EforAll Lowcountry hires first Executive Director and announces office location
October 12, 2023
Local minority small business advocate, Raquel Padgett, to lead new Business Accelerator program for under-served entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accelerate economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship, announced the appointment of Raquel Padgett, Economic Continuity Alliance executive director and co-founder, as the first Executive Director of EforAll Lowcountry. Located at the Beaufort Town Center, the recently announced program will be available at no cost to participants with classes launching in 2024. In her new role, Padgett will develop operational strategies, community partnerships and oversee the program as it serves aspiring under-represented entrepreneurs in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties.
“Raquel has been a Lowcountry community advocate for nearly 20 years and brings substantial nonprofit, small business development and mentorship experience to EforAll,” said Lisa Archibald, EforAll Regional Director. “Her commitment to supporting community engagement while advocating and mentoring aspiring small business entrepreneurs directly aligns with EforAll’s mission.”
In her most recent role at Economic Continuity Alliance, Padgett guided community development and engagement while driving sustainable economic opportunities for minority owned businesses. She previously served as the program director for Good Enterprises, where she oversaw community outreach, and development of the Community Business Academy, Business Acceleration Services and Credit to Capital programs.
“We are excited to work with Raquel to help bring this much-needed program to Lowcountry,” said Rob and Lauren Bazemore, local EforAll Lowcountry champions and donors. “EforAll has already demonstrated its ability to deliver amazing results in other communities, with over 70% of businesses created by its program participants still running after 3 years. Under Raquel’s leadership, we are confident we will see the same results for EforAll Lowcountry graduates.”
Padgett graduated from South Carolina State University and serves on the Board of Directors for Trident Literacy and the City of Charleston MWBE Advisory Board. In her free time, Padgett enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, traveling and exploring.
“I am excited for the opportunities EforAll will bring our Lowcountry community and am honored to join the organization to continue the work I’m most passionate about – providing accessibility to mentorship and immersive business training to under-represented entrepreneurs,” said Padgett. “I look forward to working with community partners and champions as we strive to make social and economic impact in South Carolina.”
To learn more and to stay updated on EforAll Lowcountry, visit eforall.org/sc/lowcountry.
About EforAll
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) is a nonprofit organization that partners with communities nationwide to help under-represented individuals successfully start and grow a business through intensive business training, mentorship and an extended professional support network. To date, EforAll alumni have launched over 1,400 businesses. In 2022 alone, its businesses provided 2,108 local jobs and generated over $66M in revenue, despite the pandemic. Programs are available in both English and Spanish. EforAll current locations include Longmont, Colo.; Maine; Northwest Arkansas, Rhode Island; and the following Massachusetts communities: Berkshire County, Cape Cod, Fall River/New Bedford, Lynn, Merrimack Valley, Pioneer Valley, Roxbury and Worcester. To learn more about EforAll, please visit eforall.org.
