From Purpose to Funding: How One Local Soap Business Successfully Funded on Kiva
We’re proud to spotlight another inspiring success story from our Invest Local Initiative: Sea Soap Co., a local soap-making business built on inclusion, sustainability, and heart.
Meet the Mission Behind the Business
For Brian, this business started with a promise.
After his daughter was diagnosed with multiple intellectual and developmental disabilities, his family saw how few meaningful employment opportunities exist for individuals like her. Instead of accepting that reality, they set out to change it by building a business designed to create inclusive job opportunities.
Sea Soap Co. is a family-run business rooted in three core values:
- Clean, natural products made without harsh chemicals
- Sustainable practices, including recycled, compostable and hand-dyed packaging
- Inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Through Kiva, Brian successfully raised a $15,000 loan to invest in equipment, inventory and marketing efforts to increase production, reach more customers, and create more meaningful jobs.
Unlike traditional financing, Kiva offers 0% interest, crowdfunded loans and prioritizes character, community support, and impact over credit scores.
That means early-stage entrepreneurs like Brian—who are building businesses rooted in purpose—can access the capital they need without the barriers of conventional lending.
Lowcountry Local First is proud to serve as a Kiva Trustee, deepening our commitment to equitable access to capital for local entrepreneurs. As a trusted community partner, we identify, endorse and offer support to small business owners who are ready to grow, helping them unlock 0% interest funding through Kiva. By participating in this social underwriting model, we’re investing in the people and businesses that directly strengthen our local economy.
Interested in launching your own Kiva campaign?