Skip to main content

About Us

The Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit organization that was initiated by small businesses in Downtown Kitchener, and approved by the City of Kitchener in 1977. The Downtown Kitchener BIA is a collective voice that fosters collaboration within our business area and prosperous growth in our community. We are mainly funded by a commercial taxation assessment levy paid to The City of Kitchener by property owners within the BIA. If you are a property owner or commercial tenant within the BIA boundary, you are automatically a member of the Downtown Kitchener BIA.

The BIA works closely with the City of Kitchener's Economic Development Team to establish Downtown Kitchener as one of the most effective downtown areas in North America at creating a complete sense of community while simultaneously offering cool, unique, vibrant and eclectic experiences. We provide a number of services to benefit our members including streetscape beautification, marketing the Downtown area and supporting special events that bring energy and foot traffic to our core.

Our Vision

Ignite

Ignite downtown as a platform for the next generation of urban shops, restaurants, businesses and services.

Foster

Foster heartfelt urban experiences.

Champion

Champion a caring and collaborative community.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

Protect and enhance your investment in Downtown Kitchener

Have your concerns and opinions heard by other business and municipal leaders.

Influence the future direction of Downtown development.

Have the opportunity to network and establish relationships with other business leaders.

Keep up-to-date on current initiatives and happenings in Downtown Kitchener.

Provide a vehicle through which your company and employees can give back to the community.

Make your company more visible through shared branding, sponsorship of events, and meetings other constituents.

Serve on one of the BIA’s working committees.

Gain access to a wide range of business training and workshops.

What Is A BIA?

What is a BIA? A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a “made-in- Ontario” innovation that allows local business people and commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district. Traditionally, a BIA is a body established by a municipality using the specific business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001. It is governed by a board of management.

Contact Us

We'd be happy to chat about the Downtown Action Plan, moving your business here, upcoming events, services the Business Improvement Area offers, or anything else downtown related!

Linda Jutzi, Executive Director

519-744-4921 x.402
[email protected]

DTK BIA Boundary Map

"I love being part of a renaissance. There’s so much energy around the architecture and the artists and the community and the new businesses. Cities in rebuilding mode offer amazing opportunities for small businesses"

- Jordan Dolson, Legacy Greens

"The growth potential is there. You can see it. You can feel the energy. There are some really cool businesses happening in Downtown Kitchener these days. Momentum is definitely trending in the right direction."

- Drew Butterworth, goodvibes juice co.

The Kitchener BIA was a deciding factor in our opening in the region. The rollout of the patio program perfectly highlighted their determination to put small businesses first. Since opening, we've been supported, accommodated, and consulted regularly by the BIA.

- Brandon Rennie, The Civil