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Local entrepreneur awarded $10,000 for her immigration solutions business
Local entrepreneur awarded $10,000 for her immigration solutions business

Charleston, SC – Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a nonprofit focused on local economic development hosted its fourth annual “Ready, Set, Pitch!” competition on October 11, 2025 to award a $10,000 cash prize to a local entrepreneur. Graduates of the organization’s 12-week... Continue Reading

Date posted10/14/2025


2025 Buy Local Holiday Markets
2025 Buy Local Holiday Markets

The holiday season is here, and Charleston is full of festive markets perfect for finding unique gifts, enjoying tasty treats, and spending time with family. From craft fairs to holiday pop-ups, this guide has all the details you need to explore the best holiday markets in Charleston and soak up... Continue Reading

Postedby Lauren Thiell
Date posted10/4/2025


Your Guide to the November 2025 Local Elections
Your Guide to the November 2025 Local Elections

November 4, 2025, is a major date for local democracy across the Lowcountry. Several municipalities across our region will hold general elections for city and town councils, and other important local offices. These are the people who make decisions that directly affect your daily life, from... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted10/1/2025


October 2025: Advocacy Updates
October 2025: Advocacy Updates

Local November 4, 2025, is a major date for democracy across the Lowcountry. Several municipalities across our region will hold general elections for city and town councils, and other important local offices. These are the people who make decisions that directly affect your daily life, from... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted09/30/2025


Lowcountry Local First Launches Localist Card to Strengthen Local Economy
Lowcountry Local First Launches Localist Card to Strengthen Local Economy

Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating an economy anchored in local ownership, is proud to announce the launch of the Localist Card program, a unique way for residents to support both locally owned businesses and the nonprofit’s mission. By... Continue Reading

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted09/26/2025


September 2025 Advocacy Updates
September 2025 Advocacy Updates

Local November Elections – We're continually updating this post with local races, timelines, voter registration information and more. Parking garage rate changes in downtown Charleston – via WCBD News 2 As part of a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility of... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted08/29/2025


Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness We’re focused on helping you best prepare for and recover from hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30) and potential flood events throughout the year. Below is a list of resources to help you get back on track should you experience flooding or damage after a... Continue Reading

Postedby Mara Fields
Date posted08/21/2025


August 2025 Advocacy Updates
August 2025 Advocacy Updates

Thank you to all of our members who took time in recent weeks to complete our annual Member Survey. Many of you also responded to additional follow-up surveys to help us dig deeper into specific pain points that were uncovered. Your input is critical to our ability to advocate for our... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted07/31/2025


Looking to boost your sustainability?
Looking to boost your sustainability?

Sustainability reporting skills are a value-add for companies and organizations as sustainability reporting requirements continue for federal contracts, and various state and global laws. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most broadly used framework by over 80% of companies worldwide... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted07/30/2025


10 Principles of Successful Local Economies
10 Principles of Successful Local Economies

A Localism Manifesto — The Main Street Journal Version 1.0 Planet Earth is experiencing a five-alarm emergency, yet our political systems are paralyzed and incapable of responding. Unprecedented hurricanes, floods, droughts, fires, and other climate disasters are overwhelming us.... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted07/16/2025


July 2025 Advocacy Updates
July 2025 Advocacy Updates

Local Level Our 2025 Annual Member Survey debrief is now live on our website. Check out our top takeaways or skim the full results here. To fulfill our mission, we must keep a pulse on the local business community we serve — to know the pain points and the victories —... Continue Reading

Postedby Jordan Amaker
Date posted06/30/2025


Celebrate Father’s Day: Show Up & Show Out for Dad
Celebrate Father’s Day: Show Up & Show Out for Dad

This Father’s Day, go beyond the usual and make it unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, planning a memorable experience, or just want fresh ways to show your appreciation, we’ve got you covered. Our ultimate how-to guide is packed with inspiration to... Continue Reading

Postedby Lauren Thiell
Date posted06/2/2025