CLIMB Fund
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Lending for opportunity to create local impact and elevate opportunity.
Creating jobs and fostering economic development through small business loans in South Carolina.
06/08/2026
Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs across South Carolina.
Yesterday morning, CLIMB Fund CEO F.A. Johnson joined Mike Switzer on South Carolina Business Review to discuss the realities many small business owners face when seeking financing and why expanding access to capital is essential for economic growth.
Entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive innovation, but too many still encounter barriers when trying to secure the resources needed to start or grow their businesses. Creating pathways to opportunity requires solutions that meet business owners where they are and provide access to both capital and support.
Thank you to Mike Switzer and South Carolina Business Review for the opportunity to highlight this important conversation.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast here: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/show/south-carolina-business-review/2026-06-04/accessing-ca...
06/04/2026
CLIMB Fund is proud to welcome Nancy J. Leon as Chief Financial Officer. 👏
With more than 20 years of experience across finance, accounting, nonprofit leadership, and community development finance, Nancy brings valuable expertise to CLIMB Fund as we continue expanding access to capital and supporting entrepreneurs across South Carolina.
Nancy will help lead the organization’s financial strategy, reporting, compliance, and operational planning in support of CLIMB Fund’s mission and long-term growth.
Please join us in welcoming Nancy to the CLIMB Fund team! 🎉
06/03/2026
This Pride Month, CLIMB Fund proudly celebrates LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, creators, business owners, and community members across South Carolina. 🌈
We believe every person deserves access to opportunity, support, and the resources needed to grow and thrive authentically. We’re proud to stand alongside LGBTQ+ communities and recognize the impact they make in strengthening our local economies and communities every day.
Happy Pride Month from CLIMB Fund. 💛
Small Business Month Wrapped! 🎉
We had an incredible time this month celebrating National Small Business Month and connecting with entrepreneurs, partners, and communities across South Carolina.
This month, we had the opportunity to participate in:
📍 Florence SBA Lender Matchmaker Event, Florence, SC
📍 City of Columbia Small Business Opportunity Annual Small Business Conference, Columbia, SC
📍 Sundial Festival, Barnwell, SC
📍 The Wonder Group Presents Blueprint for Economic Impact Summit & Vendor Expo, Mount Pleasant, SC
📍 SBA Lender Matchmaking Event & Luncheon, Columbia, SC
We’re also incredibly honored and grateful to share that during the SBA Lender Matchmaking Luncheon, CLIMB Fund was recognized as South Carolina’s #1 SBA Microlender in Dollar Volume and Number of Microloans, as well as the Inaugural South Carolina SBDC 2026 Leader in Loan Volume.
We are thankful for this recognition and for the opportunity to continue expanding access to capital, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurs across South Carolina. Thank you to our investors, partners, and clients who continue to believe in and support our mission. 💙
EntrepreneurSupport
Small Business Month Client Spotlight ✨
Lillie’s of Charleston is a family-owned specialty food business bringing bold Lowcountry flavors to customers through their sauces, seasonings, spices, and Gullah Pop popcorn line found in grocery stores and online retailers.
In this spotlight, Tracey Richardson, CEO of Lillie’s of Charleston, shares how CLIMB Fund’s support extended beyond access to capital through technical assistance, marketing guidance, and valuable professional connections that helped strengthen and grow the business.
As Lillie’s of Charleston continues expanding its product offerings and exploring new opportunities in the snack industry, we’re proud to support their journey and celebrate the impact they’re creating across South Carolina and beyond.
Learn more about how CLIMB Fund can help support your small business by visiting CLIMBFund.org.
05/25/2026
Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. We are grateful for their service and honor the lasting impact they have left on our communities and our nation.
Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day. 🇺🇸
As we recognize Memorial Day weekend and continue celebrating Small Business Month, we take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸
Because of their sacrifice, generations have had the opportunity to pursue dreams, build businesses, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.
As you support small businesses this weekend, we also encourage you to consider veteran-owned businesses in your community, including:
⭐ Dead Low Cafe
⭐ Kavalyn Custom Solutions
⭐ A&A Seafood Shack
⭐ Juiced Fuel
We remember those who gave everything and honor the lasting impact their service continues to have on communities across our nation.
05/20/2026
Behind CLIMB Fund’s mission are leaders who understand what it means to build, grow, and invest in our communities firsthand. This Small Business Month, we’re spotlighting members of our Board of Directors who are also business owners, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across South Carolina.
From real estate and sustainability to consulting, hospitality, and community engagement, these leaders bring real-world experience and a shared commitment to creating opportunity where it’s needed most. 💼✨
Their work doesn’t stop at their businesses. They also help guide CLIMB Fund’s mission to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and expand access to opportunity across our state.
• Radia Baxter — CEO & Owner, Louie B. & Co Consulting
• Sonja Southerland — Chief People Officer & Founder, Innovate Human Capital Solutions
• Jabari Seabrook — President & Owner, Charleston Affair
• Chris Fisher — Owner, Fisher Recycling
• William “Bill” Thompson Jr. — Owner, Belser Thompson Real Estate
This Small Business Month, we’re proud to celebrate entrepreneurs making an impact in their communities every single day. 💼✨
Thank you to A&A Seafood Shack for trusting CLIMB Fund as a partner in your business journey. Reviews like these are a reminder that access to capital, guidance, and support can help create real opportunities for small business owners across South Carolina.
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, creating jobs, building connections, and driving local growth.
05/14/2026
CLIMB Fund is proud to welcome Anthony Weston as Chief Lending and Credit Officer.👏
With experience across mission-driven lending, traditional banking, and community development finance, Anthony brings valuable expertise to this role as CLIMB Fund continues strengthening its lending operations and supporting entrepreneurs across South Carolina.
💡 Fun Fact: Anthony is no stranger to being an invaluable team player. He's played basketball in college and internationally, and has also been a high school basketball coach for more than 10 years!
Please join us in welcoming Anthony to the CLIMB Fund team!🎉
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2 Race Street
Charleston, SC
29403
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9:30am - 1pm |