Buying food directly from the producer is a great way of showing support.
16 April 2026
In brief
- Canberra business owners are feeling the cost-of-living pressure.
- Simple gestures like writing reviews or sharing businesses you like can make a big difference.
- Making local swaps (like reading Canberra authors or buying food from the markets) are impactful ways to support local.
Like many other Canberrans, business owners are feeling the cost-of-living pressure.
Making a conscious effort to support local doesn’t always mean spending more money.
Read on for some simple support small businesses in your community.
Write a review
If you’d had an excellent coffee, delicious meal or great service, why not write a review about it? Sharing your opinion and experience helps give local businesses a boost.
You could even leave a testimonial they can use on their website or socials.
Get social
Following, liking, commenting and sharing on social media platforms helps spread the word about local businesses. Next time you’re enjoying a delicious meal or receive a bunch of flowers, share it on social media and tag the business.
Join community groups
Facebook groups are a great place to meet new people and find recommendations for businesses. Sharing your opinions and experiences in these groups helps businesses reach more customers.
Use your voice
Word of mouth is powerful. Whether you’re chatting with colleagues, friends or family, everyone loves hearing from someone they trust.
A kind word to staff also goes a long way. Thoughtful, direct feedback can really help improve someone’s day.
Sign up to their newsletter
If your favourite business has an email list, signing up is an easy way to support them. They get the advantage of a new subscriber, and you get to stay up to date with their latest offers.
Listen to a local podcast
Clever Canberrans are creating entertaining and informative podcasts on everything from sports to gardening. Bonus points if you can learn more about our city or the people who live here.
Here are some to check out:
Support and recommend local authors
Canberra is home to many talented writers. Buying and reading local work can help in more ways than just financial. It also helps build Canberra’s literary culture.
You can also show your support by attending book launches and events featuring local writers. Look at local libraries, bookstores, cafes and community centres to see what’s on.
Buying your books from local bookstores is another great way to support local.
Shop at independent grocers and markets
Buying your food either directly from a producer or from an independent local stockist is a great way to support your community.
And remember, foot traffic can attract more customers, meaning even by browsing you’re helping your favourite stallholders.
Explore local coffee shops, wineries and breweries
Eating out all the time might not be feasible, but meeting a friend for an occasional coffee, drink or snack could be. It’s a great way to socialise and feel good about supporting a local business.
And if you can, consider going during a quieter time. This can help spread out demand and make things easier for staff.
Buy direct
While it’s possible to buy some local items and services from third-party websites, buying directly from the operator can make a big difference. If you are buying something, try to visit the store, phone them or shop on their official website.
Support local creatives with exposure
Use and share local artists, photographers, designers and writers wherever possible. Who knows, this could lead to paid work for them.
And if you’re reposting or using someone’s work, be sure to credit them.
Visit local op shops
Canberra has plenty of great op shops. Thrift shopping can support the community while saving you money at the same time.
Nominate your favourite business
Think your local restaurant, physiotherapist or tradie goes above and beyond? Why not nominate or encourage them to apply for an award?
There are many local and national award programs recognising small businesses and operators. A nomination can have a real, practical impact.
See local artists’ work
Show local artists some love by attending an exhibition.
Beyond the national institutions, many of Canberra’s smaller arts spaces show work by local artists – both emerging and established. Why not try:
- Belconnen Arts Centre, Emu Bank
- Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway
- Canberra Glassworks, Kingston
- Canberra Museum & Gallery, Canberra City
- Gallery of Small Things, Watson
- Craft + Design Canberra, Canberra City
- The Front, Lyneham
- Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick
- Strathnairn Arts, Strathnairn
- Megalo Print Studio, Kingston
- M16 Art Space, Kingston
- Photo Access, Griffith.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
