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A Creative Partnership Rooted in Place: The Indigo Road Hospitality Group × David Thompson Studio
A Creative Partnership Rooted in Place: The Indigo Road Hospitality Group × David Thompson Studio

Charleston’s hospitality scene is often celebrated for its ability to feel both deeply rooted and constantly evolving. Behind many of its most compelling spaces is a powerful, often unseen force: collaboration. Few partnerships exemplify this better than the ongoing relationship between... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted03/23/2026


Small Business Tariff Reimbursement Process Updates
Small Business Tariff Reimbursement Process Updates

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to strike down President Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Court upheld lower court decisions finding that the administration exceeded its authority by invoking a... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted03/19/2026


From Kiva to Café: Tracer Coffee's Grand Opening! ☕️
From Kiva to Café: Tracer Coffee's Grand Opening! ☕️

If you don’t already know Gina Cordoba, consider this your introduction to an incredible Charleston entrepreneur with a bold vision. A shining member of the Lowcountry Local First community, Gina has been building something special and we’re excited to share that her coffee shop,... Continue Reading

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted03/19/2026


Announcing 18th annual Chef's Potluck!
Announcing 18th annual Chef's Potluck!

Tickets are Live! The 18th annual Chef’s Potluck is Lowcountry Local First’s largest fundraiser of the year! This event, co-presented by Indigo Road Hospitality Group and David Thompson Studio, is a joyful celebration of Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene and the people... Continue Reading

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted03/17/2026


Farmers' Markets & CSAs
Farmers' Markets & CSAs

Farmers’ Markets provide excellent opportunities to meet farmers directly and learn more about their products, practices, and methods of sale, while also allowing you to stock up on fresh groceries! Fortunately for us, the Lowcountry is full of great neighborhood markets. There are more... Continue Reading

Postedby Lauren Thiell
Date posted03/16/2026


Advocacy Alert: Dominion Energy Rate Hikes for Small Businesses
Advocacy Alert: Dominion Energy Rate Hikes for Small Businesses

Dominion is advertising a 6% overall rate increase for the commercial class. However, for a typical small business, the actual impact could be much higher. Because of how the rates are structured, "low-energy" users (like a small retail shop or a professional office) are hit the hardest. 1. The... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted03/11/2026


SC's new ABL Rules for Bars & Taverns
SC's new ABL Rules for Bars & Taverns

Tort Reform and Liquor Liability, H3430, was signed into law in May 2025 for the state of South Carolina and brought significant changes to any business serving alcohol for on-premise consumption. The law was initially set to have enforcement of the alcohol service training portion begin Mar 2,... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted03/9/2026


ADVOCACY ACTION: Don’t Let the State Monopolize Your Shelves!
ADVOCACY ACTION: Don’t Let the State Monopolize Your Shelves!

H4758 is progressing through Senate amendment debates (as of March 12), aiming to regulate the distribution and sale of consumable hemp. While we support the proposed new safety and testing standards for THC-infused beverages and gummies, we do not support a full ban OR the restriction of sales... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted03/5/2026


18th Annual Chef's Potluck Event Policy
18th Annual Chef's Potluck Event Policy

TICKET POLICY: This event is rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable. A one-time ticket transfer is permissible. HEALTH POLICY: Due to the nature of this event, we cannot address individual allergy concerns. Each participating chef is asked to prepare at least one vegetarian dish. We... Continue Reading

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted03/1/2026


Cutting Red Tape for Small Businesses that raise Charitable Funds
Cutting Red Tape for Small Businesses that raise Charitable Funds

In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged the Carolinas, devastating many communities and destroying critical infrastructure. The road to recovery continues in some SC/NC communities. In the months after the storm, it was impossible to go to a local business and not be provided a way to... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted02/27/2026


March 2026: Advocacy Updates
March 2026: Advocacy Updates

Local On February 19, Charleston County Council approved the first draft of funding allocations for the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax referendum expected to be on the ballot this November. This is the breakdown of how the revenue generated from the sales tax would be spent (subject to... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted02/27/2026


Announcing the 2026 Marketing Momentum Grant Winners
Announcing the 2026 Marketing Momentum Grant Winners

We are proud to announce the latest recipients of the Marketing Momentum Small Business Grant, a program designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the pro-bono professional marketing support they need to grow, reach new audiences, and strengthen their impact in our community. This year’s... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted02/24/2026