What is a BIA?

Question: What is a BIA?

Answer: BIA stands for Business Improvement Area. A BIA is created when local businesses decide to work together to create a better commercial atmosphere for a neighborhood. This can involve attracting new residents and customers through things such as public art projects; holding annual events such as local parades, picnics, and holiday celebrations; and promoting all of the member businesses through joint websites or newspapers. These websites and publications can be a great source of information to new residents or to those who are considering moving to a new neighborhood.

Members of the BIA have to either own or lease commercial property within the selected area. To become an official BIA within the City of Toronto, a diverse steering committee must be selected and public meetings and consultations have to be held. When a BIA is approved by the city, it becomes eligible for partial funding for projects like street beautification and public murals. The rest of the BIA's funding comes from a levy charged to the businesses within the BIA.

To see if there is an established BIA in your area or to learn more about starting a BIA, visit the City of Toronto BIA website.