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, meaningful, and unique fades away. Lowcountry Local First is a way of life that celebrates and supports what we love most: the local, independent businesses and farmers who reflect the unique character, flavor, and culture of the place we call home. You have a choice. To choose the Lowcountry with your dollars. Your vote. Your voice. Your heart. So, choose – with everything you’ve got.
Business owners, are YOU IN?
Join Charleston’s Localist Card program and give people a reason to discover your business and come back for more. Simply offer an exclusive perk or discount, and we’ll feature your business in the Localist Directory alongside a growing community of 75+ participating local businesses.
In 2026, we sold over 650 cards to people eager to support local. Let’s put your shop, restaurant, cultural destination, or service business on their radar ahead of the 2027 Localist Card launching January 1!
Best of all, participation is FREE for Lowcountry Local First members.
Already a member or ready to join? Fill out the Localist Card Interest Form at the link in our bio, and we’ll help you get started!
10/05/2026
Calling Charleston’s women in arts and culture! ✨ Join us for the first G.L.A.M. Charleston Chapter Meetup, a welcoming space for women working in galleries, libraries, archives, museums, and anywhere creativity and culture intersect.
Whether you’re a student, an emerging professional, or an established leader, come connect, share what you’re working on, and help shape future meetups. If you’re looking for mentorship, networking, professional development, or a community of women who understand your field, this meetup is for you!
📅 October 8 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Philosophers & Fools
Space is limited. Free for members, $5 for Non-Members.
RSVP at the 🔗 in bio
10/01/2026
Buy Local Season (October–December) is here, which means fall weather must be around the corner… right? 🫠 We’re hopeful!
This month, we’re kicking off our first G.L.A.M. meetup for folks working in galleries, libraries, archives, museums, theaters, and beyond. We love bringing our creative community together!
We’re also excited for the AAPI Charleston Harvest Festival on October 18 at The Navy Yard, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, and Filipino American History Month. Bring the family for great food, local vendors, artisans, and activities!
Lastly, enjoy a roundup of events and happenings around town from our members and friends. ✨
09/29/2026
We had a lovely evening on the rooftop of Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery for our September Local Social! The vibes were high, the food and beverages were delicious, and it was great to hear updates and stories from our community of local business owners.
Thank you to Heather and Chef Todd for hosting and feeding us. And thank you to everyone who came out and joined us for a good time! 🕺
📸: JB McCabe
09/24/2026
For generations, Marvin’s family has farmed the same land in Dorchester County. Today, he is carrying that legacy forward through Peculiar Pig Farm. 🐖🌱
As a fifth-generation farmer, Marvin raises woodlot-raised heritage hogs and other livestock using sustainable, regenerative practices. The pigs roam freely, forage on natural acorns and receive all-natural heirloom grain feed sourced locally. Rotational grazing also helps promote healthy soil, reduce the farm’s environmental impact and support animal well-being.
Marvin is currently raising $15,000 through the Lowcountry Kiva Hub to purchase cold-storage equipment and expand the farm’s inventory. This investment will help Peculiar Pig Farm serve more customers, increase access to locally raised food and preserve the family’s farmland for future generations.
Loans start at just $25. Visit the 'Invest Local' link in our bio to support Marvin and invest in the future of local farming in the Lowcountry!
09/23/2026
Let’s give Sechey a heartfelt send-off! 🥂
This beloved “dry-ish” bottle shop on King Street is closing its doors as the business prepares to relocate out of state. Localist Cardholders are invited to stop by one last time, shop the sale and receive an extra 10% off already reduced inventory.
PLUS, each cardholder will receive a complimentary goodie bag featuring a Sechey sparkling w**e mini, their choice of a THC beverage or non-THC ready-to-drink beverage, and a koozie.
Don’t have a card yet? We’ll be there selling 2026 Localist Cards for $5 off, so you can enjoy this special perk and dozens more from locally owned businesses across the community.
📍 Sechey
📅 September 26 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
09/16/2026
Let’s give Sechey a heartfelt send-off! 🥂
This beloved “dry-ish” bottle shop on King Street is closing its doors as the business prepares to relocate out of state. Localist Cardholders are invited to stop by one last time, shop the sale and receive an extra 10% off already reduced inventory.
PLUS, each cardholder will receive a complimentary goodie bag featuring a Sechey sparkling w**e mini, their choice of a THC beverage or non-THC ready-to-drink beverage, and a koozie.
Don’t have a card yet? We’ll be there selling 2026 Localist Cards for $5 off, so you can enjoy this special perk and dozens more from locally owned businesses across the community.
📍 Sechey
📅 September 26 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
09/11/2026
Let’s kick off the weekend with drinks! 🍻
Join us at on Friday, September 25, for a Localist Card pop-up among sours, ping pong, trivia, and good company.
Bring your 2026 Localist Card and stick around for the deal: cardholders will receive 20% off purchases at Snafu Brewing from September 25 through the end of November. Wowza!
Don’t have a card yet? Stop by the pop-up to get one for $5 off and start enjoying this brewery perk, plus dozens more from locally owned businesses across the area.
📍
📅 Friday, September 25
⏰ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
09/09/2026
We’re heading to Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery for our next Local Social on Thursday, September 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. Join us on the second floor terrace to enjoy the cooler weather, grab a drink, and meet and mingle with fellow LLF members.
We can’t wait to see you there!
September Local Social
September 17, 2026
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery
247 Congress Street Charleston, SC 29403
Light sips and bites provided. Capacity is limited. Registration is required. NO COST for LLF member businesses or their employees. Non-member cost is $20/person.
https://poln8.pollensocial.com/s1Madm
A billion-dollar PE firm. A $744M casino. A bank with $5B in assets. The federal government wants to call all of these “small businesses” 🤨
The SBA is proposing to massively expand who qualifies as “small” — which controls access to $200B+ in federal contracts and loans meant for businesses like yours. Past research shows when this has happened before (at a much smaller scale), real small businesses lost revenue, cut jobs, and closed at higher rates.
Public comment is open now through Sept 21. Regulators mostly hear from big business lobbyists — they need to hear from Main Street too.
👉 regulations.gov — Docket SBA-2026-0199
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Thank you to our partners at Small Business Rising for calling attention to this issue.
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1859 Summerville Avenue, #800
Charleston, SC
29405
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