Join
Contact

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

Date postedOctober 14, 2025
Business Academy Impacts, Community,

 

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 La Academia, a Community Business Academy taught in Spanish, were invited to apply to the competition in August, submitting videos and pitch decks to an outside review committee. The top five entrepreneurs then received one-on-one coaching from Elliot Friedman of E T Friedman Consulting. The finalists participated in a live pitch event at the Palmetto Goodwill Corporate Office in front of family, friends and a panel of judges. 

The top five competing entrepreneurs were:

The panel of judges were:

  • Nancy Leon, South Carolina Community Loan Fund

  • David Lopez, Huntington Bank

  • Orian Rodriguez, South Atlantic Bank 

  • Monica Correa, Steinberg Law Firm 

This year, each of the five Pitch finalists will also be supported if they choose to apply through Kiva, a global microfinance platform that gives our finalists the opportunity to borrow up to $15,000 at 0% interest.

The $10,000 grand prize was awarded to Ana Laverde of Ana’s Immigration Solutions. Originally from Colombia, Ana’s personal journey as a migrant inspired her to launch a business dedicated to helping others navigate the often-complex process of immigration. Through her work, Ana provides personalized guidance and support to individuals and families seeking to build new lives in the United States. She will use the funds to develop a new mobile application and contract qualified freelancers to help bring the project to life.

“Ana's entrepreneurial journey and innovative vision are an inspiring example of what's possible when creativity meets community support. Her work reflects not only her dedication and talent but also the rich diversity that strengthens our local business ecosystem,” said Javier Jimenez Pereira, Business Development Manager. “At LLF, we are deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, and seeing Ana's success reinforces the importance of inclusive economic development.”


“Lowcountry Local First plays an essential role in strengthening our local economy by empowering entrepreneurs and promoting a culture of innovation,” said Greg Perry, Program and Partnership Manager at South Carolina Community Loan Fund. “South Carolina Community Loan Fund is proud to serve as the founding partner and sponsor of the annual Pitch Competition, supporting the incredible work Lowcountry Local First does to help local businesses start, grow, and thrive.” 

Good Enterprises is a catalyst for reshaping the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to one that provides equitable opportunity for business ownership, in order to transform lives and communities. Good Enterprises implements the curriculum and award-winning business-simulation model created by the Rising Tide Capital program based in New Jersey which serves more than 600 entrepreneurs per year, with an 87% survival rate beyond the five-year mark. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply now to join the 2026 Spring Community Business Academy which launches in February and will offer classes taught in both Spanish and English. Scholarships are available and all experience levels are welcome to apply. Those interested should complete a program inquiry form online at goodenterprises.org.


Sponsors: South Carolina Community Loan Fund, Palmetto Goodwill, South Atlantic Bank, Steinberg Law Firm, and Nelson Printing

Categories

Most Recent Posts