Education & Professional Development

Workshops & Learning

Learn. Connect. Grow.

Think Local First workshops and learning events are designed to give local business owners practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and meaningful opportunities to connect with one another.

From hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions to informal conversations and unique learning experiences, our programming helps members build stronger businesses while strengthening Victoria’s local business community.

Join us in person or online for opportunities to learn from experts, share experiences, and connect with fellow local business owners.

Explore Our Learning Events

Our workshops and educational programming may include:

Workshops and Lunch & Learns

Practical, actionable sessions covering topics that matter to local businesses, including:

• Marketing and advertising
• Artificial intelligence and new technology
• Human resources
• Workplace health and safety
• WorkSafeBC education and support
• Legal planning and business protection
• Practical succession planning
• Business growth and operations
• Personal health and wellness
• Building healthy employees and healthy businesses

Book Club in the Pub

Grab a drink, join the conversation, and explore a great business or leadership book with fellow local entrepreneurs.

Book Club in the Pub is a relaxed opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another, and build new connections.

Mini Masterminds

Small-group conversations designed to help business owners work through challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of their peers.

Bring a challenge, a question, or an opportunity — and leave with new perspectives and practical ideas.

Theme Breakfasts

Start your day with breakfast and meaningful conversation around a timely business topic.

These focused gatherings bring together local business owners for expert insights, peer discussion, and new connections.

Panel Discussions

Hear from local experts, industry leaders, and experienced business owners as they share their perspectives on topics shaping the business community.

Our panels are designed to provide practical insights while creating space for thoughtful discussion and questions.

Industry Tours

Go behind the scenes at local businesses and organizations to see how things work, explore different industries, and learn directly from the people making it happen.

Business Speed Dating

Make new connections — quickly.

Our speed networking events give members an opportunity to meet a wide range of local business owners, introduce what they do, and start conversations that could lead to valuable new relationships.

Professional Headshot Events

Refresh your professional image while connecting with the local business community.

These events provide an accessible opportunity to update your headshot and strengthen your professional presence.

Report Backs

Not everyone can attend every event, conference, workshop, or session.

Our Report Backs bring key insights back to the local business community. Members who attend conferences, industry events, or valuable learning sessions share what they learned and the ideas that made an impact.

Think of it as getting the highlights — without having to attend every event yourself.

Topics We Explore

Think Local First educational programming is shaped around the real needs of local business owners.

Topics may include:

• Marketing, branding, and advertising
• Artificial intelligence
• Human resources
• Workplace health and safety
• WorkSafeBC and compliance
• Legal planning for incapacity or death
• Practical succession planning
• Business operations and growth
• Employee health and wellness
• Personal health and well-being
• Financial and business planning
• Business technology
• Local business insights and trends

We also share practical member tips, expert insights, and educational content designed to help local businesses navigate challenges and identify new opportunities.

Learn From the Local Business Community

Some of the best business insights come from the people who are living the experience every day.

Our events and educational content bring together:

• Local business owners
• Industry experts
• Professional service providers
• Community leaders
• Think Local First members

Whether you’re looking for practical advice, expert guidance, fresh ideas, or new connections, there’s always something to learn.

Have an Idea for a Workshop?

We’re always looking for great speakers, experts, members, and organizations with valuable knowledge to share.

If you have an idea for a workshop, learning event, discussion, tour, or educational topic that would benefit the local business community, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit a Workshop or Event Idea →

Stay Connected

Check out our upcoming events to see what’s happening next and discover new opportunities to learn, connect, and grow with Victoria’s local business community.