Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

We are now more than a month into the COVID-19 pandemic and we want to check in to see how you're doing and what supports you need. We continue to advocate for increased government support to help your business and our local economy and we want to know what matters most. We're also adapting our programs to meet your changing needs. If you can please spare five minutes today or over the weekend to take our very brief survey, it will help us figure out the best ways the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ can provide value during this challenging time.

COVID-19 survey for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ members

We are asking members to fill out a short survey to understand how COVID-19 has impacted your business and what support you need. Please fill out the survey by Monday, April 20 at 4pm.

Everyone who fills out the survey will be entered to win a hundred dollar gift card to any downtown Winnipeg business. It's another easy way to support local during this time.

Graffiti removal service offered to all members

Did you know the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has a trained team to remove graffiti at no charge for all BIZ Members? If you see graffiti, please contact the Enviro Team at enviroteam@downtownwinnipegbiz.com and we will work to remove it, on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, within 24-48 hours depending on demand.

Please ensure that the property owner has filled out the form granting us permission to remove graffiti (PDF here) from your building. You can fill out the form now so we have it on file and can quickly remove any graffiti in the future. When you hit "submit" on the form, it will go directly to the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Enviro Team.

BIZ promoting business gift cards through Buy Now + Support Local

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is promoting member gift cards, encouraging the public to buy now to keep cash flowing to downtown businesses. We have a running list of businesses who offer online gift cards on our website. If your business sells gift cards online, please email events@downtownwinnipegbiz.com and we will add your business to our list.

Local Futures initiative helps customers support small businesses

Local Futures is a not-for-profit initiative that helps small businesses raise funds to stay afloat while the pandemic continues to interrupt regular business. Customers contribute to your campaign and businesses offer a top-up plus a future discount. The program allows you to meet the goal you need now, while offering those who supported your campaign a reward for purchases they make in the future.

As an example, Shawarma Khan offered customers 50% contribution top-ups. Their campaign is currently 105% funded... check out more information on how Local Futures works (PDF).

Please email info@localfutures.ca with questions and to set up your campaign.

Downtown is Going Blue for the Brave

Blue for the Brave is a community initiative to shine a spotlight and show support for the dedicated health care workers on the frontlines trying to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Business and property owners are encouraged to light up buildings with blue lights, swapping out an exterior light bulb for a blue one, adding blue Christmas lights to a storefront or featuring blue in another way that works for you.

If you are able to support this initiative and have added blue to your business, please let us know so we can highlight your support: info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ