Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

Lowcountry Local First's Good Enterprises initiative is a catalyst for reshaping the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to one that provides equitable opportunity for business ownership, in order to transform lives and communities. The program provides business education and coaching specifically tailored to underserved entrepreneurs with the guiding objective of creating economic opportunity for all. Good Enterprises utilizes the proven model and curriculum of Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit based in New Jersey whose mission is to assist struggling individuals and communities to build strong businesses which transform lives, strengthen families, and build sustainable communities. The entrepreneurs served through this program require access to capital and many of them are not ready to pursue capital from a conventional lender, either because of immigration status, credit history, or years in business. The Kiva program would help these "invisible" borrowers start to develop a track record while growing their businesses.

What is the mission of your organization?

Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and wellbeing.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

Initially only graduates of Lowcountry Local First's Community Business Academy will be endorsed. This may be further restricted to those who have also participated in a new "Capital Collective" training or who have made it to a certain stage in our organization's annual pitch competition.