What is a Business Improvement Area?

Established in 2008, the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area's (BIA) mandate is to promote, improve, and preserve this dynamic area of Toronto.

For more information on the structure, purpose, and responsibilities of BIAs in Toronto:
Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas

What are the Benefits of Becoming a BIA?

There a numerous benefits to the establishment of a BIA for the Toronto Entertainment District, including:

• In partnership with the City, the BIA serves to create a thriving, competitive and safe business area that will attract visitors, new businesses and investments.
• By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to become catalysts for civic improvements, major events and extensive promotions.
• The BIA provides a unified and powerful voice to advocate on behalf of the District and its membership.
• The BIA can enter into capital improvement cost-shared programs with the City for initiatives such as streetscape improvements.
• The BIA can organize and administer programs such as a Community Festivals and Special Events Program, Mural Program, Commercial Façade Improvement Program and Commercial Research Grant.
• In consultation with members, the City and other relevant stakeholders, the BIA can prepare a Master Plan to guide both short-term and long-term strategies and priorities.
• The BIA can prepare and act on marketing and branding opportunities for the District.
• As a member of TABIA (Toronto Association of BIA’s), the BIA benefits from the exchange of information and experiences with other BIA’s; is represented by TABIA in influencing government policy; and, is eligible for a number of discount and savings programs.
• The Entertainment District BIA is a member of the Downtown Alliance of BIA’s, comprised of the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, Downtown-Yonge BIA and St. Lawrence Neighbourhood BIA. This alliance was formed for the purposes of marketing and sharing information, as well as for addressing and advocating commonly shared issues and interests that are unique to the Downtown.
• The BIA can establish a website and membership database for regular communication on matters of interest to members, while serving to provide them with a means to communicate ideas, issues and concerns impacting their businesses.