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Planning, Property & Development
Winnipeg BIZ zone map
Review the BIZ Map

Business Improvement Zones

Business Improvement Zones enhance economic development for businesses in a variety of neighbourhoods around the city. BIZ Zones create distinct shopping destinations, promote business attraction, provide street-level beautification, and improve marketing opportunities for BIZ members. The City of Winnipeg is pleased to work with 16 BIZ Zones representing 5,000 businesses throughout Winnipeg.

 

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In the Zone

Winnipeg is proud to be 16 BIZ Zones strong! This translates to over 5,000 local businesses creating successful economic development in their zones. Success of Winnipeg's BIZ Zones and partnerships with the City of Winnipeg and other agencies, organizations and sponsors are visible within each distinct zone. Some examples include:

  • Transcona Square - CN Clock Tower and Archambault Pavilion
  • West End BIZ Restaurant Guide and Mural Painting and Walking Tour Program
  • Downtown BIZ Drive-in Movie Night and Lunch Hour Concert Series

Directory of Business Improvement Zones in Winnipeg 

Business Improvement Zone Procedures By-law No. 8111/2002

The City of Winnipeg Charter (Part 8, Division 7) grants authority to The City of Winnipeg to establish Business Improvement Zones by by-law.  Accordingly a separate by-law has been passed by Council to establish each of the 16 BIZ Zones located within the City of Winnipeg.

City of Winnipeg By-law 8111/2002 establishes policies and procedures of Business Improvements Zones in the City of Winnipeg.

 

BIZ Funding

Funding comes from a special addition to the business tax called a BIZ Levy. The Levy is determined by each BIZ Zone's membership. Together, BIZ members create a vision and a budget to fulfill strategic goals. Then, each BIZ votes on an annual budget that is submitted to City Council. The BIZ Levy is then calculated based on the BIZ Zone's annual budget.The City collects the levy and transfers 100% of these funds to the BIZ.

How to Start a BIZ

Contact the City

Let the City of Winnipeg know that you want to start a BIZ.

Contact the BIZ Liaison: BIZ@winnipeg.ca

The City will provide you with:

  • Names of businesses in your area
  • Proposed BIZ area map
  • Petition of Support form

Gather feedback and host a meeting

Canvass businesses in your area to obtain feedback and determine support. Depending on the size of your proposed BIZ, you may consider holding a meeting.

The BIZ Liaison will help you facilitate your meeting and provide resources:

  • promotional brochure
  • sample PowerPoint presentation
  • sample budget
  • maps… and more!

Submit your map and petition of support

Once you have more than 51% support from the businesses in your area, submit your BIZ Zone Support Form to City Clerks to consider your BIZ proposal. The City distributes formal notifications to all businesses in the proposed zone.

Await response

The BIZ Liaison will notify you when Council has considered your proposal and help you with next steps.

Mayor's BIZ Awards

The Mayor's Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to promote economic development in their local Business Improvement Zone and make Winnipeg's neighbourhoods and our city a better place to live, work and do business.

Awards are presented for significant contributions in one or more of the following categories: community program delivery, "place making" (beautification and streetscape enhancements), special events, marketing, promotion, and safety initiatives.

The call for BIZ Award nominations has not been determined at this time. Please check back for updates.

BIZ banner
Last update: January 18, 2021

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