Grow your Local Organization while building a stronger local economy.
Join a welcoming community of locally-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders working together to grow their visibility, build meaningful relationships and strengthen Greater Victoria’s local economy.
Why Join TLF?
Think Local First Victoria helps local businesses connect, collaborate and become easier to discover. Membership gives you access to relationships, promotion and practical opportunities that are difficult to create alone.
Membership is open to businesses & organizations that meet Think Local First’s membership criteria. Review Criteria.
Featured presence in the Think Local First online member directory.
📣 Get Promoted
Opportunities for member spotlights, social media features and newsletter exposure.
🤝 Build Connections
Invitations to mixers, networking events, educational events and member gatherings.
🛍️ Drive Local Sales
Participate in Think Local Week, Shop Local campaigns and member-to-member promotions.
📱 Increase Your Reach
Be part of coordinated campaigns designed to put local businesses in front of local consumers.
🎁 Offer Member Perks
Create special offers that encourage fellow members and the community to shop with you.
💡 Learn & Grow
Access business resources, workshops, conversations and practical marketing opportunities.
❤️ Strengthen Local
Join a collective voice advocating for and celebrating locally owned businesses.
🔗 Make Referrals
Build relationships with other local business owners who can become customers, collaborators and referral partners.
🏆 Be Part of the Movement
Help make “Think Local First” the natural choice when people decide where to shop, eat, hire and spend.
Grow Your Visibility
Be discovered through the Think Local First directory, member features, campaigns, events, email communications and social media opportunities.
Make Meaningful Connections
Meet business owners, community leaders and potential collaborators through member events, mixers, breakfasts and shared initiatives.
Strengthen the Local Economy
Join a collective movement that encourages residents and organizations to keep more of their spending, relationships and investment local.
Which Membership Is Right for You?
Think Local First offers two classes of membership, each providing a
different way to be part of and support our local business community.
Here’s the simple distinction:
Voting Member
You’re local. You’re independent.
For locally owned, independent businesses and qualifying not-for-profit
or charitable organizations that meet Think Local First’s full
membership criteria.
Full voting rights
Business or organization listing on the TLF website
Attend TLF member events, mixers and learning opportunities
Participate in
collaborative member media and promotional campaigns
Access
preferred member rates
for eligible sponsorship, event hosting and promotional opportunities
Opportunities designed to help locally owned businesses increase
their visibility and promotional reach
Physically located within the Greater Victoria Area
Why Do Voting Members Receive Additional Promotional Benefits?
Think Local First exists to strengthen
locally owned, independent businesses and organizations.
Our voting membership is designed specifically for businesses and
organizations that meet our local ownership criteria. These members are
the businesses at the heart of the Think Local movement, and our
promotional opportunities are designed to help amplify their visibility,
reach and impact in the community.
Ready to Join Think Local First?
Choose the membership that best fits your organization and become part
of a stronger local business community.
“Proud to be a member of TLF through the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island and grateful to serve on the Board in support of the Greater Victoria’s amazing businesses and community groups.“
Steven Seltzer
VP – Think Local First Director of Communications and Philanthropy – Society of St Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island
“Being part of this organization has helped increase our visibilty and create meaningful connections, and I would absolutely recommend it to any business looking to grow within a supportive local community.“
Sofia Pastro
Owner, Lustre of Pearl
“I have really enjoyed being a part of Think Local First. In the short time I have been a member, I have felt at home and welcomed into the community and have made many new connections. I would definitely recommend this organization to any small business owner looking for more connections, support and growth.“
Sacha Anderson
Sacha Anderson Virtual Solutions
“As a founder, I love being part of Think Local First because the events create genuine community connections, and there are so many easy ways to get involved and boost your personal brand. It’s a supportive network where small actions can lead to big impact for your business and our local economy.”
Kathryn Pascuzzo
Founder, Swank Creative Inc.
“Local isn’t just a feel-good idea. It’s a smart business strategy. When we choose to do business with each other, we strengthen our local economy and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Beverly Carter
President – Think Local First Carter Notary Public
“We love the marketing aspect that TLF allows us in educating potential customers that we are local. The more who join TLF the better has it helps get the word out to the larger community and we all benefit from supporting each other.“
John Espley
Marketing Professional Tuff Turf
“I love being a member of Think Local First for the networking, relationships, and collaboration with like-minded, community-focused people who all want to make Victoria’s business community stronger.“
Kerry Brown
Certified Business and Leadership Coach
“I am a member of Think Local First because I believe in building a strong network of local businesses. Thriving local economies make for healthier communities. As a professional association, TLF also does a great job representing the needs of local business owners.”
Anna Kemp
Bird’s Eye Business Solutions
SPONSORSHIP
More ways to connect, promote and grow.
Membership is just the beginning uplevel with these sponsorship and advertising opportunities designed to help you build awareness and actively contribute to a thriving local-focused community.
Showcase your business, services and contact information where customers are actively looking for local options.
Starting from $500/year
Host and Sponsor Member Events, Educational Seminars & Networking
Attend monthly mixers, breakfasts, social events and learning opportunities throughout the year.
Starting from $1,000 per event
Feature Member Profile
Get featured on TLF Social Media Channels, The Local Voice Blog, and One Weekly eNewsletter. This program includes a Customized Video Production, written article, and portrait with full rights for re-use.
Starting from $1,500
Member-to-Member Offers
Create or access exclusive offers that encourage members to support and refer one another.
Any Value Level is Acceptable Login to Update your member profile and add your Member-to-Member Special Offer to get featured regularly in our Social Media and Weekly eNewsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about becoming a member at TLF.
Do I need to be a mixer host every year?
No! You absolutely do not need to host a mixer or take on a sponsorship every year. The number of event hosting and sponsorship opportunities available is actually smaller than our total number of members. These opportunities are available if you want to uplevel your exposure and support of Think Local First, but they are completely optional. You can simply enjoy your membership, attend events, meet other local business owners and take advantage of the many free events included with your annual membership.
How do I participate as a member?
There are lots of ways to participate, and you can choose what works best for you. Attend member events, meet other local leaders, business owners, share your member-to-member offer, participate in Think Local Week, submit your organization for a Member Feature in the weekly eNewsletter, attend educational opportunities, refer fellow local businesses and engage with Think Local First online. You don’t have to do everything. Your membership is designed to give you opportunities to participate at the level that works for your business. Contact marketing@thinklocalvictoria.com to learn more.
What is included with my annual membership?
Your annual membership gives you a presence in the Think Local First member directory, opportunities for promotion and connection, access to member events and special programming, opportunities to participate in local campaigns, member-to-member offers and other activities designed to help locally owned businesses connect, collaborate and grow.
Who can become a Think Local First member?
Think Local First is for locally owned businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs who believe in strengthening our local economy. Members represent a wide range of industries, from retailers and restaurants to professional services, makers, creatives, hospitality businesses and community-focused organizations.
Who are the members?
Think Local First members are locally owned businesses and organizations from across Greater Victoria and the surrounding region. You can explore the full membership community through our online member directory.
How do I find other members?
Visit the Think Local First member directory to discover local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs who are part of our community. It’s a great place to find potential customers, collaborators, referral partners and businesses to support.
How do I get my business featured?
There are several opportunities to be featured through Think Local First, including Member Spotlights, social media features, newsletter content, campaign participation and special promotional opportunities. Keep an eye on member communications for calls for submissions and ways to get involved.
Can I submit my business for a Member Spotlight?
Yes! Member Spotlights are one of the ways we help introduce our community to the people behind local businesses. Watch for opportunities to submit your business and share your story, products, services or local impact with the Think Local First audience.
Can I offer a member-to-member promotion?
Yes. Members can create special offers for fellow Think Local First members. Member-to-member offers are a great way to encourage local businesses to support one another, build relationships and create new referral opportunities.
Are there opportunities to sponsor or host events?
Yes, there are a limited number of opportunities throughout the year to host, sponsor or support Think Local First events and campaigns. These opportunities are optional and are available for members who want additional visibility and a deeper level of involvement.
Do I have to attend events to get value from my membership?
Not at all. Events are one part of the membership experience, but you can get value from your membership through your online directory presence, promotional opportunities, campaigns, member offers, referrals, communications and other resources. Participate as much or as little as makes sense for your business.
Are events included with membership?
Yes. A number of Think Local First events and member opportunities are included with your annual membership. Additional events, sponsorships or special experiences may have separate fees or limited availability.
How do I renew my membership?
Memberships are renewed annually. You will receive renewal information before your membership term ends with instructions on how to renew. Keeping your membership active ensures you continue to receive member benefits and opportunities.
Can I upgrade my membership or add sponsorship opportunities?
Yes. If you want to increase your visibility or support Think Local First at a higher level, there are opportunities to add sponsorships, promotional participation and other forms of support throughout the year. Contact the Think Local First team to discuss what is available.
How can I promote my business through Think Local First?
Start by keeping your member profile current and participating in member opportunities. You can also submit your business for consideration for Member Spotlights, social media features, newsletters, local campaigns and special promotions. The more you engage, the more opportunities there are to connect your business with the Think Local First community.
Can I invite another local business to join?
Absolutely! Some of the best members come through recommendations from other members. If you know a locally owned business that would be a great fit, encourage them to learn more about Think Local First and join the community.
How does Think Local First support locally owned businesses?
Think Local First brings local businesses together to increase visibility, create connections, encourage local spending and strengthen the local economy. Through membership, events, campaigns, storytelling, promotions and advocacy, we create opportunities for local businesses to support one another and be seen by the community.
What happens after I join?
Once your membership is active, you’ll be able to access your member benefits and opportunities, including your online directory presence and member communications. You’ll also receive information about upcoming events, campaigns and ways to participate. We encourage you to start by exploring the member directory and attending an upcoming event.
Where can I update my organization information?
Your business information can be updated through your member portal. Select the Member Login Button in the Main Menu Navigation to update it yourself. Keeping your profile current helps customers and fellow members find accurate information about your business, including your contact details, website, description and other important information.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my membership?
We’re happy to help! Contact the Think Local First team at hello@thinklocalvictoria.com with questions about your membership, profile, events, sponsorship opportunities or ways to get involved.
JOIN THINK LOCAL FIRST
Let’s make supporting local first impossible to overlook.
Join the community that is connecting Greater Victoria’s locally owned businesses, creating new opportunities and inspiring more people to think local first.
Follow Think Local First Victoria on social media to discover local businesses, upcoming events, and ways to support our community. Every like, share, and follow helps local businesses thrive.
