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.