Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

What Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina does

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization founded in May 1973 and headquartered in Greenville, SC. It operates 41 retail thrift stores across 16 counties in the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina, serving nearly 19,000 people annually and ranking #2 of 156 Goodwill organizations nationwide for job placement. The organization's mission services are free to participants and target job seekers, veterans, justice-involved individuals, young adults, older workers, and people with disabilities. Career services are delivered through 20+ Job Connection centers, Resource and Opportunity Centers (ROC), a 30-foot Mission Mobile outreach vehicle, and a Career Pathways framework offering over 20 specialized training programs.

GIUMSC's core products include the Career Pathways model and the Innovation Institute, which houses the Tech Academy (IT/cybersecurity certifications), Film Academy (film and television production skills), ELEVATE Drone Pilot Program (FAA 107 preparation), and the Clean Tech Accelerator (HVAC/heat pump technician training). Specialized facilities include the Clean Tech Accelerator Lab, iNoVate Smart Lab, and the SCVIA subsidiary for vocational services. Funding is generated through donated-goods retail sales, vehicle donations, and financial contributions, with over 90 cents of every dollar spent reinvested into mission services. The organization has secured multi-stakeholder corporate and government partnerships with Lowe's Foundation, Accenture, GM, the US Department of Labor, Columbia Fashion Week, AINautics, STEM U, and the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, among others.

Name

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

Legal name

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

Website

https://goodwillsc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina is a nonprofit operating 41 thrift stores and 20+ career centers across 16 South Carolina counties, providing free workforce development, job training, and placement services to job seekers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Readiness, Career Pathways & Youth Employment Nonprofits (BPAGADAF)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Thrift retail operations
• Job training programs
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Nonprofit career services

Headquarters

HQ city

Greenville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Thrift Retail Sales: Goodwill operates 41 retail thrift stores across 16 counties. Donated goods are sold at affordable prices, with proceeds funding career services and job training programs. Over 90 cents of every dollar spent is invested back into community programs.
2. Donated Goods Collection: Accepts donations of clothing, toys, housewares, books, electronics, furniture, and vehicles. Donations are processed and sold in retail stores or recycled responsibly, diverting items from landfills.
3. Financial Donations: Direct monetary donations support effective, local programs that connect people with jobs, workplace skills, or new careers. All financial donations are tax deductible.
4. Vehicle Donations: Accepts donated vehicles, boats, campers, ATVs, and mowers which are sold to fund career services programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina provides free career services, job training, and workforce development programs to job seekers across 16 South Carolina counties, funded primarily through 41 thrift retail stores and donated goods. Core offerings include the Career Pathways framework with 20+ specialized training programs (healthcare, transportation/logistics, skilled trades, clean technology, IT/cybersecurity, film, drone piloting), Career and Training Centers, Job Connection sites, Mission Mobile, and Resource and Opportunity Centers.

Product overview

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of career services and retail operations. The core offering is Career Services, a platform of workforce development programs serving individuals across 16 counties. This includes the Career Pathways framework with over 20 specialized training programs, supported by the Innovation Institute featuring technology-focused certifications. Key training products include the Tech Academy (IT/cybersecurity), Film Academy (film/television), ELEVATE Drone Pilot Program, and Clean Tech Accelerator (HVAC/heat pump). Additional workforce products include Mission Mobile (mobile outreach), Job Connection Centers (20+ locations), and Resource and Opportunity Centers. Supporting the mission are 41 retail stores generating revenue, including specialty concepts like Auten's Loft boutiques, SecondStory bookstore, and rePLAY sports store. The portfolio spans services for veterans, young adults, older workers, reentry populations, and individuals with disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Auten's Loft: Curated upscale thrift boutique offering designer and name-brand clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and home décor. Named in memory of GIUMSC founder Lloyd Auten. Prices range from $3.99-$24.99.
• SecondStory
• rePLAY
• SCVIA
• Career Hub
• Innovation Institute
• Resource and Opportunity Center (ROC)
• Mission Mobile

Products and services

• Career Services Free career services providing job training, placement assistance, resume support, interview coaching, skills assessments, and employment support for individuals of any age, skill level, or background across 16 South Carolina counties. This is the umbrella program under which all other workforce development services operate.
• Career Pathways Comprehensive framework helping individuals identify and pursue career paths through over 20 specialized training programs spanning healthcare, transportation, logistics, skilled trades, clean technology, and IT/cybersecurity. Delivered through Resource and Opportunity Centers and Career and Training Centers.
• Tech Academy Free IT support and cybersecurity training program preparing participants for CompTIA IT Fundamentals, A+, and Network+ certifications. Classes held at Columbia and Greenville locations with instruction provided by STEM U.
• Film Academy Four-week intensive film and television industry course developed in partnership with Urban League of the Upstate. Covers 3D Gaffing, Environmental Design, Virtual Production Support, and Optitrack Operation to prepare learners for film production careers.
• ELEVATE Drone Pilot Program Free drone pilot training bootcamp in partnership with AINautics preparing participants for FAA 107 certification. Includes hands-on instruction in flight dynamics, safety protocols, and mentorship from seasoned drone pilots across aerial surveying, infrastructure inspection, cinematography, and emergency response.
• Clean Tech Accelerator First-of-its-kind HVAC and heat pump technician training program in South Carolina offering five-week paid training at $15/hour. Graduates earn EPA 608, OSHA-10, and Climate & Community Lab certifications; first cohort achieved 100% completion and pass rate with 14 students. Salaries in the field reach as high as $50/hour for graduates.
• iNoVate Smart Lab Cutting-edge STEM technology hub using project-based learning to teach critical technology skills with state-of-the-art equipment. Located at Fluor's Golf for Greenville Youth and Family Services Center at 45 E. Main Street, Greenville.
• RYZE Program Juvenile justice intervention program featuring Credible Messenger Mentoring, Leadership Development, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for youth ages 12-21. Partnership with SC Department of Juvenile Justice, New Mind Health & Care, Greenville Police Department, and Path2Redemption.
• NxLevel Business Accelerator Program 10-week entrepreneurial training program in partnership with Benedict College Women's Business Center covering business plans, SWOT analysis, credit basics, cash flow management, and pitch development. Hybrid format at Greenville and Columbia locations.
• Mission Mobile Mobile career services outreach unit providing skills assessments, job search assistance, and application support throughout the Upstate and Midlands via a 30-foot air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
• Job Connection Centers Over 20 physical career center locations providing employment leads, resume support, free coaching, and skills training for job seekers across the 16-county service region.
• Resource and Opportunity Center (ROC) Centralized career services hub providing free resources, personalized guidance, and comprehensive workforce training with the Career Pathways model. Locations in Columbia (111 Highland Center Drive) and Greenville (at the Trail).
• Retail Thrift Stores 41 thrift retail stores across 16 counties selling donated clothing, furniture, electronics, housewares, books, and other goods at affordable prices. Revenue funds free career services.
• Auten's Loft Boutique-style thrift store offering curated, affordable designer and name-brand clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories, and home décor. Named in honor of GIUMSC founder Lloyd Auten. Prices range from $3.99 to $24.99. Locations in Chapin, Lexington, Greenville (Woodruff Road), and Chesnee.
• SecondStory Bookstore Specialty thrift bookstore offering thousands of pre-loved books, rare finds, and literary treasures. Located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail at 115 Haywood Road, Greenville.
• rePLAY Sports Store First-ever thrift sports store offering gently used sporting goods, apparel, and equipment at affordable prices to make athletics accessible to all. Located in Travelers Rest.
• Goodwill at the Trail Reimagined retail campus at Haywood Road combining thrift shopping with community services, featuring multiple specialty concepts (Auten's Loft, SecondStory) and the Upstate Resource and Opportunity Center.
• Donation Services Acceptance of donated goods including clothing, toys, housewares, books, electronics, furniture, vehicles, boats, campers, ATVs, and mowers, as well as financial contributions. Donations are processed and sold in retail stores or recycled responsibly, diverting over 43 million pounds of waste from landfills annually.
• Clean Tech Accelerator Lab State-of-the-art 1,000+ square-foot immersive training lab for hands-on learning in solar and storage systems, heat pump installation, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) technology. First of its kind in South Carolina.
• Vocational Services Vocational rehabilitation services providing training and employment support for individuals with documented disabilities, delivered through the SCVIA subsidiary.
• Employer Services Connecting regional employers with qualified job candidates through hiring events, job fairs, and recruitment support across multiple industries including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades.
• Homebound Heroes Veterans Program Specialized career services for veterans including the Homebound Heroes program providing job training, placement support, and supportive services for veterans facing homelessness, PTSD, substance abuse, and other barriers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served nearly 19,000 people in 2024
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Habitat for HumanityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Veterans Day Build partnership in Columbia, SC building homes and honoring veterans.
• Palmetto GoodwillcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration on Economic Impact Study releasing combined $638 million impact data for South Carolina Goodwill organizations.
• Columbia Fashion Week (ColaFW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025Year-long partnership through 2025 featuring fashion events, styling workshops, clothing drives, and sustainable fashion advocacy. Includes Thrift the Runway fashion shows, Emerging Stylist Competition, and collaboration at ColaFW's Annual Met Gala. Promotes sustainable fashion and showcases Goodwill's career services.
• SC Department of Juvenile JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2025RYZE program partner for justice-impacted youth mentorship, providing Credible Messenger Mentoring, Leadership Development, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for youth ages 12-21.
• New Mind Health & CarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2025RYZE program partner providing mental health services and care coordination for justice-impacted youth.
• Greenville Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2025RYZE program partner providing mentorship and community engagement for justice-impacted youth.
• Path2RedemptioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2025RYZE program partner supporting youth mentorship and reintegration services.
• GRID AlternativescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Clean Tech Accelerator partner providing expertise in solar and clean energy training.
• Climate & Community LabcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Climate & Community Lab provides HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Certificate and program development expertise for Clean Tech Accelerator.
• STEM UcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Partnership to build iNoVate Smart Lab using project-based approach to teach critical STEM skills with state-of-the-art technology.
• Benedict College Women's Business CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 November 2024NxLevel Business Accelerator Program partnership offering 10-week entrepreneur training covering business plans, SWOT analysis, credit basics, cash flow management. Hybrid format at Greenville and Columbia locations. Graduated 13 participants in food/beverage, hair care, retail, and education ventures.
• Greenville Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2024Supplier Diversity Fair collaboration connecting minority and small business owners with procurement professionals from across the region.
• Urban League of the Upstate (ULUS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2024Film Academy partnership as part of Innovation Institute. Four-week intensive course introducing learners to film and television industry skills including 3D Gaffing, Environmental Design, Virtual Production Support, and Optitrack Operator training. MOU signed July 9, 2024.
• STEM UcoreTechnology or Integration · 19 March 2024Course instruction provider for Tech Academy specializing in connecting STEM partners to science, technology, engineering, and math education. Program offers CompTIA IT Fundamentals, A+ Certification, and Network+ certifications.
• Journey MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Referral partner for Homebound Heroes program, connecting veterans in crisis to Goodwill career navigators for job training and placement support.
• AINauticscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Partnership for ELEVATE Drone Pilot Training Program providing expert guidance and personalized mentorship from seasoned drone pilots with real-world experiences across aerial surveying, infrastructure inspection, cinematography, and emergency response.
• Goodwill Industries InternationalcoreOthersParent organization providing network support, brand licensing, and grant funding including $638 million economic impact study support.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Salvation Army: National nonprofit with overlapping thrift-retail revenue model and broad social services mission including workforce and reentry support. Competes for donations and donor mindshare in the same territory.
• Habitat for Humanity: National nonprofit that is an existing GIUMSC partner (Veterans Day Build). Comparable in mission scale, geographic footprint, donor-funded model, and reliance on volunteer and corporate sponsorship.
• United Way Worldwide: Large national nonprofit that funds and convenes workforce, education, and community programs. Shares the donor-funded mission model and competes for corporate grants and individual giving.
• Goodwill Industries International: Parent network of 156+ Goodwill organizations providing brand licensing, standards, and grant support. Operates the same mission model at a national federation level.

Direct peers

• Year Up: National workforce-development nonprofit focused on young adults from low-income communities, providing training and corporate placement. Directly comparable in training-to-placement model and target demographics.
• Goodwill of North Georgia: Large regional Goodwill serving a multi-county Georgia territory with the same thrift-funded career-services model. Comparable in operational scale, retail footprint, and workforce-development program breadth.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology workforce training (including CompTIA-aligned IT curricula) to underemployed adults. Directly comparable to GIUMSC's Tech Academy and IT career pathways.
• Palmetto Goodwill: Fellow South Carolina Goodwill affiliate that collaborates with GIUMSC on the combined $638M Economic Impact Study. Operates the same nonprofit thrift-funded workforce-development model in adjacent SC counties, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers: Multi-state Goodwill affiliate offering workforce development, training, and retail thrift operations across Georgia and Alabama. Directly comparable operating model and program mix.

Regional players

• Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire: Regional Goodwill affiliate operating thrift retail and workforce development in coastal Georgia/South Carolina. Comparable operating model with a different geographic footprint, illustrating how the Goodwill network competes and collaborates regionally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sc_goodwill
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/goodwillsc
• Facebookfacebook.com/goodwillsc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/goodwill-industries-of-upstate-midlands-south-carolina
• Instagraminstagram.com/sc_goodwill

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina