Every time a shopper uses a credit card, the merchant pays a fee to process the transaction, commonly known as a swipe fees. Supporters of a bipartisan bill in the US Senate say the bill could help merchants by lowering swipe fees. Continue Reading
Advocacy Updates
Working on your behalf to level the playing field for independent business
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Federal Level LLF was proud to be an indie-biz advocacy group to co-host a recent virtual Town Hall with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which recently shared a recap... Continue Reading
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Federal Level LLF has been connecting members to Sen Graham’s staff to share stories and the negative impacts of unrestrained and excessive credit card fees on their... Continue Reading
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Local Level Updates - We are reigniting our Commercial Space Advising work this year, thanks to a robust group of expert advisors, and hope you’ll help us spread the... Continue Reading
Our 32nd episode of “Small Talks, Big Ideas with Steve” is a live recording of the 2023 North Charleston Mayoral Forum. On September 26, 2023, Lowcountry Local First and community partners AFFA Action, Black Charleston Professionals, Charleston Moves, Hispanic Business... Continue Reading
At Lowcountry Local First, we believe ownership matters and relationships matter. Our goal is to support the local business community and tailor our programs to help our community gain access to every chance at success. That’s why we work with businesses, community members, and policymakers... Continue Reading
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Things you should attend: Charleston County is hosting two informative webinars to educate the community on the Climate Action Plan and receive feedback around the importance of... Continue Reading
A group of community-based organizations have announced plans to hold a public forum for mayoral candidates on September 26 that will explore issues related to equitable progress and growth including the topics of the local economy, the city’s growth and development, affordability,... Continue Reading
Election Season is Here! Several local municipalities host key mayoral, council and other elections this November 7, 2023. View your sample ballot and find your polling place here. Forums: Get to know your local candidates! Multiple mayoral forums are happening throughout the area ahead of... Continue Reading
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Local Transit & Mobility Alerts The Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) and Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) will host four public workshops... Continue Reading
Credit Card Competition Act Continue Reading
Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Federal Regulation Updates / Congress Updates Amazon Litigation: "The Biden administration is planning to take action soon on at least three of its half-dozen... Continue Reading