays accessed August 2026Columbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Regulatory and operating friction, Territory quality [20] [22]
Exterior alterations in a Design or Historic Preservation Overlay District require a Certificate of Design ApprovalyesbooleanCurrent permit rules accessed August 2026City of Columbia Design and Historic Preservation Overlay DistrictsEvidence for Regulatory and operating friction, Real estate and site feasibility [21] [22] [5]
Certificates of Design Approval issued in June 2026preservation cdas staff: 23; urban design cdas staff: 5; total certificate of design approval permits: 28approvalsJune 2026 and FY 2025-2026 totalsCity of Columbia urban design and historic preservation overlaysEvidence for Regulatory and operating friction [5]
Selected in-city Columbia Water base charges effective July 1, 2026water base 1 inch usd: 17.31; water base 2 inch usd: 41.48; sewer base 1 inch usd: 10.37; sewer base 2 inch usd: 16.59; sewer use charge per 100 cuft usd: 5.38usdRates effective July 1, 2026Columbia Water in-city serviceEvidence for Regulatory and operating friction, Real estate and site feasibility [23]
New water/sewer service requires property-owner application and payment at application; Columbia Water advises applicants to confirm current tap feespayment due at application: yes; meter installation only recommended weeks: 6; missing stubout additional weeks range: 6, 8process and weeksCurrent application process and installation guidance accessed August 2026Columbia Water service areaEvidence for Regulatory and operating friction, Real estate and site feasibility, Territory quality [24]
Carolina Crossroads is reconfiguring 14 miles of the I-20/I-26/I-126 corridor; construction began in November 2021 and substantial completion is expected in the mid-2030scorridor miles: 14; construction start: 2021-11; expected substantial completion: mid-2030sproject scopeConstruction began November 2021; current project status accessed August 2026; substantial completion expected mid-2030sI-20/I-26/I-126 Carolina Crossroads corridorEvidence for Transportation, routing, and parking, Territory quality [25]
A city-posted geotechnical investigation at 1002 Drake Street found silty sand, clayey sand, and lean-clay materials; selected clayey/sandy lean-clay tests reported plasticity index 25project area acres: 6.9; described materials: silty sand, clayey sand, lean clay; selected plasticity index: 25site geotechnical resultsSite investigation for proposed development at 1002 Drake Street1002 Drake Street, Columbia, South CarolinaEvidence for Property replacement-cycle demand, Real estate and site feasibility [27]

How to use the ranking

What the model can and cannot establish

  • Scores measure local operating alignment, not expected financial performance or franchise-system quality.
  • Citywide evidence may not describe the exact site or territory ultimately offered.
  • Conditional effects are shown for diligence but do not change the published score until their applicability is established.

Methodology

How the local-alignment ranking is calculated

01

Measure the city

Collect reusable local metrics with source, period, geography, and confidence fields.

02

Profile each operating model

Map each franchise to controlled operating attributes and local sensitivities.

03

Apply scoreable effects

Score only effects that apply without an unresolved site, territory, customer, or project gate.

04

Preserve conditional effects

Keep location- or territory-dependent issues visible for diligence without automatically changing the score.

05

Test rank sensitivity

Remove one factor at a time from every concept and rerank using full-precision scores.

06

Generate public output

Create the ranking, factor-status ledger, visuals, metric registry, and automated quality report from the same data.

Why every concept begins at 70.0

70.0 is a neutral display baseline shared by every concept. Local conditions can move a score by no more than 18.0 points in either direction under the current model. It is not a percentage, probability, or estimate of investment quality.

Precision and materiality

Calculations use full-precision values. Published scores and factor contributions display one decimal place, while ranks use full precision. Effects smaller than 0.1 points are identified as below the publication threshold rather than presented as a meaningful zero.

Score tiers

Tier 1 · Strongest modeled alignment80.0–100.0
Tier 2 · Favorable modeled alignment72.0–80.0
Tier 3 · Mixed modeled alignment64.0–72.0
Tier 4 · Higher-friction modeled alignment0.0–64.0

How factor rows are classified

Positive local adjustmentNegative local adjustmentMeasured; no meaningful local adjustmentEffect below the publication thresholdNot applicable to this operating modelDepends on the specific site, territory, or operating conditionNot included in the score
What “best” means here

“Best” means the strongest modeled local operating alignment among the franchise concepts assessed on this page.

Model 0.9.0 · Compiler 0.9.10-nonzero-markers-only · Analysis updated August 8, 2026

Model governance

How this report is calculated and corrected

Calculation controls

Model designer
Thomas Jepsen

No concept’s final score is manually raised or lowered after calculation. Before this template is activated, the report is reviewed for source scope, classification, arithmetic, unsupported claims, duplication, and readability.

Model history

  1. Model 0.9.0-calibration · August 7, 2026Added conditional scoring gates, factor-status transparency, rank-sensitivity testing, metric registry output, and factor-impact visualization data.

Corrections policy

Corrected source, geography, or operating-profile evidence triggers a full compiler rerun so every dependent score and visual is recalculated.

Source registry

Evidence represented in this report

Each source identifies its period, scope, and the local metrics it supports. Internal or supplied research is not presented as independently accessible evidence.

  1. 1
    Forensic Audit of Municipal Structural Constraints and Deal-Killer LiabilitiesInternal or supplied research; not publicly accessible.
    Publisher
    Supplied research material
    Data period
    Research cites public sources accessed through February 19, 2026
    Scope
    Columbia, South Carolina section within a multi-city research docket
    Locator
    Columbia section: utility connection fees, Blossom Street Bridge, and NULL findings
    Source tier
    Tier 5 · supplied bespoke research
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  2. 2
    Strategic Utility Delta Audit: Structural Inefficiencies and CRE Arbitrage Across Local U.S. MarketsInternal or supplied research; not publicly accessible.
    Publisher
    Supplied research material
    Data period
    Research cites public sources accessed through February 24, 2026
    Scope
    Columbia, South Carolina section within a multi-city research docket
    Locator
    Columbia section: soil, housing, university/government, industrial, and submarket claims
    Source tier
    Tier 5 · supplied bespoke research
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  3. 3
    Franchise data - remake - B startInternal or supplied research; not publicly accessible.
    Publisher
    Supplied research material
    Data period
    Supplied neighborhood and nearby-municipality operational notes
    Scope
    Columbia-area neighborhoods and separate nearby municipalities
    Locator
    Rows for Shandon and Rosewood inside Columbia; West Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, and Irmo retained only as geographic exclusions
    Source tier
    Tier 5 · supplied bespoke research
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  4. 4
    QuickFacts: Columbia city, South Carolina

    Used for: Resident population estimate on July 1, 2025, Population change from the April 2020 estimate base to July 2025, Estimated households in the 2020-2024 period, Owner-occupied housing unit rate, and Selected city economic sales and receipts reported in QuickFacts

    Publisher
    U.S. Census Bureau
    Data period
    July 1, 2025 population estimate; 2020-2024 ACS characteristics; 2022 economic sales metrics
    Scope
    Columbia city, South Carolina
    Locator
    Population, housing, households, economic sales, travel time, and income rows
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  5. 5
    Planning & Development Services Monthly Report, June 2026

    Used for: FY 2025-2026 new residential construction permitted by the City, Residential building renovation permits issued in FY 2025-2026, Commercial building renovation permits issued in FY 2025-2026, Exterior alterations in a Design or Historic Preservation Overlay District require a Certificate of Design Approval, and Certificates of Design Approval issued in June 2026

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Planning & Development Services
    Data period
    June 2026 and FY 2025-2026 totals
    Scope
    City of Columbia
    Locator
    Pages 1-4: permit values, residential/multifamily construction, renovation permits, design review, and land-development thresholds
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  6. 6
    Occupational Employment and Wages in Columbia, SC — May 2025

    Used for: Columbia MSA mean hourly wages for selected major occupational groups versus the national all-occupation mean and Office and administrative support share of Columbia MSA employment

    Publisher
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Published
    July 8, 2026
    Data period
    May 2025
    Scope
    Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area
    Locator
    Table A and Table 1; major occupational groups, wages, employment shares, and detailed office/administrative occupations
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  7. 7
    Columbia, SC Economy at a Glance

    Used for: Government employment in the Columbia MSA in June 2026, Government employment as a share of Columbia MSA nonfarm employment in June 2026, Professional/business services and financial activities employment in the Columbia MSA in June 2026, and Columbia MSA unemployment rate in June 2026

    Publisher
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Published
    August 7, 2026
    Data period
    January-June 2026; data extracted August 7, 2026
    Scope
    Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area
    Locator
    Labor force and nonfarm employment series through June 2026
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  8. 8
    County Employment and Wages in South Carolina — Fourth Quarter 2025

    Used for: Covered establishments in Richland County in Q4 2025 and Covered employment in Richland County in December 2025

    Publisher
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Published
    June 9, 2026
    Data period
    Fourth quarter and December 2025
    Scope
    South Carolina counties, including Richland County
    Locator
    Richland County covered establishments, employment, and average weekly wage
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  9. 9
    USC welcomes students back to campus

    Used for: USC Columbia preliminary enrollment exceeded 40,000 students in fall 2025

    Publisher
    University of South Carolina
    Published
    August 20, 2025
    Data period
    Fall 2025 preliminary enrollment
    Scope
    USC Columbia campus
    Locator
    Overall Columbia campus enrollment and freshman count
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · public institution
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  10. 10
    2026 Enrollment Data
    Publisher
    University of South Carolina Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analytics
    Data period
    Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 report index
    Scope
    University of South Carolina system and Columbia campus
    Locator
    Fall 2026 and Summer 2026 preliminary report selectors; Spring 2026 official report selector
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · public institution
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  11. 11
    Purchasing Department

    Used for: Companies that are not current USC suppliers may register as bidders and participate in solicitation events

    Publisher
    University of South Carolina
    Data period
    Current procurement procedures accessed August 2026
    Scope
    University of South Carolina, Columbia
    Locator
    Supplier/Bidder registration, procurement-law framework, and Purchasing Department location
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · public institution
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  12. 12
    Procurement Advertisements
    Publisher
    University of South Carolina
    Data period
    Active July-August 2026 advertisements accessed August 7, 2026
    Scope
    University of South Carolina
    Locator
    Current solicitation and sole-source advertisement table
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · public institution
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  13. 13
    Vendor Registration

    Used for: South Carolina state vendors must register before bidding and state procurement opportunities use formal solicitation systems

    Publisher
    South Carolina Division of Procurement Services
    Data period
    Current rules accessed August 2026
    Scope
    South Carolina state government procurement
    Locator
    Vendor-registration requirement for bidding and payment; 2026 system-transition notice
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  14. 14
    New Vendor Information

    Used for: South Carolina state vendors must register before bidding and state procurement opportunities use formal solicitation systems

    Publisher
    South Carolina Division of Procurement Services
    Data period
    Current rules accessed August 2026
    Scope
    South Carolina state government procurement
    Locator
    SCEIS/SRM registration and competitive-solicitation workflow
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  15. 15
    South Carolina Business Opportunities

    Used for: South Carolina state vendors must register before bidding and state procurement opportunities use formal solicitation systems

    Publisher
    South Carolina Division of Procurement Services
    Data period
    Current advertisements accessed August 7, 2026
    Scope
    Statewide South Carolina procurement opportunities; procurement office located in Columbia
    Locator
    Vendor registration statement and current advertisement categories
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  16. 16
    Columbia Office Market Report | 2026 Q1

    Used for: CBD Class A office vacancy and upper asking-rent signal in Q1 2026

    Publisher
    Colliers
    Published
    April 9, 2026
    Data period
    Q1 2026
    Scope
    Columbia office market and submarkets
    Locator
    Class A CBD vacancy, Class A market vacancy, rent growth, and first $40/SF asking rent
    Source tier
    Tier 3 · credible industry
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  17. 17
    Columbia MarketBeats

    Used for: Overall Columbia office vacancy in Q2 2026

    Publisher
    Cushman & Wakefield
    Published
    July 24, 2026
    Data period
    Q2 2026
    Scope
    Columbia office and industrial markets
    Locator
    Q2 2026 office vacancy and industrial overall asking-rent summary
    Source tier
    Tier 3 · credible industry
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  18. 18
    2025 Q4 Columbia Industrial Report

    Used for: Columbia Class A industrial vacancy and available inventory at year-end 2025

    Publisher
    Colliers
    Published
    February 16, 2026
    Data period
    Q4 2025
    Scope
    Columbia industrial market
    Locator
    Class A vacancy, available square footage, absorption, rent growth, and occupied construction pipeline
    Source tier
    Tier 3 · credible industry
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  19. 19
    Columbia Industrial Market Report | 2026 Q1

    Used for: Columbia industrial Class A rent and vacancy-age concentration in Q1 2026

    Publisher
    Colliers
    Published
    May 6, 2026
    Data period
    Q1 2026
    Scope
    Columbia industrial market
    Locator
    Gross absorption, vacancy composition by building age, Class A rent, and supply limitations
    Source tier
    Tier 3 · credible industry
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  20. 20
    Districts & Overlays

    Used for: Current Columbia zoning overlays include design, historic, flood, and airport overlays; the Downtown Columbia Overlay became effective January 5, 2026

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Planning & Development
    Data period
    Current zoning overlays accessed August 2026
    Scope
    City of Columbia
    Locator
    Overlay district list, including Five Points, Downtown Columbia, North Main Corridor, Historic Preservation, Airport Safety, Floodway, and Floodplain
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  21. 21
    Zoning Permits

    Used for: Exterior alterations in a Design or Historic Preservation Overlay District require a Certificate of Design Approval

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Planning & Development
    Data period
    Current permit rules accessed August 2026
    Scope
    City of Columbia
    Locator
    Sign permits and Certificate of Design Approval requirement for exterior alterations in Design or Historic Preservation Overlay Districts
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  22. 22
    Design Districts

    Used for: Current Columbia zoning overlays include design, historic, flood, and airport overlays; the Downtown Columbia Overlay became effective January 5, 2026 and Exterior alterations in a Design or Historic Preservation Overlay District require a Certificate of Design Approval

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Planning & Development
    Data period
    Current design-review framework accessed August 2026
    Scope
    City of Columbia urban design overlay districts
    Locator
    Downtown Columbia effective January 5, 2026; Five Points and North Main; staff/commission review workflow
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  23. 23
    Rates

    Used for: Selected in-city Columbia Water base charges effective July 1, 2026

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Water
    Data period
    Rates effective July 1, 2026
    Scope
    Columbia Water service area with in-city and out-of-city distinctions
    Locator
    Water and sewer base charges by meter size, use charges, and location differences
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  24. 24
    Water Meter and Sewer Taps

    Used for: New water/sewer service requires property-owner application and payment at application; Columbia Water advises applicants to confirm current tap fees

    Publisher
    City of Columbia Water
    Data period
    Current application process and installation guidance accessed August 2026
    Scope
    Columbia Water service area
    Locator
    New-service application/payment requirements, fee-confirmation instruction, and recommended installation timelines
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  25. 25
    Carolina Crossroads

    Used for: Carolina Crossroads is reconfiguring 14 miles of the I-20/I-26/I-126 corridor; construction began in November 2021 and substantial completion is expected in the mid-2030s

    Publisher
    South Carolina Department of Transportation
    Data period
    Construction began November 2021; current project status accessed August 2026; substantial completion expected mid-2030s
    Scope
    14-mile I-20/I-26/I-126 corridor in the Columbia/Midlands area
    Locator
    Project scope, phase history, freight/commuter purpose, construction start, and expected completion horizon
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  26. 26
    Reading a Geologic Map: Southwest Columbia, SC
    Publisher
    South Carolina Geological Survey, SCDNR
    Data period
    Southwest Columbia quadrangle geology; source map published 2010
    Scope
    Southwest Columbia quadrangle and surrounding Richland/Lexington/Calhoun geography
    Locator
    Pinehurst Formation, fluvial terraces, Congaree River, granite outcrops, Fall Line, and cross-section features
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  27. 27
    Geotechnical Engineering Report: Drake Street Development

    Used for: A city-posted geotechnical investigation at 1002 Drake Street found silty sand, clayey sand, and lean-clay materials; selected clayey/sandy lean-clay tests reported plasticity index 25

    Publisher
    Terracon Consultants, hosted by City of Columbia Planning & Development
    Published
    October 27, 2022
    Data period
    Site investigation for proposed development at 1002 Drake Street
    Scope
    Approximately 6.9-acre project site at 1002 Drake Street, Columbia
    Locator
    Boring logs and laboratory results describing silty sand, clayey sand, lean clay, and plasticity results
    Source tier
    Tier 2 · site-specific professional engineering
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026
  28. 28
    County Business Patterns API
    Publisher
    U.S. Census Bureau
    Published
    June 26, 2025
    Data period
    Calendar year 2023 dataset framework
    Scope
    County, metropolitan area, and ZIP Code business establishments by NAICS
    Locator
    CBP data access and geography/industry coverage; reviewed for category-specific competition research
    Source tier
    Tier 1 · government
    Accessed
    August 7, 2026

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