New in Charleston this month: biotech firm Obatala Sciences opens its first East Coast operation at MUSC's Blue Sky Labs, with 46 jobs. Business licenses: 843-724-3711.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Updated monthly. Each item comes from the business’s own page or a public announcement by a government agency, linked below. This is the first edition.
A monthly roundup of businesses opening, expanding, moving or closing in Charleston. Know of one? Send it through our contact page with a link to the business’s own announcement.
Who to call
- City business licenses: 843-724-3711, Businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov, Permit Center, 2 George St.
- Apply or renew online: the city’s Customer Self Service portal
- Opening a restaurant or shop: the Permit Center’s process to open a new business, 843-577-5550
Open
Obatala Sciences, Blue Sky Labs. The New Orleans biotechnology company, which develops and manufactures biomaterials, stem cells and tissue models for preclinical medical research, has opened its first East Coast operation at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Blue Sky Labs in Charleston. The company is investing $656,000 and expects to create 46 jobs and training opportunities, Charleston County said in its Oct. 8 announcement (PDF). Operations are already online. Job seekers can contact the company at careers@obatalasciences.com.
Elsewhere in Charleston County
From the county’s and the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s announcements this year:
| Company | What | Where | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEB Americas | Battery charging systems; production, warehousing and training center, already online | 4100 Carolina Commerce Parkway, North Charleston | 30 |
| Red Metals | Copper rod manufacturing, expected online in the fourth quarter of 2026 | 4500 Leeds Ave., North Charleston | at least 45 |
| AVM Group | National headquarters for cleanroom and controlled-environment design, expected online in 2027 | Wingo Way, Mount Pleasant | 30 |
What a new business needs in Charleston
- A city business license. Every business operating or earning income in the city pays an annual license fee based on gross income and its rate class. Licenses expire April 30 each year; renewal forms usually go out in March.
- Hospitality tax, for restaurants and bars: 2% of the gross proceeds from prepared food and drinks, due on the 20th of each month, with a 25% late fee after that.
- Permits and a certificate of occupancy for build-outs. See our building permits and zoning guide.
- A food permit and inspections for anything that serves food; see our restaurant inspections guide.
How we build this list
- Announcements from the businesses themselves, the city, Charleston County and the state Commerce Department.
- Business licenses and permits. The city’s licensing records are searchable through its Customer Self Service portal; a license alone does not mean a business has opened.
- State filings. New companies register with the South Carolina Secretary of State; we list a business only when it has announced an opening or a government agency has.
We do not list a business from a rumor, a review site or a social media post by someone else.
What this means for you
- Job seekers: Obatala Sciences is hiring for 46 positions in Charleston.
- Business owners: city licenses run May 1 to April 30; mark the renewal date now.
- Opening something? Tell us, with a link.
Related guides: building permits and zoning and who to call at City Hall.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a business license in Charleston?
Apply through the city’s Customer Self Service portal or at the Permit Center, 2 George St. Every business operating or earning income in the city needs an annual license. Questions: 843-724-3711 or Businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov.
When do Charleston business licenses expire?
All City of Charleston business licenses expire April 30 each year. Renewal forms are usually mailed in March, and renewals are based on the previous year’s income.
What new company is opening at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston?
Obatala Sciences, a New Orleans biotechnology company, announced Oct. 8 that it has opened its first East Coast operation at MUSC’s Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, with a $656,000 investment and 46 jobs.
How can I get my new Charleston business listed?
Send the opening date, address and a link to your own website or announcement through our contact page. We list openings from the business’s own announcement or a public record.
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