News

As we roll into the second month of Do Good Season, we’re inviting our community to put purpose behind their purchases by supporting Black-owned businesses. From makers and retailers to farmers, creatives, and service providers, Black entrepreneurs are doing incredible work right here in... Continue Reading

Join us at Lowcountry Local First's 13th annual Good Business Summit this month on February 18th as we explore business as a force for good. A special interactive breakout session after lunch will equip attendees with connections and tactics to grow collective, neighborhood-level advocacy... Continue Reading

Month Long - Black History Month events in Charleston Feb 1 - Taste of Gullah Geechee presented by Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine & Friends Feb 4 - SBE Certification Webinar for Small Businesses hosted by the City of Charleston Feb 4 - The Bitter & The Sweet at Philosophers &... Continue Reading

Thank you for joining us at this month’s Marketing Mindshare with Brianna Crossley and Nicole Lennox with Pollen. This session focused on building organic social media systems that help brands grow sustainably in 2026. Instead of chasing trends or posting reactively, the conversation... Continue Reading

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