Lowcountry Local First

06/18/2026

We're back with part two of our 2026 Eat Drink Local Season co-presenting sponsor spotlight featuring David Thompson of David Thompson Studio and Steve Palmer of The Indigo Road Group.

In this conversation, we explore the importance of localizing your business, from hiring local service providers to sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors.

These relationships strengthen the local economy by keeping dollars circulating in the Lowcountry, preserving our community’s unique culture and character.

A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsors for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting local.

06/17/2026

We're grateful to and for co-sponsoring the 2026 Eat Drink Local Season and its signature event, the 18th annual Chef's Potluck.

Together, these two local companies have helped create some of Charleston's most iconic dining destinations, blending thoughtful design with exceptional hospitality.

To spotlight their longstanding partnership, we sat down with David Thompson and Steve Palmer to discuss one of their newest collaborations, , a neighborhood izakaya and beer garden on Upper King. Hear from them as they share the vision behind the project and their passion for Charleston's vibrant hospitality community.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive deeper into their story and and the impact of building strong local relationships.

06/15/2026

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATE

THANK YOU to the 100+ indie business owners who have already completed our annual Local Business Survey! Your feedback keeps our pulse on the exact issues impacting your bottom line and guides our advocacy all year long.

Missed it? We’ve extended the deadline to THIS FRIDAY! Take 10 minutes to make your voice heard—the link is in our bio! 🔗 (Results dropping later this month!)

Here is what else we are tracking for you right now:
📍 LOCAL: Your voice is needed this summer! Shape the future of our business corridors by weighing in on North Charleston’s Unified Development Ordinance at onenorthcharleston.com. Plus, stay tuned for City of Charleston Peninsula Plan stakeholder meetings this July.

⚖️ STATE: Primary runoffs are coming up on Tuesday, June 23rd. Don’t sit this one out - these elections directly impact local businesses. Check your ballot status right now at scvotes.gov.

🇺🇸 FEDERAL: We are watching Bill S.4411 (Investing in the American Dream Act), currently in the Senate Small Business Committee where Sen. Tim Scott serves. This bill aims to restore previous SBA rules to ensure legal permanent residents, green card holders, and refugees have fair access to small business loans.
👉 ACTION ITEMS FOR TODAY: Head to the link in our bio, finish that survey by Friday, and check your voting status for June 23rd!

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

06/03/2026

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