Think Local Week is Greater Victoria’s annual celebration of locally owned businesses and the incredible impact they have on our economy, neighbourhoods, and quality of life.

For one week each November, Think Local First Victoria brings together local businesses, community organizations, media partners, local leaders, and residents to encourage everyone to shop local, eat local, support local, and celebrate the entrepreneurs who make our region unique.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing inspiring stories, promoting local businesses across multiple media channels, connecting business leaders, and reminding our community that every local purchase makes a difference.

Whether you’re looking to increase visibility, promote a holiday offer, connect with new customers, or demonstrate your commitment to our local economy, Think Local Week offers a variety of ways for your business to get involved.

Celebrate Local. Support Community. Grow Your Business.

Support Think Local Week 2026

Celebrate Greater Victoria’s incredible locally owned businesses during Think Local Week 2026, November 16–22.

This community-wide campaign encourages residents to intentionally support local businesses while giving participating businesses opportunities to increase their visibility through print, digital, social media, and in-person promotions during the holiday shopping season.

Whether you’re looking to advertise, sponsor, contribute a promotional item, or simply participate, there’s a place for every local business to get involved.

The Impact of Participating in Think Local Week

When local organizations come together, everyone benefits.

By participating, you can:

Reach new audiences through collaborative advertising and promotion
Increase awareness of your business, products, services, and special offers
Be featured alongside other trusted local businesses and organizations
Build relationships within Greater Victoria’s local business community
Encourage residents to shop local during the holiday season and throughout the year
Help strengthen our local economy and independent business community

Shared Advertising Opportunities

Get your business in front of local audiences through Think Local First Victoria’s coordinated promotional campaign.

Yam Magazine

Participate in shared advertising in the November/December issue of YAM Magazine, reaching local readers during the holiday shopping season.
Contact Deana to book:
dbrown@pageonepublishing.ca

Times Colonist

Join the Times Colonist print and digital campaign and help amplify the Think Local Week message across Greater Victoria.
Contact Aaron to book:
aross@timescolonist.com

CHEK Media

Put your organization, team, and brand in the holiday spotlight with a feel-good, community-focused CHEK commercial encouraging viewers to shop local this holiday season. Featuring three local businesses per spot, your personalized message will air 50 times from November 17–December 28, with a downloadable version for your own marketing channels.
Contact Karin to book:
khanwell@cheknews.ca

Shop Local Bag Campaign

Help Inspire People to Shop Local

Help us put local businesses directly into the hands of the community through our limited-edition Shop Local. Support Local. Love Local. shopping bags.

We’re creating 100 Shop Local bags featuring contributions from participating local businesses.

Organizations can contribute a:

Product sample
Gift card
Exclusive offer
Promotional item
Business information or branded materials

Your contribution will introduce recipients to your business, encourage them to redeem a special offer, and inspire them to make shopping local part of their everyday routine. Confirmation on inclusion must be provided by September 15, 2026 and items for insertion are due October 1, 2026.

Be part of our coordinated week-long social media campaign, highlighting What’s in my Shop Local Bag Campaign and encourage the community to shop, dine, and support local.

Pre-Sales Open Soon

Be the first to secure your spot and join the celebration of local business.

Interested in participating?

Contact Think Local First Victoria to learn more about advertising, sponsorship, Shop Local Bags, and other opportunities to get involved.

hello@thinklocalvictoria.com

Get Involved

There are many ways to participate in Think Local Week 2026.

Whether you’re a small business, community organization, sponsor, or local supporter, your involvement helps make the campaign stronger.

Mark your calendar!

Registration is coming soon…

Are you interested in being a keynote speaker? Contact our Managing Director for more info at hello@thinklocalvictoria.com

About the Location

Get Directions

560 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 2Z6

Join us at CHEK News for our Think Local Week Mixer! As a proud local media organization and champion of our community, CHEK is the perfect setting to come together, connect with fellow local businesses, and celebrate the people who make our community strong.