The BIA

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 […]

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!