What is a BIZ?

Click here to read the 2009 Annual Report

The Exchange District Business Improvement Zone was established by a by-law of the City of Winnipeg in 1989. A Management Board, comprising twelve elected from District businesses and one City Council appointee, oversees the operation of the BIZ. Directors are elected to the Management Board at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the fall. Its yearly budget and program are first subject to approval by members at the AGM, and then City Council.

Every business in the zone is automatically a contributing member of the organization by virtue of its paying a special levy on its business taxes. The role of the BIZ is to bring local businesses together to promote the area, to improve the District’s physical appearance, to support events that attract people to the community, and to play an advocacy role for local business on issues of common concern.

In addition to the levy, the BIZ relies on the financial support and expertise of many individuals, businesses and organizations to improve programming and enhance the services offered to BIZ members.

The Exchange District BIZ volunteer board members are representative of a wide range of business activity in the area, from large corporations to small owner operated enterprises. The BIZ also welcomes input from other area stakeholders, including arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions and residents, to strengthen the core of people cooperating to promote and improve the Exchange.

There are fifteen Business Improvement Zones operating in the City of Winnipeg. For more information go to www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/biz_overview.stm