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Celebrate Black Futures 🙌🏿
Celebrate Black Futures 🙌🏿

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

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted02/2/2026


February 2026: Advocacy Updates
February 2026: Advocacy Updates

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

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted02/1/2026


February Member and Community Events in Charleston, SC
February Member and Community Events in Charleston, SC

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

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted01/29/2026


Marketing Mindshare - Social Media Strategy
Marketing Mindshare - Social Media Strategy

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

Postedby Lauren Thiell
Date posted01/28/2026


January 2026: Advocacy Updates
January 2026: Advocacy Updates

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

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted01/5/2026


Meet our 2026 Board of Directors!
Meet our 2026 Board of Directors!

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

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted01/5/2026


2026 Advocacy Priorities
2026 Advocacy Priorities

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

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted12/16/2025


December 2025: Advocacy Updates
December 2025: Advocacy Updates

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

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted11/30/2025


Holiday Gift Guide: Buy Local Season 2025
Holiday Gift Guide: Buy Local Season 2025

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

Postedby Lauren Thiell
Date posted11/20/2025


November 2025: Advocacy Updates
November 2025: Advocacy Updates

VIEW NOVEMBER 4 LOCAL ELECTION INFORMATION // Federal New policies introduced to combat tariff impacts on small business Last month, Senator Wyden (OR) introduced a joint resolution co-sponsored by Democrat and Republican senators which proposes to terminate the national emergency that... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/30/2025


City of Goose Creek Council Candidate Questionnaires
City of Goose Creek Council Candidate Questionnaires

We asked the 2025 City of Goose Creek Council candidates four questions to gauge their views on supporting a thriving, diverse local economy, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Their responses are shared below. QUESTIONS: 1. Supporting... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/20/2025


Town of James Island Council Candidate Questionnaires
Town of James Island Council Candidate Questionnaires

We asked the 2025 Town of James Island Council candidates three questions to gauge their views on supporting a thriving, diverse local economy, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Their responses are shared below. QUESTIONS: 1. Supporting... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/20/2025