General News

NEWS RELEASE // TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND // AUGUST 1, 2022: A new partnership between the Town of James Island and Lowcountry Local First is now offering localized business training and strategic small business support. The annual partnership includes a Community Storefront Challenge and the 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

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a two-year $789,724 grant to Lowcountry Local First to support the organization’s Good Growth Program. This program will expand upon the organization’s Good Enterprises entrepreneurship... Continue Reading

Scientists have long-agreed that diversity of species within an ecosystem directly influences its health and resilience. As the number of species in any ecosystem declines, it loses its ability to rebound after it has been stressed. We believe this same rule applies to our economic... Continue Reading

Dare to Dream by Jammie Huynh; Written and performed live on Feb 24, 2022 at the Charleston Music Hall for the 9th annual Good Business Summit We were all born dreamers. Dreams of space, of kings and queens, monsters and magic. We dreamed, then we dreamed some more. We dreamed of being... Continue Reading

Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that cultivates an economy anchored in local ownership, is proud to welcome its 2022 Board of Directors. The Board includes talented and passionate business leaders from a wide variety of sectors who recognize the importance of choosing local in order to keep... Continue Reading

Lowcountry Local First supports the approval of the Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission to continue to provide focus on policy solutions to address equity and economic empowerment in the City of Charleston. As we work to transform lives and build sustainable communities through... Continue Reading

A new collaboration between the City of Goose Creek and Lowcountry Local First will mean localized business training, workforce development, and economic development. Goose Creek City Council approved a two-year partnership with Lowcountry Local First that will leverage existing business... Continue Reading

As we continue the work to evolve into an anti-racist organization, we wish to let transparency and humility lead the way. We will continue to provide updates on steps taken, goals set and ways you can hold us accountable. Immediate Actions Taken: – As a starting place, we held... Continue Reading

** ALERT: We are now updating this Resources Hub page of our site. Please use this new page for the most current updates. ACTION ITEMS: Apply for SBA relief loan. View SC Department of Commerce resource center. View SC employment law resources. Facebook has launched a $100... Continue Reading

The Local First Awards are an annual celebration of the Lowcountry’s local-independent businesses whose legacy of work and choices support the local community and envision business as a force for good. This year’s Local First Awards took place on January 8th at the Cedar Room... Continue Reading