Think Local Month 2026

Did you know, for every $100 spent at a local business, on average, $52 stays in the local economy in the form of wages paid to local employees and suppliers?*

• That $52 is spent again and again by employees, owners and local suppliers
• It supports more jobs, more income, more tax revenue and more community investment
• Spend the same $100 at a chain store? Only about $14 stays local
• Buying online from elsewhere? As little as $2 stays local

This is the reason why local spending can have up to seven times the impact of spending at a chain store or online.

Frankston City has experienced significant growth over the past decade, and there is no sign of it slowing down. But right now, small and medium sized businesses - making up 98% of all enterprises in the city - need your continued support. 

When you choose to spend locally, you’re helping create a stronger Frankston City: supporting local jobs, helping small businesses grow, and building a vibrant, thriving community we can all enjoy.

*REMPLAN (Australia)

Introducing our 2026 Think Local Stars - who showcase just how much Frankston City has to offer. Their message is simple: your support keeps their business booming, our economy strong and our community vibrant. 

Our Think Local Stars are here to help us promote our Think Local campaign and to spread the message of the importance of supporting small business. When you spend with a local Frankston City business you are making a difference to your community.

Matt from Goldfinch Landscaping in Carrum Downs
Alena from 38 South Café & Bar in Seaford
Neil from Peninsula Physio and Rehab in Frankston
Clover from Creek and Bay in Seaford
Rob from Sweetheart Plumbing Solutions in Frankston
Darren from X-Form Metal Product Design and Fabrication in Carrum Downs

Hear more about their stories soon.

• A Think Local launch event celebrating local businesses - Think Local Launch Event
• A video featuring local business owners encouraging the community to shop locally
• A calendar of local business events, training and information sessions
• A community competition
• Frankston City Business Directory competition - Business Directory Competition
• A Business Engagement Toolkit for businesses to download 
• FREE Business mentoring sessions - contact business@frankston.vic.gov.au to get yours today!
• Gift bags filled with merchandise and gifts from local businesses
• Window Decals and promotional materials for businesses to display and help create awareness
• A social media campaign 
• A closing event inviting feedback from local businesses

We have developed this toolkit to help your business easily participate in Think Local Month and share the campaign message across your shopfront, website and social media channels.

Some items may need multiple attempts to download, depending on network traffic.

Developed by Frankston City Council in collaboration with local industry experts, including the Frankston Business Chamber, this action-packed month will feature workshops, training opportunities and events designed to support business growth, build skills and encourage continued success in Frankston City.

Check out the Think Local Month Calendar of Events coming soon or see what business events are already scheduled. 

See what events are happening during Think Local.
Business Events

Every time you buy from a local business, you’re supporting our community, reducing your carbon footprint, and helping to build a strong local economy and workforce. 

Simple ways to support local businesses

• Make Frankston City your first stop for food, shopping, trades and services
• Use #ThinkLocalFrankstonCity to share your discoveries online
• If you’re a local business, shop locally for suppliers, trades and services
• Use the Frankston City Business Directory to find local businesses
• Host meetings or catch-ups at local cafés and restaurants
• Attend our business events or community events to network, collaborate and show your support 
• Follow local businesses on social media & engage with their content 
• Leave a positive online review for a business you love - or one you’ve just tried 
• If you have a physical shopfront in Frankston City, display the Think Local Decal to encourage customers to choose local first. Request your decal by emailing business@frankston.vic.gov.au with “Think Local Decal Request” in the subject line
• Get promoted in our gift bags! If you are a local business and want to get promoted at some of the events we are hosting during Think Local Month, you may be eligible to contribute a gift or merchandise to our Think Local Month Gift Bags. The gift bags will be handed out at the launch event, the workshops and at the expo. Get in touch at business@frankston.vic.gov.au and include “Think Local Gift Bag Request” in the subject line.

Even small snippets of support can make a BIG difference to a small - medium business. Did you know that if each resident spends just $10 a month at a local business, it would boost our local economy to the tune of $17 million each year?

Stay tuned for campaign updates and exciting ways to support, connect, and make the most of thinking local.