Addielee’s Kitchen & Catering LLC, a women-owned food business, expanded its production after securing a $15,000 loan through the Lowcountry Kiva Hub, according to an April 27 announcement. The funding will help purchase commercial equipment to meet increasing demand for the company’s frozen gourmet chicken patties in grocery stores across South Carolina and Alabama.
The story highlights how access to local financing can support small businesses in growing their operations and reaching new markets. Addielee’s Kitchen & Catering was founded by Annie Whitlock, whose passion for cooking began during her childhood in Alabama. Whitlock developed her signature chicken patty while working at a daycare and later obtained a patent for the product before launching it commercially.
Lowcountry Local First served as the Kiva Trustee that endorsed Whitlock’s campaign. “As a trusted community partner, we identify, endorse and offer support to small business owners who are ready to grow, helping them unlock 0% interest funding through Kiva,” the organization said in its statement. The group also said it is committed to providing equitable access to capital while investing in people and businesses that strengthen the local economy.
Lowcountry Local First operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization according to its official website. It funds its work through membership dues and additional sponsorships from members who support other businesses according to the official website. The organization extends its efforts across the eight-county Lowcountry region of South Carolina according to the official website.
Its initiatives aim at promoting economic prosperity and local ownership by enhancing community wealth and well-being according to the official website. In addition, it works with commercial developers and municipal entities on projects that prevent displacement of small businesses according to the official website.
The organization says it fosters cultural and social well-being by promoting inclusive leadership and leveling opportunities for local businesses according to the official website. As more entrepreneurs consider launching their own campaigns with guidance from groups like Lowcountry Local First, observers may see continued growth among locally owned enterprises.
