When a consumer spends $100 in a chain store, on average only $14 stays in the community. That same $100 spent at a locally-owned business, leads to $45 of local reinvestment.

For Lowcountry Local First, holding onto that extra value is a crucial part of developing sustainable, and vibrant local economies.

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is a non-profit that promotes local and independently owned businesses, and provides them with resources to become more economically sustainable. Through the Growing New Farmers Program, LLF gives aspiring farmers a full course on organic agriculture and placement in local food businesses within the network.