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December 10, 2024
City Council has approved the expansion of the Alberta Avenue Business Improvement Area (BIA), which supports a long-term vision for business growth and vibrancy in the area while opening City-funded programs to more businesses.
“Our Business Improvement Areas are valued partners in creating a vibrant and inclusive economy across the city,” said Alisa Laliberte, Branch Manager of Economic Investment Services. “This expansion means more businesses will be able to access grants and services, making it easier for them to thrive and benefit our communities.”
The new businesses will automatically become levy-paying members of the BIA, allowing them to access City-funded supports and grants such as the Storefront Improvement and Storefront Refresh grants. Businesses in a BIA also benefit from enhanced street cleaning and snow and ice control as well as support with events and activities organized by their individual boards.
“As the team engaged with other businesses in the area we quickly learned that our work was being recognized and needed in the area approved for the expansion,” said Erick Estrada, Executive Director of the Alberta Avenue Business Association. “The Alberta Avenue BIA expansion was only possible thanks to businesses like La French Taste and Otto Food & Drink, which recognized our work and requested to be part of the area.”
The expansion includes an additional 10 businesses, encompassing commercial developments along 95 Street that are south of 118 Avenue to 113 Avenue as well as the area known as the Exhibition Lands.
BIAs are crucial in helping realize the City’s vision of having a diverse economy where businesses can grow and thrive. Edmonton is home to over 38,000 businesses, with over 95 per cent being small businesses. The 13 BIAs throughout the city allow business owners to combine efforts to enhance and promote their area. And supporting our small businesses is a key part of community building since for every $100 spent at a small business, $66 stays in the local economy.
To learn more about the work of the BIAs, access grants, or view yearly reports, visit edmonton.ca/BusinessImprovementAreas.
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