Lowcountry Local First to launch Good Enterprises Initiative in Fall 2019
Feb 18, 2019
Community Business Academy will be held in North Charleston in Sept 2019 – Media coverage in Charleston City Paper, Feb 19, 2019: Lowcountry Local First hopes its Community Business Academy will help cultivate local entrepreneurs The following announcement was released February 14, 2019: Lowcountry Local First (LLF) has… Read More
Preserving the true value of community through small business
Feb 18, 2019
The following opinion piece ran in the Post and Courier on February 18, 2019. Photo above by Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff. The loss of the long-standing East Bay True Value Hardware, a community-focused store, is contrary to the ongoing conversation our city has around transportation, congestion and livability. The… Read More
Local businesses show support for community members affected by government shutdown
Jan 23, 2019
The following local businesses are providing discounts or special offerings to community members and families affected by the government shutdown. We urge you to support these businesses and thank them for their commitment to the well-being of this community and place we all call home. Food / Beverage:… Read More
Companies thrive at Local Works - 2018 Impact Report
Jan 11, 2019
Local Works, a 3,000sf community coworking space located on Upper Meeting Street, aims to provide low-cost contract-free professional workspace for entrepreneurs and businesses in need of a creative and collaborative environment. This open-sector coworking model supports businesses in need of dependable space and an active community ripe for partnerships…. Read More
Top Takeaways and Priorities from the 2018 Member Survey
Jan 2, 2019
At Lowcountry Local First, we believe ownership matters and relationships matter. That’s why we work with businesses, community members, and policymakers to build support for local, independent businesses. We make sure you know which businesses are Certified Local and meet our criteria for a local-independent business through our… Read More
Folly Beach Restricts ‘Formula’ Businesses
Dec 13, 2018
The following article ran in the Charleston Regional Business Journal, Volume 24 / No 26 print issue, that came out on December 10, 2018. Written by CRBJ staff writer Patrick Hoff. If you’re looking to buy a Big Mac, you won’t find it in downtown Folly Beach. And that… Read More
Folly Beach City Council Approves Zoning Ordinance to Protect Unique Character of Business District
Nov 14, 2018
Lowcountry Local First advocates for vibrant communities rooted in independent businesses Charleston, SC – On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, the City of Folly Beach unanimously passed the second and final reading of Ordinance 11-18, effectively prohibiting formula businesses (more commonly known as “chain businesses”) from locating on… Read More
2018 Buy Local Markets
Nov 1, 2018
(Do you know of a market not listed below? Let us know!) — ONGOING — – Be sure to find a Farmers Market near you this fall and holiday season! – The Charleston Farmers’ Market hosts a special Holiday Market on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, 9am – 3pm…. Read More
Folly Beach may ban chain restaurants and stores to keep itself unique
Oct 23, 2018
By Chloe Johnson cjohnson@postandcourier.com Oct 22, 2018 – Front page story for the Post and Courier Folly Beach may ban chain businesses from the island, a rare move for a South Carolina municipality that supporters say will help protect the beach community’s funky character. The proposed ordinance already… Read More
Building Local Prosperity Week: Melvina Ravenel
Oct 22, 2018
“I love music, and I love what music does for me and I know what music does for others. And I like to make people feel good. …And the other part of my idea was wanting to lose weight and be healthier in my adult years. And I… Read More