Beyond running an awareness campaign like Move Your Money Month, how are communities connecting local entrepreneurs to the capital they need and inspiring their community to invest in homegrown businesses? One innovative example is Lowcountry Local First’s (SC) Invest Local Initiative. In addition to community banks, credit unions, and other traditional funders, this initiative uses crowdfunding platforms like Kiva to unlock both flexible, affordable capital and community support for small businesses.

Jacquie Berger, executive director of Lowcountry Local First, will share what sparked this initiative, their current successes and challenges, and what’s next.