Relentless Challenge: 2026 Grant Announcement

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is grateful to announce that it has been selected to receive a 2026 Relentless Challenge Grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce). The Relentless Challenge was established to elevate programs that reflect South Carolina's unwavering pursuit of bold, transformative ideas. 

The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program for projects that foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem – specifically in the areas of high-growth entrepreneurship, talent development, access to risk capital, and industry and higher education partnerships that may lead to commercialization of innovative products.

Through this initiative, S.C. Commerce and Lowcountry Local First have a powerful opportunity to collaborate with partners and help shape the future of innovation and small business growth across our region. The support enables LLF to strengthen and expand its Invest Local Initiative, which connects the Lowcountry's entrepreneurs with guidance and access to creative capital opportunities, and equips the region's citizens with timely and meaningful ways to support home-grown businesses.