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2024 Annual Member Survey Debrief
2024 Annual Member Survey Debrief

At Lowcountry Local First, we believe local ownership matters. 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 to build support... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted06/26/2024


Strengthening Communities: The Power of Local Preference Policies in Municipal Procurement
Strengthening Communities: The Power of Local Preference Policies in Municipal Procurement

Lowcountry Local First has been advocating for stronger, enforced and tracked local preference policies with our local municipalities for more than a decade. In the realm of municipal governance, few policies hold as much potential for catalyzing local economic growth as robust local preference... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted06/24/2024


Celebrate your Local Independents in July!
Celebrate your Local Independents in July!

What is Independents Month? Independents Month (July), part of AMIBA’s Choose Indie Local program, is a time to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses and the community values they embody: Their spirit of entrepreneurship, individuality, uniqueness, and character. How... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted06/20/2024


Spring 2024 Community Business Academy: Celebrate the Graduates
Spring 2024 Community Business Academy: Celebrate the Graduates

En medio del vibrante tapiz de apoyo comunitario y espíritu emprendedor, la Academia Empresarial de Lowcountry Local First (“La Academia”) celebró otro logro notable el 13 de junio. Un total de 17 personas dedicadas, representando tanto a las cohortes de inglés... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted06/18/2024


Celebrate the Graduates: Spring 2024 Community Business Academy
Celebrate the Graduates: Spring 2024 Community Business Academy

En medio del vibrante tapiz de apoyo comunitario y espíritu emprendedor, la Academia Empresarial de Lowcountry Local First ("La Academia") celebró otro logro notable el 13 de junio. Un total de 17 personas dedicadas, representando tanto a las cohortes de inglés como de... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted06/17/2024


YWCA NEWS | Meet The Winners of The We 360° Business Pitch Competition
YWCA NEWS | Meet The Winners of The We 360° Business Pitch Competition

Congratulations to LaShaya Norton, graduate of the Spring 2023 Community Business Academy and owner of Wanderland Mobile Grocery for capturing 2nd place and securing $6,000 at the YWCA We 360° Pitch Competition! Read more Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted06/5/2024


June 2024: Advocacy Updates
June 2024: Advocacy Updates

Local Level Worth celebrating: The Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) project recently received a $1.2 million grant from the FTA to advance TOD planning by focusing on the implementation of affordable housing strategies in the project corridor. This grant moves LCRT into Phase 3 of its TOD... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted05/31/2024


Father's Day, Local Style
Father's Day, Local Style

Father's Day is coming up on June 16, 2024. Here are just a few of the many local places ready to help you find the perfect gift or experience for the father figures in your life: Active & Adventurous Dad Aqua Safaris - Members, book a trip with a 10% off codeBeach Cowboy FitnessCoastal... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted05/13/2024


A Look at the June Primaries & November Elections
A Look at the June Primaries & November Elections

Deep Dive: A Look at the June Primaries & November Elections Depending where you live in SC, you could be voting on June 11 for your next State Senator, Solicitor, Sheriff and more. The below deep dive is being shared via TogetherSC, with permission: This year, all 170 legislator seats... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted05/2/2024


May 2024: Advocacy Updates
May 2024: Advocacy Updates

Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader: Local Level Did you see? The City of Charleston has joined the ‘gram. Follow along for updates! Stay up to date with what's happening in the city by signing up here... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted04/30/2024


Bert & T.’s is Charleston’s sweetest new addition
Bert & T.’s is Charleston’s sweetest new addition

Christina Miller, Graduate of the Fall 2021 Community Business Academy and owner of Bert & T’s Desserts, was recently profiled by the Charleston City Paper. Read her interview and learn more about her passion for baking Gullah and southern desserts inspired by her two late... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted04/19/2024


Credit card swipe fees take a chunk out of my SC small business. Congress can help.
Credit card swipe fees take a chunk out of my SC small business. Congress can help.

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

Postedby Toni Reale
Date posted04/8/2024