Celebrate Small Biz: the First Annual Small Business Month

Get to know the names and faces of downtown Victoria’s business community. We’re featuring one business owner every day throughout October.

Small businesses are the beating heart of Victoria’s thriving downtown core.

As part of the first annual Small Business Month we talked to numerous downtown business owners. We wanted to know a little bit more about the individual stories and experiences that make downtown so vibrant.

Coming from incredibly diverse backgrounds, Victoria’s small business owners are passionate about meeting each individual customer’s needs. The care and service that these small business owners provide makes downtown Victoria a welcoming and inclusive community.

Throughout October, the DVBA presents Twenty Days of Giveaways in partnership with the Zone.

From September 30 to October 25 we will be giving away 5 prizes per week, each valued at $100.

Local businesses have generously donated products and gift cards to the contest and the DVBA has matched their donation value.

Participating businesses include:

Aegean Café, Below the Belt at the Bay Centre, BeaverTails Victoria, Blue Sky Clothing, Chai Fashions at the Bay Centre, Dragon Impact, E:Ne, Faye’s Spa at the Bay Centre, Fresh Slice on Douglas Street, Geeks on the Beach, Goo Goo Goggles, Jovee Handcrafted, La Pasta at the Hudson Market, Lifestyles West Boutique at the Bay Centre, Lore General Store, Milk and Honey Brow Bar, Nubo Japanese Tapas, Ocean River Sports, Oh Sugar, Owly Café at the Bay Centre, Roast at the Hudson Market, Taco Stand al Pastor at the Hudson Market, The Copper Hat, The Tuscan Kitchen at the Bay Centre, Umbrellatorium & Canery, Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery, Very Good Butcher at the Hudson Market, Victoria Pie Company at the Hudson Market, Whirled Arts, Whisk at the Hudson Market, Women In Need on Pandora Street, Zero Waste Emporium

1. Small, local businesses are committed to the future of our community in downtown Victoria because they live here too.
2. Shopping locally keeps 3x more revenue in the local economy than shopping at chain stores.
3. Small businesses frequently shop locally which reinvests in the community.
4. Small businesses maintain the unique diversity of downtown Victoria from record stores to retail to restaurants.

For more reasons to shop local, visit THINK LOCAL. 

“We are all one big community. We’re stronger together.”  – Teri Hustins, Owner of Oscar and Libby’s and Kaboodles.

Follow our blog this October for daily Small Biz stories and photos.