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We're Hiring: Capital Access Manager
We're Hiring: Capital Access Manager

Organization: Lowcountry Local First Title: Capital Access Manager Location: Charleston, SC Term: Full-time/ Exempt Application Deadline: Rolling basis, open until filled Reports to: Executive Director Salary Range: $65,000 - 72,000 Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local... Continue Reading

Postedby Jacquie Berger
Date posted09/21/2026


2026 Buy Local Holiday Markets
2026 Buy Local Holiday Markets

2026 Buy Local Holiday Markets in Charleston, SC Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted09/18/2026


Lowcountry Rapid Transit's impacts on small businesses
Lowcountry Rapid Transit's impacts on small businesses

Something that has brought me hope this year has come from participating on a BCD COG Advisory Committee for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Phase 3 planning process. Now that's a mouthful of alphabet soup — but ultimately it is being in a room of... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/17/2026


Wells Fargo investment to provide microgrants to Tri-County entrepreneurs
Wells Fargo investment to provide microgrants to Tri-County entrepreneurs

Earlier this year, Lowcountry Local First (LLF) launched the first Kiva Hub in the state of South Carolina. By operating the Lowcountry Kiva Hub, LLF is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs who have trouble accessing more conventional forms of capital from banks and CDFIs. In addition to... Continue Reading

Postedby Kayla Sewell
Date posted09/14/2026


Growing on Paper, Hollowing Out in Practice
Growing on Paper, Hollowing Out in Practice

Why West Ashley's Boom Is Squeezing Out Its Small Businesses West Ashley is not struggling. By every headline metric, it's thriving. The area is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Charleston region. Home prices are climbing and the redevelopment of Ashley Landing alone represents what city... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/10/2026


Big Business Just Got Called 'Small'
Big Business Just Got Called 'Small'

Note: The deadline for public comments on the proposal has been extended 60 days to Nov 20, 2026. Scroll to the bottom for instructions. A billion-dollar private equity firm. A casino making $744 million a year. The federal government wants to call these... small businesses. If you own a shop, a... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/8/2026


Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites: August 2026
Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites: August 2026

Thank you to all of our new and renewing members! Continue Reading

Postedby Arii Parker
Date posted08/31/2026


August 2026: Advocacy Updates
August 2026: Advocacy Updates

Local-Level Opportunities & Noteworthy Updates Join us in September! Lend your voice at two important upcoming Small Business Advocacy Sessions: The City of North Charleston is busy in planning mode as they rewrite their zoning code in the creation of its new UDO (unified development... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted08/10/2026


Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites:July
Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites:July

Thank you to all of our new and renewing members! Continue Reading

Postedby Arii Parker
Date posted08/10/2026


Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites: May and June
Fresh Faces and Loyal Favorites: May and June

Thank you to all of our new and renewing members! Continue Reading

Postedby Arii Parker
Date posted07/1/2026


July is Independents Month 2026
July is Independents Month 2026

What is Independents Month? Independents Month, celebrated throughout July, is part of AMIBA’s national Choose Indie Local program. It’s a dedicated time to honor and uplift the locally owned, independent businesses that build economic opportunity, local character and a sense of... Continue Reading

Postedby Maud Bentley
Date posted06/30/2026


July 2026: Advocacy Updates
July 2026: Advocacy Updates

Local-Level Opportunities & Noteworthy Updates VIEW 2026 LOCAL BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS Congratulations to the City of North Charleston for being a 2026 National Civic League All America City winner, and to the Town of Mount Pleasant for being inducted into their Hall of Fame for past... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted06/29/2026