Membership Information

 

The Lowcountry thrives because of its strong, cooperative local business community. Join the hundreds of local-independent businesses who make up the Lowcountry Local First movement. Whether you’re looking for educational webinars, marketing clout, advocacy support, or information about local events and socials, our membership benefits provide more than just a network of passionate local leaders. Find the level that fits your unique business and let us help you make the most of membership. 

Thank you for your support of the Local First mission. We look forward to the positive impact we will have together!

We do not want money to be a barrier of entry for those looking to engage in the Local movement. We want to know you and we want you to know us. Your input, your voice and your support matter. If you need to arrange monthly installments or wish to have an extension on your current membership, give us a call at 843-801-3390 or contact us to get started. 

Certified Local Member Criteria:

The following criteria are necessary for businesses joining Lowcountry Local First and constitute Lowcountry Local First’s definition of a local independent business. We include the following 8 counties in our definition of the Lowcountry region: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, and Jasper

  1. The business is privately held and not publicly traded.
  2. The business is based locally and has no corporate or national headquarters outside the Lowcountry.
  3. The business owners who have a controlling interest of more than 50% live in the Lowcountry.
  4. The business can make independent decisions regarding the name and look of the business, business purchasing, practices and distribution, as well as pays all its own marketing, rent, and other business expenses.

 

Membership Levels and Benefits

Memberships are company-wide so all employees can become a member of LLF once a business joins. Let your employees know of this benefit and encourage them to sign up for an account on our website so they can attend Local Socials and Industry Meetups for free, receive member pricing on event registrations, and access member-only resources.

Expand levels below to sign up for membership. All membership submissions are pending until vetted and approved by staff.

  • Covers unlimited locations. 

  • All Catalyst level benefits, plus:

  • Invitation to be featured on LLF’s blog and social media (must be arranged and scheduled with LLF’s Director of Marketing and Communications)

Sign Up for Convener Membership

  • Covers unlimited locations.  
  • All Champion level benefits, plus:
  • Priority placement of your logo and link on the home page of LowcountryLocalFirst.org
  • Opportunity to considered as a guest feature on “Small Talks, Big Ideas with Steve” - the Lowcountry Local First podcast and local radio show

Sign Up for Catalyst Membership
  • Covers up to 5 locations. 
  • All Enthusiast level benefits, plus:

  • Logo/link inclusion on one seasonal campaign web page of your choice (Eat Drink Local Season, Invest Local Season, Buy Local Season, or Lead Local Season) 

  • Recognition at Good Business Summit

Sign Up for Champion Membership
  • Covers up to 3 locations. 
  • All Business Member level benefits, plus:

  • Recognition at the Annual Meeting

Sign Up for Membership
  • Covers one same-named business location. 

  • Business listing featuring logo and website in the online Local Business Directory (Promoted via Adwords and in monthly communications; 1000+ average monthly views)

  • Access to “Certified Local” brand identifiers (print and digital badges), making it easy for customers and clients to know they’re supporting a community-rooted business

  • Free access for your entire staff to regular programming such as Local Socials, workshops and sector meetups

  • Opportunity to participate in our Member to Member Offerings program designed to promote business relationships locally with other members.

  • Discounted access to meeting and event space at Local Works Coworking Space

  • Ability to engage in the Local Expertise Exchange - a complimentary member-to-member consulting network

  • Invitation to provide ongoing input which guides our advocacy work and shapes our programming

  • Social media engagement to help promote your business’ offerings

  • Access to private Members Only Facebook Group where you can share events, member-to-member promotions, job listings and more

Sign Up for Business Membership
  • Are you a solopreneur, artist, or nonprofit? You now qualify for $100 off the price of our business membership.
  • Includes all Business Member benefits.

Sign Up for Solopreneur Membership
Community Bank or Credit Union

To join as a Community Bank or Credit Union, please review our membership criteria for financial institutions.

Hispanic Business Association Partnership

To join as a member of the Hispanic Business Association (HBA), please contact us.