By: Kevin T. Sheilley, President & CEO, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
Published by Post & Courier on May 25, 2025
“Attainable housing” is a phrase that’s frequently used in our community and across the country — and it raises a lot of important questions. Why don’t we have more attainable housing? Why does it matter, and how can we create more?
Perhaps more importantly, how do we help everyone understand its importance, especially those who already have a place to call home?
“We strongly believe that the path to addressing our housing challenges will start with the business community. That the innovation and creativity of our businesses, especially our entrepreneurs, will be the source of the solutions we so desperately need to address this problem.”
Kevin T. Sheilley
These are the questions the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has been asking and has been actively working to address for several years. Adequate housing is more than just a basic human necessity. It’s foundational to a healthy economy. In fact, many of the most pressing challenges facing our region today are deeply rooted in the lack of attainable housing.
Still, some may wonder why the Chamber of Commerce is tying a critical issue like attainable housing to entrepreneurship in our upcoming Opportunity Summit, taking place on June 11 at Trident Technical College.
It’s a fair question, and there are two key reasons.
First, we strongly believe that the path to addressing our housing challenges will start with the business community. That the innovation and creativity of our businesses, especially our entrepreneurs, will be the source of the solutions we so desperately need to address this problem. Time and time again, entrepreneurs have arisen to find creative solutions for society’s most pressing problems.
Secondly, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in revitalizing communities. Many areas in our region either have or could have the kinds of housing we need. But those same areas may face serious challenges: being in a food desert, having few job opportunities or a lack of essential goods and services. Supporting entrepreneurship in these areas helps spark local economic growth, bringing jobs, resources and renewed vitality — and in turn making those areas more livable and sustainable.
Entrepreneurship is also one of the most powerful ways to expand opportunity. It is a skill that can be taught, nurtured and supported. It empowers individuals to build household wealth, create jobs for neighbors and offer services that meet needs. That kind of economic growth lifts up families and strengthens communities — ultimately creating attainable housing opportunities.
That’s why the Opportunity Summit, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, will explore both attainable housing and entrepreneurship — and the often-surprising ways the two are interconnected. I encourage you to make plans today to join us for this important conversation and learn how you can support solutions and be part of moving our region forward. You can learn more at charlestonchamber.org/opportunitysummit.
