Make the Most of Membership

Membership makes this local movement move. Are you making the most of yours? 

Lowcountry Local First is a grassroots organization that's proud to have served this community for 15+ years based on the ever-evolving needs and challenges facing our member businesses. Our members are mighty. They're values-driven. They're anchored and invested in THIS community.

We're proud to support these business owners and entrepreneurs. We offer support by hosting networking opportunities and easy ways to connect with consumers in search of like-minded businesses to purchase from. Business members also get free access to socials, sector meet-ups and workshops to improve their business. And as of today, they also receive member-only access to special discounts and offers at participating local businesses. The cherry on top? They also make up our loud advocacy voice, influencing policy decisions at every level of government and ensuring there's a level playing field for local-independent businesses in our region. 

Every member chooses to be a part of Lowcountry Local First for a different reason. And every member engages in unique ways throughout the year. Why are YOU a Certified Local member business? Let us share your Local Story. 

Not yet a member? Join today at annual rates starting at just $150.

All Members Receive:

  1. Promotion & Local Movement-Building
    1. Business listing featuring logo and website in the online Local Business Directory 
    2. Access to “Certified Local” brand identifiers (print and digital badges)
    3. Free access to digital toolkits to connect with our monthly public awareness campaigns
  2. Advocacy
    1. Receive our monthly member newsletter, including action alerts and policy updates
    2. Invitation to participate in our annual member survey which guides our advocacy work and shapes our programming
    3. Invitation to periodic Elected Official Town Halls, forums and round-tables
  3. Resources & Education
    1. Free access for your entire staff to networking events and trainings, including Good Business Workshops, Local Socials, and Meetups
    2. Ability to engage in the Local Expertise Exchange - a no-cost, no-obligation member-to-member consulting network
    3. Access to private Member-to-Member Offerings

 

A few tips to help you make the most of your membership:

  1. Login to our website and get familiar with your Membership Compass. Ensure your personal and company details are are accurate and include your team members. Regularly update your company information as this reflects on the public-facing Local Business Directory and helps locals find you! Utilize website and social links, company descriptions, logos, keywords, categories, etc. to make your profile stand out and be a helpful resource. Being logged into the website is how you access free entry to socials and workshops and how you access member-only resources like those mentioned below.
  2. Use the Certified Local brand elements. We offer all members a printed decal upon joining that you can display on storefront or other visible location. You also receive access to digital files that you can include on your website and social materials to inform your customers that you are rooted and invested here in our community.
  3. Engage! Local business owners and staff are welcomed at no charge to our monthly Local Socials, regular Good Business workshops and other gatherings. Logged in, current members should have no problems registering for events on the website at no cost. Having issues? We're here to help.
  4. Tap into the generous expertise of your community. Current members can request a Local Expertise Exchange - a complimentary, no-strings-attached, one-on-one consultation with a member in the area of expertise that you most need - be it accounting, HR, legal, marketing, commercial real estate, etc.
  5. Use member-to-member offerings - and promote your special local offering as well! This new benefit is meant to help you get your product or service in front of your fellow local business friends and neighbors.
  6. Let us toot your horn! We're always looking to share out news, events and celebrations for our members. Keep our team informed of what you’re doing! Events and news can be submitted to mara@lowcountrylocalfirst.org for consideration in the monthly e-newsletters and for promotion on social media. We especially love sharing news of locals working with other locals!

¿Estás aprovechando al máximo tu membresía?

 

Our team spreading awareness about the local business movement at the Charleston Farmers Market in the Spring of 2023.

 

Using the Certified Local branding on your storefront lets consumers know they are supporting local businesses rooted in our community. Seen here, Muddy Waters Coffee Bar.

 

Connect with resources and gather information to help your business succeed and grow at our annual Small Business Resource Expo, bringing service providers from the region and state to you. Seen here, our Sept 2022 expo at High Wire Distilling.

 

Meetups and tours hosted at local companies provide a behind-the-scenes look at operations and allow members to ask questions to business owners. Seen here, members tour Nice Commerce in North Charleston in October 2022.

 

Entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed when they're provided the knowledge, relationship and financial capital that it takes to start and grow a successful small business. Seen here, a representative of a local CDFI, Climb Fund, connects with a graduate of our Community Business Academy, Rashaunda Grant of Carolina Cookery.

 

Networking opportunities at our monthly Local Socials help to connect you with like-minded entrepreneurs. Seen here, a member of the LLF staff chats with guests at the May 2023 Local Social at Baker & Brewer.