Charleston, S.C. – CLIMB Fund is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2025 Competitive Grant from Waccamaw Community Foundation to support its Elevate360 program for small business consulting and technical assistance.

The award was recognized during Waccamaw Community Foundation’s Granting Day celebration on October 9 at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theater. The event highlighted nonprofits across Horry and Georgetown counties and the work being done to strengthen communities and expand opportunities.

This grant will help CLIMB Fund expand the reach of Elevate360, a program designed to provide entrepreneurs with one-on-one consulting, workshops, and specialized business support that helps entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses for the long term.

As South Carolina’s largest nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CLIMB Fund has deployed more than $40 million in loans through 843 small businesses statewide. Nearly 70% of borrowers are low-to-moderate income, 50% are startup or early-stage businesses, and 25% are rural.

About Elevate360

Elevate360 provides tailored technical assistance and consulting to small business owners across South Carolina. Through individualized coaching, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, the program equips entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to achieve stability, growth, and long-term success.

About CLIMB Fund

CLIMB Fund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that creates access to capital, jobs, and opportunities where they otherwise would not exist. Since its founding, CLIMB Fund has supported more than 843 businesses with over $40 million in financing, helping entrepreneurs build stronger communities and pathways to economic opportunity across South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.climbfund.org.     

---

For further information or media inquires, please contact: Briel Young at Briel@climbfund.org