About Us

OUR MISSION

Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and wellbeing.

WHAT WE DO

Educate the general public on why it’s important to choose local and influence them to do so.
Deliver resources, programming, networking, mentorship and more to local business owners from all sectors and stages.
Work with elected officials, decision-makers and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for local business owners and entrepreneurs to start and grow their own enterprises.

WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT

We develop innovative models for sustainable and equitable local economies. Our work leverages our understanding of the 1,500+ local businesses we’ve served and is informed by staff with expertise and on-the-ground experience in local economy building, innovative economic development, entrepreneur support, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. We are connected to local economy and sustainable business organizations throughout the country, granting us access to the best models, case studies and thought leaders.

We value diversity of perspective, identity, and passion and believe we are all better when surrounded by those with unique lived experiences from our own.

Employment and Internship Opportunities

View current opportunities.

JOIN AS A MEMBER

KEY FUNDERS & STRATEGIC PARTNERS

HONORS & RECOGNITION

2020 Purposeful Action Award – Lowcountry Association of Fundraising Professionals
2019 Coworker Members’ Choice Award for Local Works – Coworker.com
2019 Best Of Award: Staff Pick for Best Charleston Email Newsletter – Charleston City Paper
2018 Winner Best Non-Traditional Marketing Campaign – Charleston American Marketing Association
2014-2017 Winner Growth Accelerator Fund Competition – U.S. Small Business Administration
2016 Charleston County Ambassador for Economic Development, Jamee Haley – S.C. Department of Commerce
2016 Winner Best Promotional Video and Best Non-Traditional Marketing Campaign – Charleston American Marketing Association
2015 South Carolina Small Business Ally of the Year – SC District Office, Small Business Administration
2015 Winner Best Event Promotion, Runner-Up Guerrilla Campaign – Charleston American Marketing Association
2014 Institution of the Year – Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
2014 South Carolina Innovation Fund – S.C. Department of Commerce
2010-2012 Best Local Cause – Charleston City Paper ‘Best Of’ Awards
2008 Sustainable Communities Award – The Sustainability Institute