Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $789,724 to Expand an Entrepreneurial Training Program in Charleston, South Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $789,724 grant to Lowcountry Local First, Charleston, South Carolina, to support their Good Growth Program.

This project will support an initiative to expand the Good Enterprises entrepreneur training and support program. The project will be matched with $306,087 in state and local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration supports locally-driven efforts to spur economic growth and prosperity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will provide equitable opportunities for small business development while promoting economic resiliency.”

“Small and local businesses bore the brunt of the devastating COVID economic impact,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01). “I am pleased to hear federal funds are continuing to help those in need in the Lowcountry.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG). EDA funds BCDCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.