Good Enterprises in Action

Big congratulations to Tremaine “Abenaa” Moore – a 2024 Pitch finalist – and founder of Naturally Geechee, for securing $4,500 on Kiva.org! Tremaine plans to utilize these funds and meet growing demand head-on by investing in manufacturing equipment, purchasing raw materials in bulk, and expanding marketing efforts to attract new customers. This funding will help Naturally […]

We are thrilled to congratulate Andrea Serrano with Glossy Jewellery  – our 2023 Pitch competition winner – on securing $10,500 through Kiva.org! This incredible achievement will help Andrea—a talented immigrant entrepreneur—invest in much-needed equipment to craft custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry for her clients. With the support of 453 lenders from around the world, Andrea’s vision is […]

We had an amazing time at the Holy City Holiday Market in Park Circle on Saturday, December 21st! It was incredible to see so many Community Business Academy graduates showcasing their unique products and meeting new customers outside of The Station at Park Circle. From jewelry and art to thoughtful gifts, their talent and creativity […]

    Visit the The Station at Park Circle to explore an array of handcrafted treasures created by talented graduates of the Community Business Academy as part of our Retail Residency Program. Discover hand-poured soy candles from Luzaromas LLC, stunning pressed flower art from Wild Love Botanicals, and beautiful jewelry from Ive’s Art & Creation […]

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduating class of the Community Business Academy!  We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and build thriving, sustainable communities. Since the program’s launch in Fall 2019, we’re proud to have supported over 300 graduates and the talented business owners they’ve become! View the full album from the […]

  We recently rotated in the third round of Community Business Academy graduates at our Retail Residency Program hosted at The Station Park Circle. From November through December you’ll find handmade crochet pieces from America Distributions, beautiful shoes from Gola Sweetgrass Sandals, and nourishing skincare products from Naturally Geeche on the Lowcountry Local First-sponsored shelf. We’re thrilled to […]

  We’re celebrating Nadine Johnson and Your Mobile Tutor for securing $7,000 on Kiva.org, powered by 106 lenders worldwide! This funding will help Nadine continue her mission of improving K-8 mathematics and K-12 English language arts (ELA) proficiency through her innovative mobile tutoring service. By bringing education directly to students—meeting them where they are—Your Mobile […]

Lowcountry Local First hosted its third annual “Ready, Set, Pitch!” competition on September 21, 2024 to award a $10,000 cash prize to a local entrepreneur. Graduates of the organization’s 12-week Community Business Academy were invited to apply to the competition, submitting videos and pitch decks to an outside review committee. The top five entrepreneurs then […]

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Ready, Set, Pitch! competition! After an impressive round of submissions, these innovative entrepreneurs have risen to the top, showcasing their creativity, passion, and business acumen. Each finalist brings a unique vision to the table, and we can’t wait to see them pitch their ideas live. […]

Congratulations to Naturally Geechee (Tremaine Abenaa Moore, Spring ’24) on being one of ten selected businesses for the 2024 Cohort Vendor Showcase program at the International African American Museum (IAAM). Her line of natural skincare products for sensitive skin is now available for sale in the museum’s gift shop. Read More.

Spring 2022 Community Business Academy Graduate, Ebeny Bland Owner of Escape Haven & Co., was interviewed on The ZD Experience Show on Ohm Radio to chat about Ebeny’s journey from overcoming a serious neck injury to launching a thriving self-care brand – it’s nothing short of inspiring.    Listen on OHM Radio

2024 James Beard Media Award winner KJ Kearney and 2022 Community Business Academy Graduate, will launch his event series titled Bite the Power on Monday, July 29, in Charleston. Billed as “the world’s first traveling Black food storytelling event,” Bite the Power invites speakers to present a story focused on Black food for eight minutes. The first event features Cheryl […]

We recently rotated in the third round of Community Business Academy graduates at our Retail Residency Program hosted at The Station Park Circle. From July through September 2024 you’ll find handmade art from MagikBeanShop, gold plated gems from Amelie Jewelry, empowering, character-building children’s books from Your Mobile Tutor and beautiful leather pieces from Laura Vivian Leather on the Lowcountry […]

En medio del vibrante tapiz de apoyo comunitario y espíritu emprendedor, la Academia Empresarial de Lowcountry Local First (“La Academia”) celebró otro logro notable el 13 de junio. Un total de 17 personas dedicadas, representando tanto a las cohortes de inglés como de español, se graduaron con orgullo del programa intensivo de 12 semanas, elevando […]

Congratulations to LaShaya Norton, graduate of the Spring 2023 Community Business Academy and owner of Wanderland Mobile Grocery for capturing 2nd place and securing $6,000 at the YWCA We 360° Pitch Competition!  Read more    

Hello Entrepreneurs / Hola Emprendedorxs / Olá Empreendedores, Happy May! Spring is here and as entrepreneurs, it’s a great time to do a little spring cleaning for your business. Here are 3 quick tips to help you get started: 1. Tidy up your website Having a great website is a powerful tool for small businesses, but neglecting it […]

Watch Tanya Hearn, Graduate of the Spring 2022 Community Business Academy and owner of Charcuterie Happy Board on Palmetto Life showcasing her beautiful charcuterie boards and cones, the perfect treat for National Picnic Day. View Video

Christina Miller, Graduate of the Fall 2021 Community Business Academy and owner of Bert & T’s Desserts, was recently profiled by the Charleston City Paper. Read her interview and learn more about her passion for baking Gullah and southern desserts inspired by her two late grandmothers. Read More

Brittany moved to Charleston, SC in 2006 when her father retired from the United States Navy, though her mother is originally from Charleston. Falling in love with the stunning aesthetic of Charleston, which was historic and beautiful, Brittany has always prioritized service to others and unity, values instilled by her Jamaican background. Implementing those teachings, […]

Hello Entrepreneurs / Hola Emprendedorxs / Olá Empreendedores,  As I reflect on our journey, it’s hard to believe that a month has passed since the launch of our Spring 2024 Community Business Academy. We’re already at the midpoint of this transformative experience. Sharing this path with all of you has been incredibly meaningful to me. It’s […]