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The Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) was officially established at its first Management Board meeting on August 22, 1989. It's the oldest of the 16 business improvement zones which now exist in Winnipeg.
What is the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ's mandate?
"To enhance and promote downtown Winnipeg as the place to work, do business, live, shop and enjoy."
What does the Downtown BIZ do for BIZ members?
Based on the model of a shopping mall, the Downtown BIZ allows businesses to join together to:
- Market their business district
- Sponsor programs and events which enhance the area
- Make improvements to physical amenities
- Voice issues of shared concern in the political sphere
Who is part of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ?
Every retail, commercial and professional business in the zone is automatically a contributing partner. Not for profit organizations and government agencies are not members and do not pay the Downtown BIZ levy.
How is the Downtown BIZ funded?
The Downtown BIZ is funded by a special levy on business taxes which provides funds to do things that businesses in the area deem important. The amount of the levy paid by each business is directly related to the value of their premises.
Through important partnerships and sponsorships, the Downtown BIZ has the opportunity to expand our activities and maximize our impact.
How do BIZ members influence what the Downtown BIZ does?
The Downtown BIZ is directed by a Management Board which is elected by representatives of downtown businesses at the Annual General Meeting, held in October of each year. City Council appoints two of its members to the board.
The annual program and budget are prepared by the Management Board and approved, first by area business representatives at the annual meeting, and then by City Council.
Downtown BIZ members are kept up-to-date on Downtown BIZ activities through our quarterly newsletter, the BIZword, and our Annual General Meeting.
We are always happy to hear back from our Downtown BIZ members.
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