The Support Local BC gift certificate program was originally created by Think Local First, a non-profit in Victoria that champions local, independent businesses in that region. It was developed in response to the first business closures caused by COVID-19 in March 2020.

Between March 2020 and June 2022, British Columbians used the Support Local BC website to purchase over $1.65M gift certificates. Amazing! At that point, it seemed like Support Local BC needed to become its own non-profit and separate from Think Local First. And that is what happened.

The Support Local Canada Society was created as a federally-incorporated non-profit that operates as Support Local BC in British Columbia.

The development of the Support Local BC virtual, prepaid VISA debit card was realized thanks to the partnership with a local Vancouver Island payment processing company called Metroplexx.

Our goal is to connect communities and consumers with the amazing local businesses in their regions (and throughout BC). Our Support Local BC VISA Debit Reward Card allows cardholders to spend their money at those businesses, discover new favourite ones and be a part of keeping their village/town or city prosperous.