Economy

View of shops and lanterns on Fisgard Street in Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia.

When local economies thrive, communities flourish

Having a healthy and thriving local economy is vital for community resilience and sustainable growth. It supports job creation, boosts local businesses and fosters collaboration. Communities also thrive when everyone has a chance to participate in the local economy as diverse experience and expertise drive growth and expand opportunities. Local charitable organizations contribute a significant amount to our local economy through food security initiatives, newcomer supports, social enterprise creation and more.

Visit Victoria’s Vital Signs Digital Report to explore local economic data

Sustainable development goals

11 - Sustainable citites and communities

Support Economy

There are a number of ways you can support local organizations in our community addressing economic development, including:

Donate to the Impact and Innovation Fund.
Set up a Donor Advised Fund.
Support a Hosted Organization Fund.

Welcome home – and to a new business life

Communities thrive when newcomers are welcomed into a diverse economy, where their expertise drives growth, expands opportunity and strengthens us all. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce created the New to Canada Program to support and welcome newcomer entrepreneurs who follow the immigrant or permanent resident status process.

Read Article

How the Indigenous Perspectives Society is thriving in the social change sector

For Rachelle Dallaire, leading a nearly 30-year-old non-profit aimed at strengthening Indigenous welfare across B.C. was once cloaked in an annual uncertainty. However, the path forward was to become a social enterprise, and to use commercial strategies for profound social change.

Read Article

Fostering a Food Community and Network

Kitchen Connect Food Hub and Skills Training opened in Fall 2023 at The Mustard Seed Food Security Distribution Centre. The goal of the program was to create a cohesive food system for local farmers, business owners and charitable organizations.

Read Article