Business Academy Impacts

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

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

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

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

2024 James Beard Media Award winner KJ Kearney and 2022 Community Business Academy Graduate, will launch his event series titled Bite the Power on Monday, July 29, in Charleston. Billed as “the world’s first traveling Black food storytelling event,” Bite the Power invites... Continue Reading

We recently rotated in the third round of Community Business Academy graduates at our Retail Residency Program hosted at The Station Park Circle. From July through September 2024 you’ll find handmade art from MagikBeanShop, gold plated gems from Amelie Jewelry, empowering,... Continue Reading

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

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

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