News

Local November Elections – We're continually updating this post with local races, timelines, voter registration information and more. Parking garage rate changes in downtown Charleston – via WCBD News 2 As part of a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility of... Continue Reading

Hurricane Preparedness We’re focused on helping you best prepare for and recover from hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30) and potential flood events throughout the year. Below is a list of resources to help you get back on track should you experience flooding or damage after a... Continue Reading

We’re thrilled to share that Julia Crumblin, the heart and hands behind Picking Up the Pieces Enrichment Center, has received full funding for her $6,000 loan on Kiva.org! Julia’s project is a vibrant, culturally responsive childcare and homeschool support center rooted in the James... Continue Reading

November 4, 2025, is a major date for local democracy across the Lowcountry. Several municipalities across our region will hold general elections for city and town councils, and other important local offices. These are the people who make decisions that directly affect your daily life, from... Continue Reading

We’re thrilled to share that Courtney Waters, the creative force behind Wax Hand Creations, has received full funding for her $7,500 loan on Kiva.org! Courtney’s business brings people together through one-of-a-kind, interactive wax hand art experiences—offering a fun, tactile... Continue Reading

Thank you to all of our members who took time in recent weeks to complete our annual Member Survey. Many of you also responded to additional follow-up surveys to help us dig deeper into specific pain points that were uncovered. Your input is critical to our ability to advocate for our... Continue Reading

Sustainability reporting skills are a value-add for companies and organizations as sustainability reporting requirements continue for federal contracts, and various state and global laws. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most broadly used framework by over 80% of companies worldwide... Continue Reading

We are thrilled to congratulate Summit Grounds, founded by Gina Cordoba—a proud U.S. Army veteran and first-generation Colombian-American—on securing her funding goal of $11,500 through Kiva.org! Gina’s passion for coffee and sustainability shines through every cup. By... Continue Reading

A Localism Manifesto — The Main Street Journal Version 1.0 Planet Earth is experiencing a five-alarm emergency, yet our political systems are paralyzed and incapable of responding. Unprecedented hurricanes, floods, droughts, fires, and other climate disasters are overwhelming us.... Continue Reading

We're thrilled to share that our Community Business Academy (CBA) graduate, Chef Rashaunda Grant, has been featured in The Island Connection! Her work teaching Southern culture through food shines in a recent article highlighting The Carolina Cookery, her cooking studio on James... Continue Reading

What is Independents Month? Independents Month—celebrated throughout July—is part of AMIBA’s national Choose Indie Local program. It’s a dedicated time to honor and uplift the locally owned, independent businesses that build economic opportunity, local character and a sense... Continue Reading

Local Level Our 2025 Annual Member Survey debrief is now live on our website. Check out our top takeaways or skim the full results here. To fulfill our mission, we must keep a pulse on the local business community we serve — to know the pain points and the victories —... Continue Reading