CLIMB Fund

Small Business Month Wrapped! 🎉
We had an incredible time this month celebrating National Small Business Month and connecting with entrepreneurs, partners, and communities across South Carolina.

This month, we had the opportunity to participate in:

📍 Florence SBA Lender Matchmaker Event, Florence, SC

📍 City of Columbia Small Business Opportunity Annual Small Business Conference, Columbia, SC

📍 Sundial Festival, Barnwell, SC

📍 The Wonder Group Presents Blueprint for Economic Impact Summit & Vendor Expo, Mount Pleasant, SC

📍 SBA Lender Matchmaking Event & Luncheon, Columbia, SC

We’re also incredibly honored and grateful to share that during the SBA Lender Matchmaking Luncheon, CLIMB Fund was recognized as South Carolina’s #1 SBA Microlender in Dollar Volume and Number of Microloans, as well as the Inaugural South Carolina SBDC 2026 Leader in Loan Volume.

We are thankful for this recognition and for the opportunity to continue expanding access to capital, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurs across South Carolina. Thank you to our investors, partners, and clients who continue to believe in and support our mission. 💙

EntrepreneurSupport

Small Business Month Client Spotlight ✨

Lillie’s of Charleston is a family-owned specialty food business bringing bold Lowcountry flavors to customers through their sauces, seasonings, spices, and Gullah Pop popcorn line found in grocery stores and online retailers.

In this spotlight, Tracey Richardson, CEO of Lillie’s of Charleston, shares how CLIMB Fund’s support extended beyond access to capital through technical assistance, marketing guidance, and valuable professional connections that helped strengthen and grow the business.

As Lillie’s of Charleston continues expanding its product offerings and exploring new opportunities in the snack industry, we’re proud to support their journey and celebrate the impact they’re creating across South Carolina and beyond.

Learn more about how CLIMB Fund can help support your small business by visiting CLIMBFund.org.

As we recognize Memorial Day weekend and continue celebrating Small Business Month, we take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸

Because of their sacrifice, generations have had the opportunity to pursue dreams, build businesses, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

As you support small businesses this weekend, we also encourage you to consider veteran-owned businesses in your community, including:
⭐ Dead Low Cafe
⭐ Kavalyn Custom Solutions
⭐ A&A Seafood Shack
⭐ Juiced Fuel

We remember those who gave everything and honor the lasting impact their service continues to have on communities across our nation.

This Small Business Month, we’re proud to celebrate entrepreneurs making an impact in their communities every single day. 💼✨

Thank you to A&A Seafood Shack for trusting CLIMB Fund as a partner in your business journey. Reviews like these are a reminder that access to capital, guidance, and support can help create real opportunities for small business owners across South Carolina.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities, creating jobs, building connections, and driving local growth.