Island Good Sponsor Announcement!

Welcome Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU) as the 2026 Island Good Sponsor!

CCCU will have a prominent presence on our newly evolved website, and support our Island Good initiatives throughout the year. With their reach across communities island-wide, CCCU brings extra resources, expertise, and connections to help our members grow and thrive.

Small Changes, Big Impact – Shop Island Good in 2026

A new year is a great time to be more mindful about where the things we buy come from and who they support. Choosing Island Good means supporting growers, makers, manufacturers, and retailers across Vancouver Island and the rural islands and keeping our local economy strong.

Small Swaps, Big Local Impact

Supporting local doesn’t mean changing everything. A few intentional swaps throughout the year can make a real difference in everyday life.

You don’t have to shop direct from every producer, either. Island Good products are available at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, gift shops, cafés and restaurants, liquor stores, and local retailers across Vancouver Island and the rural islands, making it easy to shop local wherever you are. The Island Good directory and/or shopping guide help point you in the right direction.

What You Can Find When You Shop Island Good

• Food & Drink: Island-made sauces, spices, dairy products, baked goods, fresh and frozen foods, seafood, and craft beverages that bring more flavour to everyday meals. Eating local counts too! Many Island Good businesses are featured on menus at local restaurants, cafés, and breweries.
• Wellness & Self-Care: Thoughtfully made beauty, skincare, bath, and personal care products created with care and quality ingredients.
• Pets: Locally made pet foods and treats crafted with natural, wholesome ingredients.
• Home & Building Products: Durable, sustainable, Island-made products for renovations, home improvement, and DIY projects.
• Artisan & Giftable Goods: Handcrafted items, décor, and gifts that reflect the creativity and care of local makers.

Make every purchase count in 2026! Support local makers, boost your community, and shop Island Good for products you’ll love. These small swaps help keep Vancouver Island and the rural islands the vibrant, thriving region we know and love.

Island Good Spotlight – Spice Bae Hot Sauces

Spice Bae, owned and operated by Jor-Dawn Smith, is a small batch hot sauce company with a focus on sustainability, local, quality, and unique flavours.

If your product could speak, what would it say about you?

My hot sauces would say that Jor-Dawn is an emotional, chaotic, hard working, driven individual with a schedule that’s all over the place but a big heart, a lot of empathy, and a whole lot of intention not only in her work but in all areas of her life.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business/products?

I wish more people knew that Spice Bae has been built 100% on hard work dedication, intentionality, and being gentle with myself. I started Spice Bae after a workplace injury. I did not start with any capital or loans nor have I ever had any outside investments. I have invested time, energy and utilized many resources available to build my business from the ground up. Spice Bae has grown slower than some businesses, but always with intention and my values at the forefront.

What’s your favourite part about sourcing or creating right here on the Island?

My favorite part about sourcing and creating on the island is getting to know the faces behind our local economy. To share stories, connect, and learn from each other. Being a business owner or solopreneur can be very isolating and the connection to our community is such a special thing to be a part of.

You can find Spice Bae online at https://www.spicebae.ca/ and at many local retailers, including Island Good retailers Urban Grocer in Victoria and Village Food Markets in Sooke.

Island Good Businesses Recognized as Business Excellence Award Finalists

Congratulations to these Island Good businesses – finalists for the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards!

Island Good finalists:

• Clements Centre – the organization behind The Mindful Mouthful
• Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery
• Eatmore Sprouts & Greens Ltd.
• Farmer Ben’s Eggs
• Foragers Galley
• Longwood Brewery on Boxwood Road
• Mood Cannabis
• Nikkei Ramen-Ya
• Stonehouse Teas
• Thunderbird Spirit Water
• Van Isle Windows

We’re also excited to share that Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is a finalist for non-profit organization of the year!

We’re honoured to be recognized alongside so many amazing non-profits doing impactful work across Vancouver Island.

The 2026 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. More info here.

So proud to see Island Good businesses getting the recognition they deserve.

Five Island Good Ways to Treat Your Valentine

Looking for the perfect way to show someone special you care this Valentine’s Day? Skip the generic gifts and treat them (and yourself!) to something truly local and heartfelt. From indulgent chocolates and sweet treats to craft beverages, artisan cheeses, and pampering beauty products, Island Good businesses have something for everyone. Here are five ideas to get you started:

Indulge in decadent, locally made chocolate from Black Jaguar Chocolate, Catalina Chocolate Company, Coal Creek Roasters or Coombs Country Candy.

Toast to love with a bottle of Island-crafted wine, cider, or spirits from places like Unsworth Vineyards or Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse.

Savour fresh-baked croissants, or sweet treats from Island bakeries like Nook Baked Goods or Freyja.

Pamper them with luxurious bath and body products from local makers like Sunday Girl Bath Co or Dirty Girl Soap Co. Ltd.

Gift a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted mug or artisan piece from Millstone Gallery, Mossy Coast or Tin Can Pottery.

Looking for even more ways to wow your Valentine? Head to islandgood.ca to discover tons of Island-made gifts that show love for your special someone and your community.

Island Good is an initiative of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, sustainable, and self-reliant Island economy.