Business Associations and Supports

Whether it's the industrial park, the downtown core, or the highway, there's a business association for you!

Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA)

The Downtown Heritage Perth Business Improvement Area is an association of approximately 150 businesses located in the core of downtown Perth. We promote Perth as a healthy and vibrant commercial, entertainment and residential area that attracts people to, "Eat Shop and Stay on the Tay."
The BIA is comprised of an elected Board of Directors, various committees, one staff person and dedicated volunteers.
The principal function of the BIA is to increase business by improving the physical environment in downtown Perth through beautification and to promote downtown Perth through the development of special events, promotions and advertising.
The BIA provides a mechanism for lobbying, organizing and financing programs that would not be available to independent businesses by other means.

What is a Business Improvement Area?

Business Improvement Area, or BIA, is an association of business people and landowners who have joined together to promote their mutual interests
A BIA is established through a by-law passed by the municipal council at the request of the local business community
A BIA covers a specific geographic area
In Perth, this area is the downtown core and includes approximately 150 members

How is the BIA funded?

The BIA is financed by a special levy on municipal taxes
Every property in the designated area is automatically included in the membership and contributes to the BIA's budget
An individual levy is based on the overall property assessment of the building and is sent to the property owner who can download it to business tenants according to the terms of their lease
The levy is collected by the municipality from landowners, but is administered by the BIA to implement its program of activities
The BIA receives an annual grant from the Town of Perth to cover a portion of its operating costs. Extra funds are raised through sponsorships to support festivals and special events
An annual budget is presented to members at the BIA Annual General Meeting

What is the role of the BIA?

Beautification is a primary focus of the Perth BIA.
- Ongoing projects include: landscaping, tree planting, hanging baskets, flower barrels, Christmas lights, and signage
Promotion
- The downtown business district is a unique and vibrant area which the BIA promotes and markets to tourists, residents and other businesses
- The BIA advertises Perth as a town proud of its heritage, showcasing beautiful architecture and serene parks
- Offers unique stores and restaurants and we have a vibrant artistic community showcasing music performances and various stage performances throughout the year
- The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA promotes tourism in the downtown core by organizing and promoting special events such as the Kick Off to Summer VIP Shopping Event, the Kick Off to Summer Dance, the Stewart Park Festival, the Light Up the Night Dance and the Festival of Good Cheer VIP shopping event and the Festival of Lights

How can I contact the BIA?

The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA Coordinator position is currently vacant. Please contact bia@perth.ca if you have any questions.

Perth & District Chamber of Commerce

The Perth & District Chamber of Commerce acts as a local voice of commerce, facilitates business and social contact amongst members and provides value-added services to members while helping to promote economic growth and activity.

Perth & District Chamber of Commerce
40 Sunset Blvd., Unit 30
Perth, ON
Phone: 613-267-3200
welcome@perthchamber.com

Town of Perth
Town Hall
80 Gore Street East
Perth, Ontario
K7H 1H9
Telephone: (613) 267-3311
Fax: (613) 267-5635