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| 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.
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 next call for nominations will be open in early 2020. Please check back for more information about how to submit your nominations.
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
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.
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.
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.
