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Downtown Winnipeg BIZ: Memo - The latest information for BIZ Members


Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

As we head into the holiday season, we’re so glad to see how many Winnipeggers have recognized the importance of supporting local. We hope the support local message that has gained momentum in the last few weeks is helping.

In a normal year, we would have just wrapped up our AGM event celebration, and would have had a chance to connect with some of you there. This year, things were a little different but we’re happy we could still connect, while keeping everyone safe.

Today, we’re also sharing some good news from City Hall. The City announced some additional support for small businesses in its proposed 2021 budget. Read the details below and we will share more as information becomes available.


View our virtual AGM video

If you missed attending the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s virtual AGM yesterday, not to worry. You may view the full video on YouTube..

While we couldn’t meet in person this year, we hope we captured the same positive, uplifting spirit we strive for when we get together each year. We’ve always treated the AGM as a time to celebrate achievements and look at what the future holds. While we know this year has been challenging and the future is uncertain, we want you to know that we’ve got your back.

Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:

• We highlighted achievements from 2020
• We announced a new grant program that will help BIZ members build capacity by connecting you with other BIZ members who can help. We will be sharing more details of this program in the coming weeks.
• We released the 2020 Downtown Snapshot.
• We shared our plans for 2021 and some of the initiatives we’ll be working on next year. These include:

  • a large-scale marketing campaign
  • Prevent members of the public from gaining access to non-essential items at the business.
  • a focus on bringing people back downtown when it’s safe to do so, including downtown workers
  • continuing our advocacy for more support for small businesses, parking and public restrooms
  • more beautification and improvements to outdoor fixtures like benches and bike racks

The 2020 Downtown Snapshot

video

Results of our latest member survey shows just how challenging it is for downtown businesses right now and while there are still many uncertainties, a new report shows there’s good reason to be optimistic about the future.

The report includes information about employment fields, residency demographics, amenities, and future development projects. The new data shows growth in capital investments.

While we know this is a challenging time, we hope this report gives you some hope for the future of our downtown.

City adds new support for small business in next year’s budget

The city released it’s 2021 preliminary budget, which includes increased supports for businesses.

Here’s what’s been included:

• Economic Support Grant Program:

  • Who will be eligible? Small businesses and not-for-profits that have been required by the provincial government to temporarily cease operations or close their physical locations to the public as a result of the pandemic.
  • Grants will be available to businesses that have fewer than 100 employees. The funds can be used for rent, utilities, wages, PPE, or other costs required as part of operations in the pandemic.
  • They will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
  • Businesses open for curbside pick-up and delivery are eligible.
  • More information is in the City of Winnipeg News Release.

• The Small Business Tax Credit threshold will increase, which eliminates business tax for almost 1,000 more businesses.
• The City is also proposing to extend the business tax deferral program in 2021.

We’ll share details as we learn more.

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