WHY A

BIZ?

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Elmwood Business Coalition seeks to support its members for their collective efforts to create a vibrant, welcoming community that is a safe and well-maintained area for businesses and those who visit our community.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

A Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) for Elmwood has long been a dream of the community. In 2019, the Elmwood Business Coalition was formed with the goal of working towards a full-fledged BIZ.

To establish a BIZ, we are gathering signatures on a petition. It must be signed by at least 50 per cent of businesses, representing at least 50 per cent of the total rental value of businesses within the catchment area. Businesses who have signed the petition become coaltion members and receive a placard to display in their window, which reads “This Business is Building Our Community.”

In 2024, we’re closer than ever to reaching our goal of establishing a BIZ! We endeavour to collect the remaining needed signatures before fall of 2024.

Interested in joining the coalition? Click here to talk with us!

HOW CAN WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION?

  • By working as a team and collaborating with our community partners and stakeholders, as well as encouraging engagement from the members with issues that affect the business area.
  • Encouraging a diverse and culturally immersed business zone resulting in a vibrant thriving business community.
  • Respecting businesses and providing opportunities to hear from the members to address concerns and celebrate successes together.
  • Working with other businesses to eliminate empty storefronts and encourage and attract new business to the area.
  • Providing safe areas for walking, biking, and driving to the Community and seeking  parking options which are important to our members.
  • Promoting businesses and community events to attract visitors living outside of Elmwood area to become a destination for a great shopping experience.

PROPOSED ELMWOOD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ZONE (BIZ)

BIZ BENEFITS

  1. Area revitalization & beautification projects including parklets, improved lighting and other capital projects
  2. Street, sidewalk, and boulevard maintenance such as litter cleanup, flower planters and baskets
  3. Graffiti removal and façade washing
  4. Grants to businesses for safety, storefront improvements, and business development
  5. Area branding and marketing
  6. Hosting events and activating parks and streets
  7. Advocating for needs of businesses and area to government
  8. Business recruitment and economic development  initiatives
  9. Connections for business, educational workshops, and member support
  10. Safety and security programs, patrols (source: How to Start a Business Improvement Zone in Winnipeg — BIZ Toolkit by the City of Winnipeg)

BY THE NUMBERS

  1. $80,000 is a reasonable marketing campaign for a $1M company. A BIZ gives you access to this level of marketing
  2. Winnipeg has 16 BIZ Zones – the smallest are fewer than 100 businesses
  3. 5000 businesses in Winnipeg are represented by a BIZ. These businesses can leverage their advertising and community outreach efforts over the remaining (33,000+ businesses registered in MB)
  4. City Councillor is a member of the BIZ (by city bylaw)
  5. Various City of Winnipeg grants are available only to businesses in a BIZ
  6. 100% of levy is returned to the BIZ after it is collected by the city

INTERESTED IN JOINING?

We’d love to talk to you about what the Elmwood Business Coalition can do for you. Use the form here to email us.