** ALERT: We are now updating this Resources Hub page of our site. Please use this new page for the most current updates.ACTION ITEMS:Apply for SBA relief loan.View SC Department of Commerce resource center.View SC employment law resources.Facebook has launched a $100 million grant program for small
By Lauren Gellatly, Director of Operations + Interim Executive Director beginning January 1, 2021For the last 15 years, the team at Lowcountry Local First has stood on the shoulders of a giant. A 5′ 3″ giant who sparked the local movement across the Lowcountry.Thanks to her, farmers markets have pop
The below was posted on WSJ.com, Dec 22, 2020:The Paycheck Protection Program is getting a reboot as part of Congress’s latest coronavirus stimulus package. The $900 billion deal includes $284 billion for PPP, which will reopen after closing in August. Much like the program’s first iteration, the ai
Tips & Tricks for 2021 Business Planning: 1. Look Back to Look Forward – Close out the year financially, review 2020 goals, accomplishments & shortcomings. Do you know what you should be looking for?2. Manifest the results you want: Financial Plan, Strategic Plan, SMART Goals, forecasting & budget
The holiday season tends to bring with it a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the year ahead. This year, despite it being a seemingly endless uphill battle, is no different. Lowcountry Local First has – for more than a decade now – ended its year with a Buy Local-centric public awareness campai
The countdown has begun to the 8th annual Good Business Summit! We look forward to this two-day virtual event on the mornings of February 24 – 25th, 2021 (9am – 12pm).Join us as entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country share inspiration and tactics for building a company with PROFI
We extend our gratitude to member businesses Turning Page Bookshop (VaLinda), Park Pets Park Circle (Tye and Kristine), and Ted’s Butcherblock (Ted) and to the neighbors and local vendors at the Charleston Farmers Market for being such gracious representatives of this community and beautifully displ
NEWS – Essentially Charleston, an online shop dedicated to sharing the essence of the city via its makers, artisans, and designers, announced its grand opening today. Filled with beautiful, carefully curated handcrafted items and products made, built or designed in the Charleston region, Essentially
Jamee Haley to step down after leading the nonprofit organization for nearly 15 years (October 13, 2020) – Lowcountry Local First (LLF) will launch a nationwide search for a new Executive Director, as founding Executive Director Jamee Haley has announced her departure from the nonprofit organizatio
Lowcountry Local First (LLF) has partnered with local-independent telecom company, Home Telecom, to launch a Small Business Relief Grants program to aid business owners who’ve faced adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiated by the generosity of Home Telecom through a gift of $50,000, the
(Do you know of a market not listed below? Let us know!)— UPCOMING MARKETS —Holiday Shop at Soirée Now thru Christmas | Wednesday-Sundays | 11am-5pm Soirée70 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29403— PAST MARKETS —Charleston Holiday Markets in Marion Square Sats and Suns, Dec 5 – Dec 20 | 9am-3pm Marion Sq
Good Enterprises’ Community Business Academy Graduates 19 New EntrepreneursLowcountry Local First’s Good Enterprises initiative now accepting applicants into its Fall Community Business AcademiesLowcountry Local First (LLF), a nonprofit focused on economic development centered around local-ownership
Fund seeks additional support to reach its goalLowcountry Local First (LLF) has joined the Charleston Together Initiative started by State Senator Marlon Kimpson and State Representative Marvin Pendarvis on May 31, 2020 alongside the Coastal Community Foundation. To date, the fund has raised 72% of
Lowcountry Local First relocates, expands its local-independent coworking spaceLocal Works to open in RCB Development’s “The Lumberyard” before end of yearLowcountry Local First (LLF) is set to relocate and expand its local-independent coworking space known as Local Works. The nonprofit economy-buil
As we continue the work to evolve into an anti-racist organization, we wish to let transparency and humility lead the way. We will continue to provide updates on steps taken, goals set and ways you can hold us accountable.Immediate Actions Taken:– As a starting place, we held an in-person, socially-
We are deeply saddened by the destruction of businesses in downtown Charleston and across the nation, but we are more outraged at the killing of innocent black people. We believe the anger and frustration being displayed is valid. Unfortunately peaceful protests and being “strong” have done nothing
These past 2 months have felt like 2 years. My team and I have been in the trenches with the local business community that we love and depend on. We have been helping them navigate the funding options available in a constantly changing environment, offering individual consulting and providing webina
Provided by Jamee Haley, Executive Director. Posted by the Post & Courier, May 14, 2020:Once the panic subsides, if it does subside, we would be mistaken to not pause long enough to think about the future of our city, region and country through a new lens. Charleston’s real estate boom has been like
View recording of a webinar held with William Furman from the SBA on Wed, Mar 24 at 3 pm. ET.View slides from the webinar.Additional information regarding the SBA’s Economic Disaster Relief Program is shared below including application completion tips and SBA’s FACT SHEET.Application Completion Tips
For thirteen years, Lowcountry Local First has been the only resource dedicated solely to the local-independent business community. We work day in and day out to ensure the Lowcountry is a place in which local business can thrive and to build an economy where all might have an opportunity to prosper
Eat Local Challenge: Make the ShiftApril 1-30Lowcountry Local First’s Eat Local Challenge takes place throughout the entire month of April each year. We challenge you to shift $10 or more of your weekly food spending towards the local food system. By signing the Pledge, we’ll guide you on where to f
You can’t buy love, but you can buy local and that’s kind of the same thing. Show off your Local Love and support locally-owned businesses this Valentine’s Day. Not sure where to start? We have you covered with our Local Business Directory.Last Minute Valentine’s Day plans and gifts:The Cocktail Clu
At Lowcountry Local First, we believe ownership matters and relationships matter. Our goal is to support the local business community and tailor our programs to help our community gain access to every chance at success. That’s why we work with businesses, community members, and policymakers to build