Soda City News - U.S. National https://www.sodacitynews.com U.S. national policy, federal judiciary, and major developments. en-us 2026-09-26T05:47:37Z Midlands Tech Boom: $42M Advanced Microelectronics Packaging Center Lands at Innovista https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-innovista-tech-campus-semiconductor-expansion-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-innovista-tech-campus-semiconductor-expansion-2026 2026-09-26T06:15:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Marcus Vance, Financial Editor) Business Public-private partnership with USC and global semiconductor fabrication partners brings 180 high-wage engineering jobs to downtown Columbia. Columbia-Based Financial Technology Leader Submits Confidential S-1 Filing for NASDAQ IPO https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-fintech-headquarters-announces-nasdaq-ipo-filing-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-fintech-headquarters-announces-nasdaq-ipo-filing-2026 2026-09-25T07:10:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Financial Editor Marcus Vance) Business Main Street corporate success story prepares for public market debut after reaching $1.8B private enterprise valuation. Columbia Chamber of Commerce Distributes $1.2M in Micro-Grants to 45 Independent Retailers https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-midlands-small-business-capital-grants-awarded-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-midlands-small-business-capital-grants-awarded-2026 2026-09-25T06:40:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Small Business Reporter) Business Grant program helps legacy mom-and-pop shops modernize digital e-commerce storefronts and energy efficiency. BMW Manufacturing and SC Ports Open Direct Rail Battery Logistics Corridor Through Columbia Hub https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-bmw-manufacturing-opens-battery-logistics-corridor-connecting-columbia-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-bmw-manufacturing-opens-battery-logistics-corridor-connecting-columbia-2026 2026-09-25T06:10:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Automotive & Logistics Desk) Business Electrified freight train sets transport advanced lithium battery cells from Midlands suppliers directly to Spartanburg assembly lines. Downtown Columbia Class-A Office Occupancy Climbs to 89%, Outpacing National Metro Average https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-commercial-real-estate-office-occupancy-hits-post-pandemic-high-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-columbia-commercial-real-estate-office-occupancy-hits-post-pandemic-high-2026 2026-09-25T05:40:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Real Estate Analyst Elena Morales) Business Law firms, financial advisors, and tech consultants drive surge in premium Main Street and Vista workspace leases. Midlands Credit Unions Report Surge in Low-Down-Payment Home Mortgages for Local Families https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-sc-credit-unions-record-unprecedented-first-time-homebuyer-loan-volume-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/business-sc-credit-unions-record-unprecedented-first-time-homebuyer-loan-volume-2026 2026-09-25T05:10:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Personal Finance Desk) Business Innovative 100% financing programs with zero private mortgage insurance help over 1,400 young couples purchase homes.