Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or leader: – SBA Summer School:Whether you’re looking to start a small business or expand your current one, SBA’s digital learning platform has everything you need to educate... 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
Movement on federal legislation to promote fair competition: Small Business Rising is a coalition of independent businesses and local business support organizations working together to level the playing field and act as a united voice for independent businesses urging elected leaders to break... Continue Reading
– Save Our Indie Restaurants: Congress needs to step up and save neighborhood restaurants and bars from extinction. For two years now, restaurants around the country have been struggling to keep their lights on, staff paid, and doors open. Nearly 200K restaurants were denied access to... Continue Reading
A new partnership between the City of Goose Creek and Lowcountry Local First is now offering localized business training, workforce development, and strategic economic development. The two-year partnership includes the following initiatives: The Good Enterprises Program, Existing Business... Continue Reading
– Doing Business Update: South Carolina businesses have historically been subject to business license taxes on their gross income that vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The South Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act (the “Act”) was enacted in 2020,... 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
The following are advocacy updates impacting local-independent businesses at the local, state, or federal level. For questions or more info, please contact Director of Operations, Lauren Gellatly, at lauren@lowcountrylocalfirst.org. Update on Expanded Outdoor Dining Regulations [LOCAL] ... Continue Reading
We are deeply saddened by the destruction of businesses in downtown Charleston and across the nation, but we are more outraged at the killing of innocent black people. We believe the anger and frustration being displayed is valid. Unfortunately peaceful protests and being “strong”... Continue Reading
These past 2 months have felt like 2 years. My team and I have been in the trenches with the local business community that we love and depend on. We have been helping them navigate the funding options available in a constantly changing environment, offering individual consulting and providing... Continue Reading
Provided by Jamee Haley, Executive Director. Posted by the Post & Courier, May 14, 2020: Once the panic subsides, if it does subside, we would be mistaken to not pause long enough to think about the future of our city, region and country through a new lens. Charleston’s real... 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... Continue Reading
