According to a recent article in the Post & Courier, the number of new businesses formed in Charleston since the 2008 recession has outpaced most of the nation. According to U.S. Census data, 1,700 businesses opened up in Charleston in 2014. Every year since 2011, the Lowcountry has seen a growth in new firms, which is true for only 1/3 of cities in the nation (in fact, relatively few cities account for nearly all of the nation’s business start-ups). The growth reflects the relatively strong local economy. As the article states, “It suggests that entrepreneurs feel secure enough to take a risk, and that they think there’s a strong enough market to tap.”