The Charleston Chamber Foundation, through the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to support the Chamber’s new Business Creation platform.

Despite the Charleston region’s strong economic growth, recent national rankings show business formation lagging behind peer metros. The Chamber’s Business Creation platform was developed to address those challenges through coordinated support services, education, mentorship and collaboration.

Truist’s generous investment will help launch and scale programs focused on technical assistance, entrepreneurial training, ecosystem development and small business education—particularly for underserved entrepreneurs and businesses facing barriers to growth.

“Truist is committed to strengthening small business ecosystems and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to succeed,” said Mark Lattanzio, Coastal Market President for Truist. “The Charleston Metro Chamber’s Business Creation platform represents a collaborative and forward-thinking approach that will help drive long-term economic mobility and business growth across the region.”

The Business Creation platform aligns with Truist Foundation’s mission to strengthen small businesses and build resilient communities through innovative partnerships and economic opportunity.

“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are critical drivers of our region’s economic success,” said Kevin Sheilley, President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “This generous investment from Truist Foundation will allow us to build a stronger, more connected ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey and expands opportunity throughout the Charleston region.”

The initiative includes five key focus areas:

• One-on-one technical assistance and advising for entrepreneurs
• Development of a regional Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap
• Launch of the Kauffman FastTrac® entrepreneurial training program
• Monthly small business workshops
• Expanded networking and mentorship opportunities through inclusive business forums and partnerships

The Chamber’s Business Creation platform is designed to strengthen entrepreneurship, expand access to resources and help small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive across the Charleston metro area.

About Truist Foundation: Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at TruistFoundation.org.