Frankston City Council is proud to return Think Local Month, launching in June 2026. Throughout the month, together with Frankston Business Chamber, we are encouraging Frankston City workers, businesses and the wider community to think local first supporting our small and medium sized businesses and to help strengthen our local workforce and economy.
Our local businesses are the heart of our economy and its time to show them some love.
From manufacturing, construction, retail and hospitality to home based services, health care, beauty and real estate, Frankston City is home to more than 44,000 small, medium and large enterprises. These businesses help make Frankston City the best place to live, work, play, learn and invest.
Did you know, according to a study conducted by the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, on average, $68 stays in the local economy in the form of wages paid to local employees and suppliers?
- That $68 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 called the Multiplier Effect and 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 we choose to spend locally, the benefits ripple throughout the entire community, creating local jobs and contributing to a thriving, resilient economy.
This year’s campaign features several local business heroes - our 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.
You’ll meet our Think Local Stars very soon.
- A Think Local launch event celebrating local businesses
- A video featuring local business owners encouraging the community to shop locally
- A calendar of local business events, training and information sessions
- Frankston City Business Directory competition
- A Business Engagement Toolkit for businesses to download
- Business mentoring sessions
- 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
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.
June event listings to come soon.
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
- 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.