March: Conscious Commercial Development Month
Mar 1, 2023
There are many tangible and intangible benefits to hiring locals for your company’s commercial development, design and real estate needs. Here are just a few to consider: 1. Speed & Efficiency – Local commercial real estate companies have less red tape and HR processes than national firms. They… Read More
Good Enterprises Initiative hosts inaugural “Ready, Set, Pitch!” event
Dec 6, 2022
Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a nonprofit focused on economic development centered around local-ownership, hosted its inaugural “Ready, Set, Pitch!” competition on December 3, 2022 to award cash and in-kind prizes to five local entrepreneurs. Nearly 200 graduates of the organization’s 12-week Community Business Academy (CBA) were invited to… Read More
2022 Buy Local Holiday Markets
Oct 10, 2022
(Do you know of a market not listed below? Let us know!) — PAST MARKETS — Final West Ashley Farmers Market Wednesday | Nov. 2, 2022 | 3-6:30pm Ackerman Park James Island Fall Festival Market Friday | Nov. 4, 2022 |6-9pm The Town Market on James Island Holiday Market… Read More
Town of James Island, Lowcountry Local First Announce New Small Business Support Partnership
Aug 1, 2022
NEWS RELEASE // TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND // AUGUST 1, 2022: A new partnership between the Town of James Island and Lowcountry Local First is now offering localized business training and strategic small business support. The annual partnership includes a Community Storefront Challenge and the business training and… Read More
$789,000 US EDA Grant Awarded to Lowcountry Local First’s Good Growth Program
Jun 1, 2022
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a two-year $789,724 grant to Lowcountry Local First to support the organization’s Good Growth Program. This program will expand upon the organization’s Good Enterprises entrepreneurship training and support program to also include financial literacy, marketing support, Spanish-language support… Read More
2021 Annual Report and how you can support our work
May 24, 2022
Scientists have long-agreed that diversity of species within an ecosystem directly influences its health and resilience. As the number of species in any ecosystem declines, it loses its ability to rebound after it has been stressed. We believe this same rule applies to our economic ecosystems. Healthy and fair competition,… Read More
May 2022 Advocacy Updates
May 2, 2022
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or leader: Charleston County Relief *GRANTS* for Small Biz — Deadline is May 6th! This is a one-time relief grant intended to help mitigate past and present perils of COVID-19 on… Read More
Good Enterprises Program Associate (AmeriCorps VISTA)
Apr 18, 2022
Organization: Lowcountry Local First Title: Good Enterprises Program Associate (AmeriCorps VISTA) Location: Charleston, SC Term: Full-time – Contract Application Deadline: Rolling basis, open until filled Reports to: Good Enterprises Program Coordinator Salary Range: $1,028 per month Summary: Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization made up… Read More
Podcast Episode 13: Katy Mixon and Maria White, Gibbes Museum
Apr 8, 2022
Get to know the Lowcountry’s local-independent business community, one changemaker at a time. “Small Talks, Big Ideas with Steve” is a podcast that features local business insights and updates, alongside interviews with members, sponsors, and supporters. For our 13th episode, Steve sits down with Katy Mixon and Maria… Read More
Q&A with GrowFood Carolina
Mar 30, 2022
With Eat Drink Local Month quickly approaching, Lowcountry Local First heard from one of its community partners, GrowFood Carolina. Anthony Mirisciotta, General Manager, offered some insight on how business is going. What are the biggest pain points or concerns for GrowFood right now? In 2021, GrowFood Carolina celebrated… Read More