News

Please check back regularly for news & updates from LLF!

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Kiva Success: Nadine Johnson & Your Mobile Tutor!
Kiva Success: Nadine Johnson & Your Mobile Tutor!

We’re celebrating Nadine Johnson and Your Mobile Tutor for securing $7,000 on Kiva.org, powered by 106 lenders worldwide! This funding will help Nadine continue her mission of improving K-8 mathematics and K-12 English language arts (ELA) proficiency through her innovative mobile tutoring... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted10/8/2024


Holiday Gift Guide: Buy Local Season 2024
Holiday Gift Guide: Buy Local Season 2024

Happy Buy Local Season! Because LLF encourages you to shift your dollars towards local businesses this holiday season, we want to make sure you know of the best local and giftable products available online this year. We’ve spotlighted some of our favorites here! 14K Yellow Gold Round... Continue Reading

Postedby Erin Solka
Date posted10/3/2024


Hurricane Helene Relief: Support Local Business' Recovery
Hurricane Helene Relief: Support Local Business' Recovery

Our hearts are with our neighbors in Appalachia and the southeastern US who have been affected by Hurricane Helene. We encourage you to support disaster relief efforts and buy from local business’ online stores in the region if you are able. Gift cards are always a good idea! The City of... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/1/2024


October 2024: Advocacy Updates
October 2024: Advocacy Updates

Our hearts are with our neighbors in Appalachia and the southeastern US who have been affected by Hurricane Helene. We encourage you to support disaster relief efforts and buy from local business’ online stores in the region if you are able. Gift cards are always a good idea! Explore more... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/1/2024


Local Entrepreneur Awarded $10,000 Through Pitch Competition
Local Entrepreneur Awarded $10,000 Through Pitch Competition

Lowcountry Local First’s Good Enterprises Initiative hosts 3rd annual “Ready, Set, Pitch!” event Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/26/2024


Congratulations to the 2024 “Ready, Set, Pitch!” winner Tana Dukes, The Genuine Ranch Company!
Congratulations to the 2024 “Ready, Set, Pitch!” winner Tana Dukes, The Genuine Ranch Company!

Lowcountry Local First hosted its third annual “Ready, Set, Pitch!” competition on September 21, 2024 to award a $10,000 cash prize to a local entrepreneur. Graduates of the organization’s 12-week Community Business Academy were invited to apply to the competition, submitting... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted09/24/2024


2024 Buy Local Holiday Markets
2024 Buy Local Holiday Markets

(Do you know of a market not listed below? Let us know!) PoHo Fall Night MarketSaturday | Nov. 2, 2024 | 5pm - 9pmThe Charleston Pour House 4th Annual Holiday Market Saturday | Nov. 9, 2024 | 10am - 4pmDaniel Island Recreation Center DrinksgivingSaturday | Nov. 9, 2024 | 12pm - 4pmStriped Pig... Continue Reading

Postedby Erin Solka
Date posted09/12/2024


September 2024: Advocacy Updates
September 2024: Advocacy Updates

City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell unveiled the city’s new Basin Flood Action Program (BFAP) following a public workshop about the Charleston Integrated Water Plan (CIWP) with city council on Aug 27. BFAP marks a decisive step in addressing Charleston’s most pressing... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/1/2024


2024 Ready, Set, Pitch! Finalists Announced
2024 Ready, Set, Pitch! Finalists Announced

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Ready, Set, Pitch! competition! After an impressive round of submissions, these innovative entrepreneurs have risen to the top, showcasing their creativity, passion, and business acumen. Each finalist brings a unique vision to the table, and... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted08/28/2024


Naturally Geechee products at The International African American Museum
Naturally Geechee products at The International African American Museum

Congratulations to Naturally Geechee (Tremaine Abenaa Moore, Spring ’24) on being one of ten selected businesses for the 2024 Cohort Vendor Showcase program at the International African American Museum (IAAM). Her line of natural skincare products for sensitive skin is now available for sale... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted08/28/2024


Ebeny Bland, Escape Haven & Co., interviewed on Ohm Radio
Ebeny Bland, Escape Haven & Co., interviewed on Ohm Radio

Spring 2022 Community Business Academy Graduate, Ebeny Bland Owner of Escape Haven & Co., was interviewed on The ZD Experience Show on Ohm Radio to chat about Ebeny’s journey from overcoming a serious neck injury to launching a thriving self-care brand – it’s nothing short of... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted08/15/2024


Credit Card Payment Settlement Deadline for Filing Extended
Credit Card Payment Settlement Deadline for Filing Extended

The below update is provided by the Independent Restaurant Coalition: — Credit Card Payment Settlement Deadline for Filing Extended If your business accepted Visa or MasterCard credit cards between 2004 and 2019, you may be eligible for a payment as part of a recent $5.5 billion class-action... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted08/14/2024