Success Stories
CLIMB Fund has been lending to small business owners who struggle to secure traditional financing for going on 45 years. We especially focus our efforts on supporting BIPOC-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses, as well as businesses located in rural areas. We are proud to share some of their stories with you here.
Owner Dr. Pringle shars his story in opening A&A Seafood Shack. From challenges to successes, his story is one about overcoming obstacles. Watch and see how CLIMB Fund assisted in his journey!
Opening its doors in Charleston, Bar Polari is the city's newest gay bar. Owned by Brent Compagni, the bar pairs craft cocktails with elegant design and outdoor seating, creating a welcoming space that celebrates community and connection in the Lowcountry.
Find out what makes the Barrier Island Oyster Co. specialty oyster called the Sea Cloud so unique, how the business got started, and how CLIMB Fund was able to help! And, hear the latest on what's next for the business!
Watch Chef and Owner Jeremy Holst tell about his journey to opening the restaurant including overcoming the obstacles of cancer, what he calls his "story of 'No,'" and how CLIMB Fund was able to assist with the restaurant's funding needs.
Owner/Operator Greg Leonard tells about his journey in the food and beverage industry, his philosophy on leading his business, and what sets Big Billy's apart from the typical burger joint. And, hear about how CLIMB Fund was able to assist with the restaurant's funding needs!
Hear owner Mark Phoenix discuss what led him to start Big Daddy's Pork Skins, what makes them special, and how CLIMB Fund was able to assist him on his business journey! And, get the scoop on where you will be able to find Big Daddy's Pork Skins next!
Charlton Manigault, owner of Blades Barber Shop, ran his business for 17 years on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Then, Blades was forced to move from the original location to North Charleston due to the rapid development downtown. Learn how CLIMB Fund was able to assist Blades with the relocation.
Hear from owner Nancy Hunter as she shares how CLIMB Fund supported her in taking over Blanche Darby Florist of Charleston. She has owned and operated the shop for nearly six years, carrying on the legacy of one of Charleston's oldest florists. Established in 1935, Blanche Darby specializes in weddings, funerals, and special occasions, continuing to deliver beautiful floral designs and professional service throughout Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and the surrounding areas.
Find out how CLIMB Fund was able to assist with the funding needs of a well-known restaurant in the Charleston area and beyond! And, hear co-owner Roth Scott discuss his experience working with CLIMB Fund when he decided to test a new dining concept.
Co-founders and brothers Adrian and Andres Lorduy tell about their experience in the business world as first generation immigrants and how they built their IT company, a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).
Come along to the grand opening of owner Dana Ball's massage therapy school and learn how CLIMB Fund was able to assist with her project!
Hear owner James London explain why the seafood restaurant is so special and how CLIMB Fund played a part in turning the chef's vision into a reality.
Hear chef and owner Maka Aptciauri tell about how the grocery store and cafe got started and what's next in store for Euro Foods! Also, find out more about the nonprofit Chs4Ukraine, which Maka and her husband started to carry out relief and humanitarian efforts in the country.
See how Reggie Ellington, owner of F.A.S.T (Fitness and Sports Training) Athletic Performance Facility, took his business to the next level while working with CLIMB Fund.
Watch Owner Chris Fisher tell about his journey to opening the business, why small businesses should care about sustainability, their work with glass repurposing for countertops, and how CLIMB Fund assisted along the way!
High Steaks Butcher Shop is a specialty butcher offering high-quality, locally sourced meats. Known for expertly hand-cut steaks, specialty sausages, and custom orders, High Steaks provides fresh selections for grilling, smoking, and home-cooked meals. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and top-tier craftsmanship sets them apart as a trusted local butcher.
Hear Owner Director Catherine Toombs explain the impact that working with CLIMB Fund had on opening her child development center and what's next for It Takes a Village Daycare!
No more last-minute gas station stops! Juiced Fuel is a mobile fuel delivery service that brings high-quality gasoline straight to your vehicle—wherever you are. Whether you're a busy professional, a fleet manager, or just someone who values convenience, Juiced Fuel keeps you moving without the hassle.
CLIMB Fund Director of Client Experience and Success interviews owners Dinavey Isaza and Cutberto Martinez about their landscaping company and cleaning service and about their experience with CLIMB Fund.
Check out Whitney Miller's journey to open her own beauty salon and how CLIMB Fund was able to help.
This media company owned by Fernando Soto works to inform and uplift the Latinx communities in South Carolina and Georgia through his news outlets Pasa La Voz Noticias and The People's Beat.
Meet Owl Bear Cafe! Located in Mount Pleasant South Carolina, this coffee shop has it all from board games, sweet treats, delicious drinks, and a warming atmosphere. Listen to their story!
Rype Juice Bar is making healthy living more accessible in Charleston with fresh-pressed juices and a strong community focus. In this spotlight, the owners share their business journey and how CLIMB Fund supported their growth with flexible financing and hands-on guidance.
Owner Cody Cooper ran into some roadblocks with logistics when attempting to launch a pedal pub in downtown Charleston. So, he took his idea to the water instead. Watch to come aboard!
Hear Barbara Wynn's story about her business Spirits Express!
Take a look inside owner Michael Haldeman's bike shop and hear how CLIMB Fund was able to help get the project rolling.
Owner Stephanie Button shares what makes her children's and baby store unique and how CLIMB Fund was able to help her achieve her dreams.
Find out how owner Kristina Kirk kept her pet grooming business thriving after a defective blower caused a fire that burned the entire storefront.