What is a BIA?
- A BIA (Business Improvement Area) is established by businesses in an area to jointly raise and administer funds to improve and promote their businesses.
- BIAs are run by the businesses, for the businesses
- BIAs act as economic incubators – providing a robust environment for businesses to thrive; and also act as social conveners – creating a sense of place and community for Calgarians and visitors alike
What is the governance of a BIA?
- BIAs are governed by the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the bylaw AR 377/94.
- The BIA has a volunteer, elected Board of Directors (BoD) who serve two-year terms
- Board members must be a rate payer, or a designated representative of a ratepayer
- The Inglewood BIA has two staff, the Executive Director and Administration
- The staff answers to the direction of the board
- Support resources come in the form of contractors, summer students and volunteers.
How are BIAs funded?
- BIAs are financed through a BIA levy (established by the BoD of each BIA), collected by the City of Calgary, and distributed to each of the BIAs
- .BIAs have the ability to apply for grants
What is the role of the BIA relative to the role of individual businesses?
- The BIA ‘bends the stream and the merchants do the fishing’. In other words, the BIA is responsible for promoting the area; each individual business is responsible for promoting their own business!
