What is a Business Improvement Association?
Communities around the world have turned to the Business Improvement Area (BIA) concept as a means of strengthening their downtowns and neighbourhood commercial districts. There are approximately 17 BIA’s currently operating in the City of Vancouver, 53 in British Columbia, and over 280 in Ontario alone. Each of these organizations is unique, and has developed programs to address specific opportunities and challenges in their communities. Each of these BIA’s also has a unique mandate and funding requirements. In Vancouver, those commercial areas without a BIA are now seen at a competitive disadvantage, and many groups are in the process of forming BIA’s.

For More about BIAs:

• BIA | BC » BIABC is a non-profit umbrella organization representing all BIAs in British Columbia.
• City of Vancouver BIA Program » The City of Vancouver has a continuing role assisting with contacts between the BIA and City departments, facilitating the annual funding process, and monitoring BIA budgets.