Connecting County Leadership with our local roots
A Series of Charleston County Economic Development Site Visits
At Lowcountry Local First (LLF), we’ve always known that the heartbeat of Charleston County’s economy is the multitude of small businesses, from off the beaten paths to main street. It beats because of the unsung heroes: the commercial kitchens, the neighborhood markets, and the artisan workshops that are humming away, often just out of sight.
Recently, we had the privilege of facilitating a series of deep-dive site visits with the Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) team. We were joined by their Director of Community Competitiveness and their Project Manager for a series of candid conversations with unique LLF members.
The goal? To move beyond spreadsheets and see firsthand what "homegrown" really looks like. The CCED team is currently evaluating how they can better support small, local businesses - either directly or through partners like us - ensuring that tactical support and access to capital reach the businesses that provide our region with its unique character and economic stability.
Stop 1: Salthouse Commissary Kitchen (James Island)
The Focus: Scaling Local Flavors
Our first stop took us to James Island to visit Salthouse Catering’s new commissary space. In the world of food and beverage, infrastructure is often the biggest hurdle to growth. We discussed the complexities of maintaining a high-standard culinary operation and the logistical needs of a business that scales "local" to a professional level. As this commissary works to fill its 13,000 square feet of flexible space for food trucks, caterers, bakers, food product producers and other related businesses, they are also working hard to update the space to make it as functional and supportive as possible. That requires a great deal of patience and capital investment. We loved having City of Charleston Councilmember Leslie Skardon join us on this visit!
Stop 2: Jadoon’s Park Circle Market (North Charleston)
The Focus: Community Stability & Essential Retail
Next, we headed to the vibrant Park Circle neighborhood to visit Jadoon’s. Neighborhood markets are more than just retail; they are community anchors. We spoke about the importance of character in our neighborhoods and how local ownership ensures that the wealth generated in North Charleston stays in North Charleston. Jadoon's has done such an incredible job of curating more than 65 local vendors in their market — not just the craft brewers but also the farmers, the bakers, and so much more. As Jadoon's continues to expand their offerings and fulfills their long-term vision to help the neighborhood reduce trips to traditional big-box grocery stores, they are looking for support and guidance. Our Local Expertise Exchange members are stepping up in amazing ways! We are grateful that the City of North Charleston OBO team members joined us on this visit.
Stop 3: Workshops at Howard Heights (North Charleston)
The Focus: Tactical Space & Growth Potential
Our final stop was the Workshops at Howard Heights. The Workshops offer 6,000+ square feet of gathering space, co-working options, and studios for craftspeople, tinkers, and "messy artists." This visit highlighted the critical benefits these maker spaces and flexible, light-industrial zoning bring to our communities.
These are the incubators for our county's current and future manufacturers. We explored how access to the right kind of physical space, combined with tactical capital, can be the difference between a business staying small or expanding to hire more locals.
The Path Forward
Throughout these tours, one thing became clear: our local businesses have immense growth potential, but they often face different hurdles than the "big players." Whether it’s navigating zoning, finding the right loan products, or simply having a seat at the table when economic policy is written, these conversations are a vital step toward a more inclusive economic strategy. We are thrilled to see Charleston County Economic Development taking such an active interest in the "homegrown" sector. By understanding the value, character, and stability these businesses bring, we can build a stronger, more resilient Lowcountry together.
Stay tuned as we continue to work with CCED to advocate for the resources our local members need to thrive. Interested in showcasing your business to the CCED team? Let me know!