Please check back regularly for news & updates from LLF!
Happy New Year, Localists and Locavores! We invite you to review our recently approved 2026 Advocacy Priorities to see key areas where we'll be investing our time and energy in the months ahead. In other news... Local Building a strong local community starts with you and your dollars. We... Continue Reading
Lowcountry Local First is proud to announce its 2026 Board of Directors. The Board includes talented and passionate business leaders from a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds. 2026 Board of Directors (* Indicates a new board member) Executive Committee:- Chair: Kate Schmieding, Obviouslee -... Continue Reading
Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is grateful to announce that it has been selected to receive a 2026 Relentless Challenge Grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce). The Relentless Challenge was established to elevate programs that reflect South Carolina's unwavering... Continue Reading
The below set of 1-year priorities for 2026 compliment the organization's ongoing Advocacy Principles as outlined here and enable the staff of Lowcountry Local First to act swiftly towards policy and regulatory opportunities that align within. 1. Advance Small Business Anti-Displacement Support... Continue Reading
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from our Invest Local Intiative! Fatima Seabrook, a Community Business Academy Graduate (Spring 2023), former LLF staff member, and passionate founder of Alchemy Aerial Arts, has successfully reached her goal — her Kiva loan of $15,000 has... Continue Reading
Congratulations to the Fall 2025 graduating class of the Community Business Academy! We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and build thriving, sustainable communities. Since the program’s launch in Fall 2019, we’re proud to have supported almost 400... Continue Reading
Vote with your dollars this holiday season for the kind of place you want to live in every day. Shop & dine local and keep your dollars with your neighbors. Local Three new members are joining Charleston City Council in January, including Aaron Polkey, Ben D'Allesandro, and... Continue Reading
Buy Local Season is one of our favorite times of year when we encourage everyone to keep their holiday spending close to home. We’ve rounded up standout local gift ideas from our generous sponsors, including Rev Federal Credit Union, Gold Creations and The Station Park Circle, and sprinkled... Continue Reading
VIEW NOVEMBER 4 LOCAL ELECTION INFORMATION // Federal New policies introduced to combat tariff impacts on small business Last month, Senator Wyden (OR) introduced a joint resolution co-sponsored by Democrat and Republican senators which proposes to terminate the national emergency that... Continue Reading
We asked the 2025 City of Charleston Council candidates four questions to gauge their views on supporting a thriving, diverse local economy, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Their responses are shared below. QUESTIONS: 1. Supporting... Continue Reading
We asked the 2025 City of Goose Creek Council candidates four questions to gauge their views on supporting a thriving, diverse local economy, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Their responses are shared below. QUESTIONS: 1. Supporting... Continue Reading
We asked the 2025 Town of James Island Council candidates three questions to gauge their views on supporting a thriving, diverse local economy, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Their responses are shared below. QUESTIONS: 1. Supporting... Continue Reading
