Supporting local businesses is our passion
We champion local, independent businesses and help consumers understand the beneficial impact they have when they buy local.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for our upcoming events for 2026.
A casual monthly gathering where Think Local First members connect, share ideas, and discuss inspiring books that spark conversation around business, community, leadership, creativity, and local impact.
PAST EVENTS
April 2026 Member Media Crawl
A huge thank you to our incredible media partners—Times Colonist, 100.3 The Q! & The Zone @ 91-3, CHEK News, and Page One Publishing—for opening your doors, sharing your expertise, and giving our members such thoughtful, behind-the-scenes access. The energy in each space was something special.
Our attendees left the day buzzing with ideas, new connections, and fresh perspectives on how to share their stories—exactly what this experience is all about.
We’re so grateful to CHEK News, The Times Colonist, Page One, and Alibi Catering for the delicious food and beverages they provided, and to The Wilson’s Group for the incredibly comfortable transportation—you truly elevated the experience and made the day feel like a VIP event from start to finish.
February 2026 Prospective Member Breakfast at Spinnakers
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Think Local First breakfast. The energy in the room at Spinnakers was something special — full of conversation, generosity, and genuine connection.
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors who helped make the morning possible:
Spinnakers,
Maximum Express, and
Victoria Digital Marketing.
To everyone who attended, brought a guest, introduced two strangers, or followed up with a new contact afterward — thank you. That’s what this community is about. Not transactions, but relationships. Not just business cards, but conversations that continue long after the coffee cups are cleared.
Mornings like this remind us why we do what we do.
Onward — and always local.
January Member Mixer at Lifetime Networks
A huge thank you to Lifetime Networks for hosting us last night! We had a fantastic time discovering the space and everything that Lifetime Networks does in the community. Thank you to Wendy Sue for your inspiring speech on all the impact the organization does.
Big thank you to our table hosts: Victoria Cool Aid Society, Maximum Express, Wes-Tech Irrigation, and Lifetime Networks.
Fall Media Panel: Tips on Earning Media Attention
Our fall media panel (Tips on Earning Media Attention) was facilitated and moderated by TLF Vice-President Steven Seltzer, with Joe Perkins (CHEK Media), Joanne Sasvari (Page One Publishing) and Jim Zeeben (Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce) providing tips to our members on earning local media attention.
November Member Mixer at Island Savings
Our November member mixer at Island Savings closed out our 2025 mixer season. Thank you so much to Island Savings for hosting us, and for Kendall Gross’ motivating speech!
SUCCESS STORIES
“I know that by sourcing and supporting locally owned businesses, my hard earned Loonie will continue to affect people where we live.”
“Victoria is the best kept secret in the world. Spending our money locally will keep funding our local economy.”
“I love being a Think Local First member because it connects me with a community of like-minded business owners who genuinely support one another. It’s more than networking, it’s about building relationships, sharing resources, and strengthening our local economy together. Being part of this organization has helped increase our visibility and create meaningful connections, and I would absolutely recommend it to any business looking to grow within a supportive local community.”
CORE FOCUS
To provide a platform to champion local businesses and community organizations. Think Local First strengthens the local economy by connecting, promoting, and advocating for locally owned businesses across Lower Vancouver Island.
CORE VALUES (How We Work)
Relationship-Focused Community
We foster authentic relationships among local business owners and community partners.
Purpose-Driven Champion
We actively advocate for the importance and economic impact of supporting local businesses.
Integrity-Based Collaboration
We operate with honesty, transparency, and collaboration that strengthens the local ecosystem.