Lowcountry Local First
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Advancing economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives. Collectively, our choices have great power. A business. A city.
As lovers of the Lowcountry, we understand that we have a choice in what we buy and from whom we buy it. We have a choice in what we eat – and from where and by whom it’s grown. To build or break a life. An economy. A culture. The people of Lowcountry Local First offer a simple solution: Choose The Lowcountry. It’s an understanding that if we choose to neglect the Lowcountry, something beautiful,
06/09/2026
We’re thrilled to welcome these cultural institution partners to the Localist Card program, giving cardholders exclusive discounted access to local arts, culture, and history! 🎉
✨ International African American Museum
Enjoy 10% off any level of Annual Membership for year-round access to this powerful cultural institution.
✨ Historic Charleston Foundation
Explore some of Charleston’s most iconic historic house museums:
🏛️ Aiken-Rhett House
$3 off admission for you and a guest
🏛️ Nathaniel Russell House
$3 off admission for you and a guest
View more Localist Card offers from over 65 participating businesses at https://poln8.pollensocial.com/Ja3LUK
06/08/2026
Looking for the right commercial space for your business?
Whether you're opening your first brick and mortar, relocating, or planning for growth, finding the right space can feel overwhelming. Our Commercial Space Advising Program helps entrepreneurs navigate the process with confidence.
We can help you:
• Evaluate potential locations
• Understand leasing considerations
• Navigate zoning and permitting regulations
• Connect with local resources and experts
Our advisors work one-on-one with business owners to help them make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Ready to find a space that fits your vision?
Learn more and get started today at https://poln8.pollensocial.com/IlSkhs
06/04/2026
Our 2025 Annual Report just dropped, and the impact is worth celebrating.
In 2025, Lowcountry Local First:
✨ Served 770 local businesses
🎓 Graduated 57 entrepreneurs
💸 Helped business owners secure $77,000 in 0% interest loans
📍 Connected thousands of consumers with local businesses through our Local Business Directory and the launch of the Localist Card
🤝 Advocated for numerous policies that support local businesses at the local, state, and federal levels
This impact was made possible by our members, staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and the countless people who choose to support local every day. Thank you for being part of the movement.
Read the full report: https://poln8.pollensocial.com/ed3aSo
06/01/2026
🌽🍅 Eat Drink Local Season is still going strong, and there's no better time to visit your local farmers market or discover a new favorite. June brings peak harvests of sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, okra and more!
🎓 This month we're excited to celebrate the graduating class of the Spring 2026 Community Business Academy. Interested in starting or growing your own business? Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about the Fall 2026 cohort, designed specifically for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Plus, we're hosting a lineup of meetups designed to bring together solopreneurs and creatives so be sure to join us!
📅 Our June calendar is packed with member and community events celebrating Pride Month, Juneteenth, and so much more. Let us know what we missed and what you're most looking forward to this month in the comments!
Find more information at https://www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org/events/
05/27/2026
We’re excited to share something BIG for our local business community...
Lowcountry Local First has officially launched the Lowcountry Kiva Hub!
This new initiative helps small business owners across the Lowcountry access 0% interest, fee-free loans up to $15,000 to start or grow their businesses - because affordable, flexible capital shouldn’t be out of reach.
Through Kiva, entrepreneurs can access:
💡 Loans funded through community support, not collateral or credit scores
🤝 Hands-on technical assistance throughout the application process
🌱 Connections to local resources, mentorship, and business support
We’re proud to help create more pathways to opportunity for local entrepreneurs. Think this could help take your business to the next level? Learn more at lowcountrylocalfirst.org/invest-local
05/26/2026
👩🏽🏫 Learn more about the Community Business Academy by joining us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, May 27.
The 2026 fall cohort, hosted at the , will focus on the fundamentals of launching and running a food-based business. The program will be led by seasoned industry professional Rashunda Grant of . While the curriculum highlights food entrepreneurship, individuals from all industries are encouraged to apply, as the core business principles are broadly applicable.
Learn more at the link in our bio! 🔗
05/26/2026
👩🏽🏫 Learn more about the Community Business Academy by joining us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, May 27.
The 2026 fall cohort, hosted at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, will focus on the fundamentals of launching and running a food-based business. The program will be led by seasoned industry professional Rashunda Grant of The Carolina Cookery. While the curriculum highlights food entrepreneurship, individuals from all industries are encouraged to apply, as the core business principles are broadly applicable.
Sign up: https://poln8.pollensocial.com/pnkMsk
05/22/2026
📣 Are you a local business owner or manager? We want to hear from you!
Take the Local Business Survey at the 🔗 in our bio.
Our goal is to support you and tailor our tactical support and advocacy priorities to help you and the broader local business community succeed. To do this, we need your input.
Your feedback will provide critical data that helps us understand current challenges, identify growth opportunities, and shape future policy to improve our business landscape.
Thank you for all you do!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
1859 Summerville Avenue, #800
Charleston, SC
29405