Three local companies that feature local and culturally focused products will soon open for business at Charleston International Airport.

The companies are part of the Specialty Leasing Program, also known as the Kiosk/Cart Program, which is designed to create opportunities for small businesses to work in the travel and hospitality industry. The short-term leasing program complements existing food, beverage, and retail concessions with regionally unique products and services.

“Having goods and services made right here at home will be a great addition to the airport marketplace,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., executive director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “The traveling public is more likely to have a disposable income. They are more likely to spend on impulse and in a way that creates fond memories of their time in Charleston. We look forward to helping these small businesses succeed in the vibrant airport environment.”

The companies selected are:

- Liz Me Mel Dolls & Gifts, owned for 22 years by Tyrone and Faith Wilson. Products: Gift items such as wall and metal artwork, Chinaberry seed jewelry, dolls, and wooden gift boxes. The Wilsons have been vendors in the Charleston Market downtown for many years.

- King Street Cookies, a 4-year-old company owned by Harris Cohen. Products: Kosher, vegan, and gluten free cookies. King Street Cookies has a downtown bakery on King Street at Marion Square.

- Daddy’s Girls Bakery, a new company owned by Nathaniel and Chasity Brown. Products: Charleston Chewies brownies and other baked goods.

All three businesses are small, locally owned companies, and two of the three are minority-owned businesses.

The kiosks are expected to open before the end of the first quarter 2018.